Production Decorator Technician

Join to apply for the Production Decorator Technician role at Envases US Aluminum Division
.

Our Waco, TX facility manufactures aluminum beverage cans commonly used for soft drinks, beers, energy drinks, teas and non‑carbonated beverages. Using state‑of‑the‑art can‑making technology, this high‑speed environment provides rewarding manufacturing opportunities.

• Machine Operation:
  Directly operate, monitor, and adjust the High‑Speed Decorator Press (typically 6‑8 colors), ensuring proper registration, blanket tension, and ink film thickness.
• Color Management:
  Monitor and maintain ink systems, ensuring correct color mixing, viscosity, and fountain solution balance to achieve accurate, consistent color matching as specified by customer proofs and quality standards.
• Varnish Application:
  Oversee the application of the protective Over‑Varnish, ensuring proper thickness and curing to protect the graphics during subsequent manufacturing and filling steps.
• Machine Adjustments:
  Perform routine setup and minor adjustments, including changing printing plates, blankets, and transfer mechanisms.

• In‑Process Quality Checks:
  Conduct frequent, detailed visual and print quality checks to identify defects such as color registration errors, smutting, scuffing, printing voids, or missing varnish.
• Color Accuracy:
  Use specialized equipment (e.g., densitometers or spectrophotometers) to measure color density and compare to established standards and proofs.
• Cure Testing:
  Perform testing on the decorative and varnish coatings to ensure proper curing in the drying ovens.
• Documentation:
  Accurately record production data, downtime, ink usage, color quality metrics, and shift activities on logs and digital systems.

• Troubleshooting:
  Quickly diagnose and rectify operational issues such as can jams, ink system malfunctions, or mechanical failures related to the decorating process to minimize downtime.
• Cleaning and PM:
  Perform routine cleaning, including washing ink trays, cleaning blankets, and executing scheduled preventative maintenance (PM) tasks on the press components.
• Collaboration:
  
  Assist Maintenance Technicians and Tooling personnel during major setups, rebuilds, and complex electrical or mechanical troubleshooting.

• Safety Procedures:
  Strictly adhere to all plant safety rules, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures, machine guarding protocols, and safe handling of lubricants and chemicals.
• Work Area Organization:
  Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment around the production lines and equipment.
• Continuous Improvement:
  Participate in team meetings and initiatives focused on improving safety, quality, and efficiency.

• Preferred – A Technical degree or the equivalent experience, defined as greater than 4 years of experience in a technical manufacturing continuous improvement environment.
• Required – High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Preferred – 2‑3 years of experience operating and maintaining high‑speed industrial printing presses, preferably in a metal decorating or similar packaging environment.

• Printing Expertise:
  Proven understanding of four‑color process printing (CMYK), color theory, and ink chemistry/viscosity control.
• Mechanical Aptitude:
  Strong ability to operate and troubleshoot complex, fast‑moving machinery with a focus on precision and alignment.
• Precision Measurement:
  Experience using quality control tools, especially densitometers or spectrophotometers, to ensure color standards are met.
• Detail Orientation:
  Exceptional focus on detail is mandatory for detecting subtle visual and printing defects under high‑speed conditions.
• Communication:
  Ability to clearly document and communicate quality issues and maintenance needs to the team.
• Rotating
  
  Shifts:
  
  Must be able to work rotating shifts, including nights and weekends, in a 24/7 environment.
• Cultural Fit:
  Ability to work with employees from many different cultures and backgrounds.
• Preference will be given to qualified local candidates.