Exalt Printing Solutions

Job Description

Press Operator – HP Indigo

Department: Production / Pressroom

Reports To: Press Room Supervisor & Plant Manager

Location: Exalt Printing Headquarters (on-site)

Employment Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt (Hourly)

Schedule: Shift assigned based on business and production needs

Pay Range: commensurate with experience and certification level

Position Summary

Exalt Printing is seeking an experienced and safety-conscious Press Operator to run and maintain our HP Indigo digital press fleet — including the HP Indigo 7800, 12K, and 18K — at our headquarters production facility. This role is responsible for setting up, operating, and troubleshooting HP Indigo digital presses to produce high-quality, on-spec printed materials that meet customer expectations and production deadlines. The ideal candidate holds an HP Indigo Level 1 (10K or 12K) certification and is comfortable working across multiple Indigo platforms in a fast-paced, deadline-driven print production environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up, calibrate, and operate HP Indigo digital presses (7800, 12K, and 18K) for scheduled production runs, following job tickets and customer specifications.
• Load substrates, mount plates/blankets as applicable, and adjust press settings (ink density, registration, color) to achieve optimal print quality and consistency.
• Monitor print runs in progress, making real-time adjustments to maintain color accuracy, registration, and image quality throughout the job.
• Perform routine and preventive maintenance on press equipment, including cleaning, imaging plate/blanket changes, and consumable replacement, per HP Indigo maintenance schedules.
• Diagnose and resolve mechanical, electrical, and software issues affecting press performance; escalate to HP technical support or maintenance staff when needed to minimize downtime.
• Inspect finished materials at multiple stages of production to verify color accuracy, registration, and overall quality against approved proofs and customer specifications.
• Prepare and manage digital print files, confirming correct job setup, imposition, and color profiles before running production.
• Track and manage inventory of ink (ElectroInk), imaging plates, blankets, and other press consumables; proactively flag reorder needs.
• Maintain accurate production records, including run counts, downtime, waste, and maintenance logs.
• Coordinate with prepress, finishing, and quality assurance teams to ensure smooth job handoffs and on-time delivery.
• Follow all workplace safety protocols, equipment lockout/tagout procedures, and HP Indigo safety guidelines; maintain a clean and organized press area.
• Support training and mentoring of junior operators or trainees as needed.

About Exalt Printing

Exalt Printing is a full-service commercial print provider committed to delivering high-quality, on-time print solutions for our clients. Our headquarters production facility is equipped with a fleet of HP Indigo digital presses, supporting a wide range of short-run, variable-data, and high-value print applications. We invest in our people through ongoing training and certification, and we're looking for skilled operators who take pride in producing consistently excellent work.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Exalt Printing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required.
• Current HP Indigo Level 1 (10K or 12K) certification required.
• Minimum of 1–2 years of hands-on experience operating HP Indigo digital presses in a commercial print production environment.
• Working knowledge of digital print workflows, RIP software, and color management/calibration.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to perform routine equipment maintenance and basic
• troubleshooting.
• Keen attention to detail and commitment to quality, with the ability to spot and correct color,
• registration, and material defects.
• Ability to read and interpret job tickets, technical manuals, and safety documentation.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills; ability to collaborate effectively with prepress, finishing, and production staff.
• Ability to work efficiently under deadline pressure in a fast-paced production environment.
• Flexibility to work assigned shifts, including occasional overtime or weekend hours based on production demand.

Preferred Qualifications

• HP Indigo Level 1 certification or hands-on experience operating multiple Indigo platforms (7800, 12K, and/or 18K).
• Experience with HP Indigo workflow and color management software (e.g., HP Production Pro, Color Manager, ChromaChecker).
• Background in graphic communications, print production, or a related technical field.
• Experience with prepress file preparation and imposition software.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and move throughout the production floor for extended periods during a shift.
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds (e.g., paper stock, plates, consumables).
• Ability to distinguish color variations accurately for quality control purposes.
• Ability to work safely around moving mechanical equipment, in an environment with variable noise
• levels.