Position Summary:
The Production & Media Assistant is the technical artisan responsible for transforming digital assets into high-end physical products. Operating on the production floor, this role commands specialized machinery including large-format giclée/inkjet printers, CNC laser engravers, and industrial finishing tools. This position requires an exact blend of digital pre-press file manipulation, machine calibration, meticulous hand-craftsmanship (framing/mounting), and strict workshop safety management.
Key Responsibilities:
Advanced Pre-Press & Color Management: Inspect incoming digital files for resolution adequacy, embed correct ICC color profiles, execute digital nesting/imposition to maximize substrate yield, and perform color-critical test proofs.
Precision Fabrication & Machine Operation: Calibrate, operate, and maintain large format plotters and laser cutters/engravers. Adjust laser speed, frequency, and power settings based on material density (wood, acrylic, metal).
Master Craftsmanship Finishing: Execute flawless printing, production and post print/production assembly, including archival canvas stretching, custom wood matting/framing, flush mounting to rigid substrates (Gatorboard, Dibond), and detailing engraved items.
Pre-Shipping Preparation: Prepare, package and label items ready for shipping. Execute industrial packaging applying quality tubing, archival glass-protection tapes, installing moisture-barrier poly-wraps, foam and crating systems where necessary.
Preventative Maintenance & Safety Compliance: Conduct routine machine maintenance (print-head alignments, nozzle checks, laser lens cleaning, exhaust system filtration checks). Serve as the floor safety officer, ensuring compliance with OSHA ventilation standards and California environmental regulations regarding ink and substrate disposal.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) & Success Metrics:
Manage Production: Manage production operations to fulfill orders on-time, on-quality and on-budget. Manage any machines, resources and people that may be provided to help you fulfill orders.
Waste Reduction: Maintain a material waste threshold (misprints, engraving errors, substrate damage) of under 3% of total monthly raw stock.
Production Velocity: Achieve a 95%+ on-time fulfillment rate against the production schedule established by the Office Manager.
Quality Assurance (QA): Maintain an external return/re-print rate of <1% due to technical craftsmanship defects (e.g., dust under mounts, warped frames, color banding).
Core Candidate Profile: Role Requirements:
Production & Print Experience: 2+ years of hands-on experience in a commercial print shop, sign manufacturing facility, or digital fabrication maker-space operating large format inkjet/giclée printers.
Laser & CNC Machine Literacy: Proven competence programming and operating laser engraving/cutting machinery, including a strong understanding of vector file lines and adjusting power/speed settings for diverse substrates (wood, acrylic, glass).
Advanced Pre-Press & Adobe Suite Skill: High proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, specifically for file preparation, resolution optimization (DPI/PPI scaling), color space conversion (RGB to CMYK), raster-to-vector conversion, and RIP software utilization.
Artisanal Finishing & Framing: Exceptional physical craftsmanship and manual dexterity, with documented experience in custom framing, canvas stretching, precision mat cutting, and mounting prints to rigid backings.
Equipment Maintenance & Calibrations: Mechanical aptitude to diagnose minor hardware issues, execute print-head alignments, clean optical laser lenses, and manage heavy equipment maintenance logs. Workshop Safety & OSHA Compliance: Strict adherence to industrial workshop safety protocols, including hazardous material disposal (inks/solvents), proper ventilation management, and the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Physical Stamina & Mission Focus: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs unassisted (heavy paper rolls, wood sheets), stand for extended periods on a production floor, and maintain an active dedication to funding the parent organization’s housing and medical mission.
Pay: $23.83 - $28.70 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
