Screen Printing Operator

Screen Print Press Operator – Experienced (Full-Time)

Company: 425 Apparel
Location: Grapevine, TX
Job Type: Full-Time | In Person
Pay: $18.00–$24.00 per hour (based on experience)
Schedule: Monday–Friday | 8:30 AM–4:30 PM

About 425 Apparel

425 Apparel is a growing custom apparel, branding, and merchandise company specializing in screen printing, embroidery, custom headwear, and branded merchandise.

We take pride in producing high-quality, retail-ready products for businesses, brands, organizations, and events nationwide. Our team operates in a fast-paced, collaborative environment where craftsmanship, efficiency, attention to detail, and accountability matter.

We're looking for an experienced Screen Print Press Operator to join our production team. This is a hands-on position for someone who understands professional screen printing, takes ownership of their work, and can consistently deliver high-quality results while meeting production deadlines.

Position Overview

The Screen Print Press Operator will be responsible for setting up, operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining screen printing equipment to produce high-quality printed apparel.

The ideal candidate has experience operating automatic screen printing presses, understands multi-color registration, ink application, curing techniques, and production workflows, and can confidently manage print jobs from setup through completion.

This position reports directly to the Screen Print & Embroidery Manager and plays an important role in maintaining production efficiency, minimizing errors, and ensuring consistent print quality.

Key Responsibilities

Screen Printing & Production

• Set up and operate automatic and printing presses.
• Produce high-quality single-color and multi-color prints on t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, and other apparel.
• Properly load, align, and register screens for accurate artwork placement and color consistency.
• Prepare, mix, and apply inks while maintaining proper coverage, pressure, and print quality.
• Monitor flash curing, conveyor dryers, and proper curing temperatures.
• Load and unload garments efficiently while maintaining production speed and accuracy.
• Review work orders, artwork specifications, garment counts, and production instructions before beginning each job.
• Maintain consistent print quality from the first garment through the completion of the order.
• Meet daily production goals and established deadlines.

Quality Control & Troubleshooting

• Perform ongoing quality checks to identify misprints, registration issues, ink inconsistencies, and other defects.
• Troubleshoot printing and equipment issues to minimize downtime and wasted materials.
• Verify correct garment styles, sizes, colors, print placement, and quantities.
• Accurately track production counts, completed orders, and misprints.
• Immediately communicate production delays, equipment concerns, or quality issues to management.
• Take ownership of assigned jobs and ensure finished products meet company quality standards.

Equipment Maintenance & Shop Operations

• Assist with screen preparation, coating, exposing, developing, cleaning, and reclaiming.
• Break down print jobs, including removing screens, inks, and squeegees.
• Perform routine equipment cleaning, maintenance, and weekly press washdowns.
• Keep workstations, presses, and production areas clean, safe, and organized.
• Safely move garments, boxes, and production materials throughout the facility.
• Follow all safety procedures and properly use personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Assist other production departments as needed to keep workflow moving efficiently.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of professional screen printing experience preferred, with demonstrated hands-on production experience.
• Experience operating automatic screen printing presses.
• Experience with ROQ automatic presses strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of multi-color registration, print placement, and screen setup.
• Knowledge of plastisol inks, screen mesh counts, squeegee durometers, and proper ink application.
• Familiarity with flash curing, conveyor dryers, and proper curing techniques.
• Ability to identify and correct common screen printing defects.
• Experience working with different garment materials and understanding how fabrics affect printing.
• Ability to read and accurately follow work orders, artwork specifications, and production instructions.
• Strong attention to detail, troubleshooting skills, and production efficiency.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Reliable attendance, punctuality, and a strong work ethic.

Additional Experience That Is a Plus

• Experience with M&R, Sportsman, Gauntlet, Cobra, Stryker, or similar automatic presses.
• Experience managing larger-volume apparel orders.
• Knowledge of screen preparation, exposure, and reclaiming processes.
• Previous experience training or assisting other production team members.
• Familiarity with production tracking and inventory procedures.

Physical & General Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive production tasks.
• Ability to safely lift and move boxes of garments and production materials.
• Good hand-eye coordination and ability to distinguish colors accurately.
• Ability to read, write, and follow instructions in English.
• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Must be able to pass a background check.

Compensation & Benefits

Pay: $20.00–$25.00 per hour

Starting compensation will be based on professional screen printing experience, technical ability, equipment knowledge, production efficiency, and overall skill level.

Candidates who can independently set up, operate, troubleshoot, and maintain automatic presses while consistently producing retail-quality work will be considered toward the higher end of the pay range.

Benefits & Opportunities

• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, and holidays)
• Employee discounts
• Performance reviews at 6 months and 1 year
• Opportunities for performance-based raises and bonuses
• Overtime opportunities based on production needs
• Professional development and hands-on training
• Opportunities for advancement into production leadership and operations

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who takes pride in their craft and understands that successful production requires more than simply operating a press.

The right candidate is someone who:

• Shows up on time and is ready to work.
• Takes ownership of their responsibilities and finished products.
• Works efficiently without sacrificing quality.
• Pays attention to the small details that prevent costly production errors.
• Communicates clearly and addresses issues before they become bigger problems.
• Keeps their equipment and workspace clean and organized.
• Works well with others and contributes to a positive team environment.
• Wants to grow with a company and become a valuable, long-term member of the production team.

Why Join 425 Apparel?

At 425 Apparel, we're building a strong production team around craftsmanship, consistency, accountability, and teamwork.

You'll have the opportunity to work on a variety of custom apparel projects, contribute to a growing company, and play an important role in delivering products our customers are proud to wear.

We value dependable employees who take initiative, solve problems, and care about doing things right.

If you have professional screen printing experience, know your way around an automatic press, and take pride in producing high-quality work, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and grow with 425 Apparel!

Work Location: In person – Grapevine, TX
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $18.00–$24.00 per hour

Pay: $18.00 - $24.00 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program

Work Location: In person