OVERVIEW
We are seeking a skilled, detail-oriented, and safety-focused Large Format Digital Press Operator to produce high-quality printed graphics for retail displays, POP/POS programs, fixtures, signage, and custom manufacturing projects. This role is responsible for operating large-format digital printing equipment, ensuring exceptional print quality, maintaining production schedules, and supporting the company’s commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
The Large Format Digital Press Operator embraces Protagon’s One Team culture by working collaboratively across departments to deliver outstanding products and exceptional customer service.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Digital Press Operation
- Safely operate large-format digital printing equipment in accordance with manufacturer specifications and company procedures.
- Review work orders and verify job specifications prior to production.
- Set up, monitor, and adjust print jobs to achieve optimal print quality and productivity.
- Load and unload rigid and roll media safely and efficiently.
- Select appropriate print settings based on substrate, ink requirements, and customer specifications.
- Monitor production to ensure consistent color, registration, image quality, and print accuracy.
- Schedule and meet production deadlines while maintaining company quality standards.
- Minimize waste through careful setup, monitoring, and efficient operation.
Quality Assurance
- Inspect printed products throughout production for color accuracy, registration, image clarity, ink adhesion, banding, surface defects, and material imperfections.
- Perform test prints and quality checks before full production, including production first-offs.
- Verify finished products meet customer specifications and internal quality standards.
- Accurately document inspections, non-conformances, and corrective actions in accordance with Protagon’s guidelines.
Equipment Care & Preventive Maintenance
- Perform routine cleaning and preventive maintenance on printing equipment.
- Complete daily startup and shutdown procedures.
- Conduct print head inspections, nozzle checks, and routine cleaning.
- Monitor ink levels, filters, vacuum systems, and other machine components.
- Maintain equipment maintenance records and report equipment issues promptly.
Material Handling
- Safely handle and inspect a variety of substrates including acrylic, PVC, foam board, aluminum composite material (ACM), corrugated, wood products, paper and paperboard, roll media, vinyl, and specialty substrates.
- Ensure materials are stored, handled, and transported properly to prevent damage or contamination.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration – One Team
- Work closely with Prepress to review files/proofs and confirm job specifications and color expectations.
- § Coordinate with the CNC Department on material sizing, print alignment, and registration requirements.
- Coordinate with Finishing on trimming, laminating, mounting, cutting, and special handling requirements.
- § Support Assembly by ensuring printed components are delivered complete and on schedule.
- § Prioritize production and communicate job status with Shipping to meet schedules.
- § Collaborate with Engineering & Design to resolve printability, material, or production challenges and provide manufacturability feedback.
Safety Responsibilities
- Comply with the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and all company safety policies.
- Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including safety footwear, safety glasses, and hearing protection (where required).
- Handle inks, coatings, adhesives, and cleaning chemicals according to Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
- Report hazards, incidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions immediately.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area, and participate in all required health and safety training.
Continuous Improvement
- § Maintain 5S workplace organization standards.
- § Identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and increase productivity.
- § Participate in continuous improvement projects and cross-train on other production equipment and processes as required.
QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS
Technical Skills
- Experience operating large-format digital printing equipment.
- Knowledge of digital print workflows and RIP software.
- Understanding of color management principles.
- Mechanical aptitude with the ability to perform basic troubleshooting.
- Ability to read production drawings, work orders, and job specifications.
- Knowledge of various printing substrates and finishing methods.
- Education
- Required: High School Diploma or equivalent.
- Preferred: Post-secondary education in Graphic Communications, Printing Technology, Manufacturing Technology, or a related technical field.
Experience
- Required: Minimum two (2) years of experience operating industrial digital printing equipment in a manufacturing or print production environment.
- Preferred: Experience in retail display, POP/POS, signage, or large-format graphics manufacturing; experience scheduling and managing timelines; experience with continuous improvement initiatives.
- Physical Requirements
- Stand and walk for extended periods.
- Frequently bend, reach, twist, and lift.
- Lift up to 50 lbs (23 kg) safely.
- Handle large printed materials using appropriate lifting equipment or team lifting techniques.
- Perform repetitive motions associated with machine operation and material handling.
PERSONALITY TRAITS
- Successful candidates for this role tend to demonstrate the following core competencies and professional traits:
- Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.
- Effective verbal and written communication.
- Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Ability to prioritize work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Dependable attendance and punctuality.
- Positive attitude and commitment to customer satisfaction.
- Core competencies: Safety First, Quality Focus, Customer Commitment, Accountability, Teamwork, Communication, Problem Solving, Adaptability, Continuous Improvement, Technical Excellence, and Respect and Integrity.
COMMITMENT TO ACCESSIBILITY DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION AND ACCESSIBILITY
At Protagon Display Inc., we believe that our greatest strength is our people. We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. We celebrate the unique backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and ideas that each individual contributes, and we are dedicated to creating an inclusive culture where every employee has the opportunity to succeed.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, family status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), Protagon Display Inc. is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive recruitment process. Accommodation is available upon request to people.culture@protagon.com for candidates participating in all stages of the recruitment and selection process. If you require an accommodation, please let us know, and we will work with you to meet your individual accessibility needs while ensuring your privacy and dignity are respected.
