Production Assistant - Screen Technician

The Screen Tech is responsible for preparing, maintaining, and reclaiming screens used in our screen-printing production process. This position plays an important role in keeping production running efficiently by ensuring screens are properly prepared, organized, cleaned, and ready when needed.

The ideal candidate is dependable, organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in a fast-paced production environment. This is a hands-on position that requires the ability to manage multiple jobs while maintaining California T’s standards for quality and efficiency.

Primary Responsibilities

• Prepare screens for daily screen-printing production.
• Coat screens with emulsion and maintain properly coated screen inventory.
• Burn/expose screens according to approved artwork and production specifications.
• Wash out and inspect screens before they are released to production.
• Tape and prepare screens for press.
• Reclaim screens after jobs are completed.
• Remove ink, emulsion, tape, and residue from screens.
• Degrease screens and prepare them for reuse.
• Identify damaged mesh, frames, or screens that need repair or replacement.
• Maintain proper screen tension and screen quality standards.
• Organize screens by job, production schedule, and storage location.
• Ensure screens needed for upcoming production are completed on time.
• Communicate screen issues, artwork concerns, or production delays to the Production Manager.
• Maintain inventory of screen-room supplies and notify management when supplies need to be reordered.
• Keep the screen room, washout area, chemicals, tools, and equipment clean and organized.
• Follow proper procedures for the use, storage, and disposal of chemicals.
• Assist the production team with additional shop duties when screen-room responsibilities are complete.

Quality Expectations

The Screen Tech is responsible for ensuring every screen entering production is:

• Correct for the approved artwork and job.
• Properly exposed and washed out.
• Free from pinholes, breakdown, or unwanted image areas.
• Properly taped and ready for press.
• Clearly identified and organized.
• Completed according to the production schedule.

Attention to detail is critical because screen-preparation errors can result in production delays, misprints, and wasted garments.

Qualifications

• Previous screen-printing or production experience is preferred but not required.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Dependable attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to work efficiently without sacrificing quality.
• Ability to follow established processes and production schedules.
• Good organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with production team members.
• Willingness to learn and accept feedback.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing to the production team.

Physical Requirements

This position requires regular standing, bending, reaching, lifting, and repetitive movement throughout the workday.

Employees must be able to:

• Stand for extended periods.
• Regularly lift and move screens, supplies, and production materials.
• Lift approximately 40–50 pounds when necessary.
• Work around water, inks, cleaning solutions, and screen-printing chemicals.
• Work in a production environment that may include heat, noise, and periods of high activity.

Schedule

Typical schedule is Monday through Friday during California T’s regular production hours. Hours may occasionally vary based on production volume, deadlines, or seasonal demand.

What Success Looks Like

A successful Screen Tech keeps the production team ahead rather than waiting on screens. Screens are accurate, clean, organized, and ready when scheduled. The screen room remains orderly, supplies are maintained, and problems are communicated before they affect production.

The Screen Tech should take ownership of the screen department and understand that the quality and efficiency of their work directly impacts the productivity of the entire shop.

Pay: $16.00 - $19.00 per hour

Expected hours: 35.0 – 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Work Location: In person