Digital Coater & Embellishment Operator

SUMMARY

The Digital Coater & Embellishment Operator is responsible for producing digitally printed and digitally embellished client projects in compliance with job specifications, while adhering to the high standards of quality that Hatteras is known for. The role covers both conventional coating and the Harris & Bruno ZRX digital embellishment system, which applies flood coating, digital spot coating and foil in a single pass.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coater set-up and operation. Set up and operate the digital coater for preprinted jobs, ensuring proper quality and coating standards are achieved throughout each run. Verify the correct coating is being used as per the job ticket. Read and understand all aspects of the job ticket.
• Coating application. Use of AQ, UV and soft-touch coating. All jobs must have a smooth application of coating that covers the specified image area.
• ZRX embellishment set-up and operation. Set up and operate the ZRX digital embellishment system for flood coat, digital UV spot coat and foil — running flat, tactile (raised) and textured effects such as xMatte, single-pass, on uncoated and unlaminated media.
• Embellishment file handling. Load, build and verify digital embellishment files; confirm spot and foil layers align to the printed image; run the vision/registration system alignment; pull and approve first-off sheets against the proof and job ticket; and save job settings so repeat runs match.
• Foil handling. Load, thread, tension and track foil rolls; confirm foil color and finish match the job ticket; monitor foil advance and coverage to hold quality while controlling waste.
• Cure and adhesion checks. Verify full cure and adhesion of UV coating, spot varnish and foil before sheets are stacked, turned or moved downstream.
• Substrate knowledge. Knowledge of different substrates, text weights, cover stocks and synthetics, including how each behaves through coating and embellishment; adjust feeder, transport and stacker settings to suit the stock and sheet size.
• Quality inspection. Visually inspect coated and embellished sheets throughout the run — streaks, scratches, roughness, pinholes, wrinkles, misregistration, foil pick or fracture — and make adjustments as needed. Embellished areas must be sharp, clean and registered to the intended graphics.
• Scheduling. Coordinate with the Digital Pressroom Manager to produce and prioritize jobs and, when necessary, reorganize the schedule to meet deadline changes and updates.
• Machine care. Maintain proper daily care of machinery, including start-up and wash-up procedures, automatic wash-up cycles, chamber and anilox cleaning, inkjet printhead care and purge routines, and follow all safety standards.
• Documentation. Record run counts, waste, foil and coating usage, and any quality issues for each job.
• Material handling. Use of hand jack to move heavy pallets of material and lifting to 50 lbs at a time.

REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or G.E.D.
• Having some knowledge of graphic arts and printing industry is very beneficial to this position.
• Working knowledge of digital printing procedures.
• This position also requires a mechanical background, the ability to work independently and good working knowledge of the computer.
• Comfort working in embellishment file prep and digital front-end software — setting up spot and foil layers, and checking artwork against a proof and job ticket.
• Experience with, or willingness to be trained on, digital embellishment equipment (Harris & Bruno ZRX or similar), including inkjet printhead care and foil web handling.
• Strong attention to detail and sound judgment on color, finish and registration when inspecting high-value embellished work.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K with company match, and other voluntary benefits offered

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and value diversity in our workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and empowered to contribute their best work.