Silkscreen Technician​/Screen Printing Technician

Position: 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 50?lb, 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.
• Associate's 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.