Silkscreen Technician Screen Printing Technician

Job Title: Silkscreen Technician /Screen Printing Technician

Duration: 12 Months Contract

Location: Austin TX

Citizenship Requirement: US Citizens

Pay: $27.85/hr. on W2

Shift: 1st shift Mon-Thu 6:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Job Description

The Silkscreen Technician is responsible for setting up operating and maintaining screen printing equipment to produce high quality printed graphics on a variety of substrates (metal fiberglass carbon fiber etc.). The role blends technical skill attention to detail and an eye for color and registration to ensure each run meets customer specifications quality standards and production schedules.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Review job orders artwork files and client specifications (colors size placement substrate).
• Prepare screens: coat with emulsion expose using UV light wash out images and inspect for pinholes.
• Select and stretch appropriate mesh count for each job.
• Register screens accurately using registration marks or alignment tools. Ink & Material Management.
• Mix custom inks to match client-specified colors maintaining consistent viscosity.
• Store inks solvents and cleaning chemicals safely and label them per OSHA/site standards.
• Track inventory of screens squeegees substrates and consumables; request re-orders as needed.
• Printing Operations.
• Load substrates onto the press (manual).
• Adjust squeegee pressure angle and speed for optimal ink transfer.
• Perform multi-color prints ensuring precise registration for each pass.
• Conduct test prints make adjustments and obtain approval before full run.
• Quality Control
• Inspect prints for color fidelity registration ink density and defects (smudges streaks ghosting). Post-Production.
• Cure or dry prints using ovens or air-dry methods as required.
• Clean screens squeegees and press components after each job. Safety & Housekeeping.
• Follow all safety protocols (PPE ventilation proper chemical handling).
• Maintain a clean organized work area; dispose of waste according to environmental regulations.

Skills Required:

• Proficient in screen preparation (emulsion coating exposure washing).
• Ability to mix and match epoxy inks (solvent-based).
• Knowledge of color theory and registration techniques.
• 1 3 years of hands-on screen-printing experience (commercial apparel or fine-art).
• Familiarity with manual screen-printing presses is preferred.

Preferred Skills:

• Proficient in screen preparation (emulsion coating exposure washing).
• Ability to mix and match epoxy inks (solvent-based).
• Knowledge of color theory and registration techniques.
• Ability to stand for long periods lift up to 50lb and perform repetitive motions.
• Good hand-eye coordination and visual acuity for detailed inspection.
• No known sensitivity or allergy to thinners solvents or epoxy-ink fumes. Software
• Basic proficiency with graphic-design file formats (AI EPS PDF) and RIP software is advantageous.
• Basic proficiency with MS office suite (Outlook Word Excel) is required. Safety Awareness
• Understanding of OSHA regulations MSDS and proper PPE usage.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associates degree or certification in graphic arts printing technology or related field is a plus.

Additional Information:

• Quickly identifies print defects and implements corrective actions.
• Maintains tight tolerances for registration and color consistency.
• Communicates effectively with cross-functional teams and supports a collaborative environment.
• Comfortable handling a variety of substrates and switching between short-run custom jobs and high-volume production.