Design Technician

Summary/Objective:

The on-site position supports assisting the development and production of display concepts from initial design through finished prototype. The role combines graphic aptitude and basic structural design support with digital production responsibilities, including assessing and developing print-ready artwork, operating digital printing and CAD cutting equipment, managing material inventory, creating assembly instructions, and preparing samples for shipment.

The foundational objective of the position is to maximize the utilization of digital assets across both the Rochester and Milwaukee facilities, while expanding production capacity in Rochester and strengthening design capacity in Milwaukee.

Essential Functions:

Digital Sample Support

• Digital Print Production: Proficiency in operation of digital print equipment and preparing files.
  • Perform daily maintenance on the digital press.
• CAD and Structural Design: Ability to interpret, and work with CAD files as related to the artwork; printing/cutting digital samples, adjusting as necessary, and creating basic shipping cartons.
• CAD Cutting Table Operation: Ability to operate the cutting table for production of white prototypes, cartons, and digitally printed samples.
  • Perform periodic maintenance on the CAD cutting table.
• Prototyping and Assembly: Basic skill to sub-assemble or fully assemble physical prototypes inclusive of applying tape, associated hardware, packing and shipping the samples.
• Manage material stock inventory; material variety, size, and replenishment orders.

Graphic and Structural Design Support

• Adobe Creative Suite: Strong working knowledge of Illustrator, Photoshop, and Acrobat.
• Graphic Production Design: Ability to assess, develop accurate print-ready artwork, including file preparation, preflight, basic color management, and recommended adjustments.
• Graphic and Structural Design: Ability to integrate art assets with CAD die-lines and adjust as necessary.
• Problem Solving and Attention to Detail: Technical proficiency to identify issues as related to the integration of the art and die-lines and offer practical solutions.
• Organization and Collaboration: Ability to manage multiple projects and adjust priorities within their schedule and communicating effectively with sales, design, project management, prepress and production teams.
• Technical Documentation: Ability to develop clear, accurate instruction sheets using CADs, artwork, images, diagrams and concise written directions.
• Support Structural Design with art assets and file conversion.
• Knowledge of our overall print capabilities both digital and offset.
• Develop competency in company's management system software.
• Maintain orderliness and cleanliness of design areas.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Creative Director

Competencies:

• Proficient in the following programs, applications/software: 
  • Adobe Creative Suite Cloud
  • Esko ArtiosCad software a plus
  • Microsoft Applications: PowerPoint, Word, Excel
  • Applicable Project Management Software

Requirements/Qualifications:

• Adheres to company policies, procedures, and safety standards.

• Maintains a professional appearance and demeanor; effectively represents the organization when interacting with prospects, customers, and business partners. Demonstrating a high level of professionalism, integrity and accountability.

• Time Management
• Self-motivated
• Possesses excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Adaptable to a fast-paced environment and demonstrate flexibility to changing priorities and business needs.
• Detail oriented with a commitment to accuracy and quality.
• Possesses a positive attitude.
• High School Diploma or GED required; additional education and/or relevant experience preferred.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university with a preferred concentration in Graphic Design.
• 3-5 years of relevant experience.
• Corrugated display/packaging graphic design experience.

Physical Demands:

• Regularly required to talk or hear.
• Regularly required to sit, regular use of hands.
• Frequently required to stand and walk. 
• Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and use foot/feet to operate machine. 
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. 
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• The employee must be able to work under pressure with ever changing deadlines and priorities.