A Pre-Press Technician operates machinery or equipment used in the first stage of a printing process; makes adjustments to layout, color, images, and text before a document is sent to the press.
As needed. Work hours will depend on printer installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair needs. Some evenings or weekends may be required. About the Role Sporticulture is looking for a hands-on, experienced Commercial Printer Technician to provide on-call technical support for commercial and large-format printing equipment at our warehouse. This is an as-needed position, not a regular full-time staff position. The selected technician will be contacted when printer installation, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, calibration, or equipment setup assistance is needed. The ideal candidate has professional experience servicing commercial, production, or large-format printers, particularly equipment manufactured by Epson, HP, and other major printer manufacturers. Experience working for or servicing printers through an authorized manufacturer, dealer, distributor, print-service company, or independent technical service organization is highly preferred. The technician should be comfortable diagnosing mechanical, electrical, electronic, software, and print-quality issues and determining whether a problem can be resolved on-site or requires manufacturer-level service. Our equipment may include Epson, HP, and other commercial/large-format printers, plotters, cutters, laminators, and related production equipment. Key Responsibilities Install, set up, calibrate, test, and commission commercial and large-format printers Perform preventive maintenance and routine servicing on professional printing equipment Troubleshoot printer hardware, mechanical, electrical, electronic, and operational problems Diagnose print-quality issues such as banding, color inconsistency, alignment problems, nozzle issues, paper/media feeding problems, and calibration errors Troubleshoot ink delivery systems, printheads, dampers, pumps, capping stations, maintenance stations, rollers, belts, motors, sensors, and related components Perform printer cleaning, calibration, alignment, firmware/software updates, and other routine service procedures Replace appropriate printer parts, components, consumables, belts, rollers, pumps, dampers, wipers, blades, sensors, and other serviceable parts Troubleshoot connectivity, RIP/workflow, driver, and basic software-related printer issues when applicable Inspect equipment for unusual sounds, vibrations, leaks, wear, error codes, or declining performance Read and follow manufacturer service manuals, technical documentation, wiring diagrams, and service procedures Assist with the installation, positioning, leveling, and safe movement of large-format printing equipment Provide technical recommendations regarding repairs, replacement parts, maintenance schedules, and equipment condition Determine when a repair can be completed on-site and when manufacturer or specialized service is required Communicate equipment problems, completed repairs, parts requirements, and maintenance recommendations to management Maintain accurate service notes and document troubleshooting and repair activities Keep tools, work areas, and equipment clean and organized Follow manufacturer safety requirements and proper equipment-handling procedures Provide on-call technical assistance when requested Requirements Demonstrated hands-on experience servicing commercial, production, or large-format printers Strong preference for candidates with experience servicing Epson, HP, and/or other major printer brands Experience working for or with a printer manufacturer, authorized dealer, distributor, print-service company, sign company, print shop, or equipment service organization is highly preferred Strong mechanical and technical aptitude Ability to troubleshoot problems systematically and identify root causes Comfortable working with electrical, mechanical, electronic, pneumatic, and computerized equipment Comfortable using hand tools, power tools, testing equipment, and printer-specific service tools Able to read and understand technical manuals, service documentation, wiring diagrams, and equipment instructions Able to safely perform preventive maintenance, adjustments, calibration, and repairs Strong attention to detail, particularly regarding print quality and equipment calibration Able to work independently with minimal supervision Reliable and responsive when contacted for on-call assignments Good communication and problem-solving skills Able to safely lift, move, position, or assist with the installation of equipment and machine components when necessary Must have reliable transportation to the Indianapolis warehouse Preferred, But Not Required Previous employment with Epson, HP, or another major printer manufacturer Experience as an Epson or HP field service technician Experience working for an authorized printer dealer or service organization Manufacturer-specific printer service training or certifications Experience with Epson SureColor, SurePress, or other professional Epson printing systems Experience with HP DesignJet, Latex, PageWide, or other professional HP printing systems Experience servicing solvent, eco-solvent, UV, latex, aqueous, dye-sublimation, or other large-format printing technologies Experience with RIP software and digital print-production workflows Experience with printheads, ink delivery systems, pumps, dampers, maintenance stations, capping systems, sensors, motors, rollers, belts, and other printer components Experience with large-format cutters, plotters, laminators, or finishing equipment Electrical, electronics, industrial maintenance, automation, or mechanical experience Experience working in a commercial print shop, sign shop, production facility, or manufacturing environment Technical, vocational, electronics, electrical, mechanical, or industrial maintenance training Bilingual Spanish/English Ability to respond to short-notice/on-call service requests Willingness to travel locally for equipment service when needed What We're Looking For We are looking for a technician who understands printers beyond simply operating them. The ideal candidate can walk up to a commercial printer, understand how its major systems work, interpret error codes and symptoms, perform systematic troubleshooting, identify the likely source of a problem, and determine the appropriate repair. We especially value candidates with real-world field service experience rather than candidates whose experience is limited to operating or using printers. Formal certification is not necessarily required if the candidate has strong practical experience. Manufacturer experience, field service experience, technical knowledge, troubleshooting ability, mechanical/electrical aptitude, and good judgment are highly valued. This position may be a good fit for someone who has experience as a: Commercial Printer Technician Large-Format Printer Technician Field Service Technician Printer Service Engineer Epson Printer Technician HP Printer Technician Digital Printing Equipment Technician Print Equipment Service Technician Industrial Maintenance Technician Electronics Technician Electrical Technician Equipment Maintenance Technician Print Shop / Sign Shop Technician Production Equipment Technician Machine Maintenance Technician Technical Service Representative Application Process Quick hiring process: short interview and possible hands-on technical assessment or trial assignment. Candidates may be asked about their experience with specific printer manufacturers, printer models, troubleshooting procedures, diagnostic methods, preventive maintenance, and previous field-service work. This is an on-call position, so applicants should be comfortable with work being scheduled based on equipment maintenance, repair, installation, and operational needs. Please make sure that the phone number and email address reflected on your resume are active and that you are reachable when contacted for an on-call assignment. When applying, please clearly indicate the printer brands and models you have experience servicing, particularly any experience with Epson, HP, or other major commercial printer manufacturers.