JOB SUMMARY

The Zund Cutter & Canon Operator runs Hatteras's digital print-and-cut workflow: printing sheet, envelope and variable data jobs on the Canon digital press and finishing printed sheets on the Zund digital cutting system. The role owns jobs from file to finished piece, setting up media, running print and cut files, checking quality, and keeping both machines in production. It suits an operator with some print or finishing experience who wants to build expertise on both platforms; Hatteras provides training on its specific equipment and workflow.

Day to day, the operator splits time between the two machines based on job priorities and the production schedule, running the press, the cutter, or both in parallel, so that print and finishing stay balanced and jobs ship on time.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Canon Digital Printing

• Load, set up and run sheet stocks in various sizes on the Canon press according to the job ticket.
• Set up and run envelope jobs, checking feed, address placement, skew and smearing.
• Run variable data jobs (names, addresses, codes and personalized content); check record counts and sequence, and verify first, last and sample records against the data file and proof.
• Queue and manage print files in the RIP software; confirm sizing, color profiles, registration marks and quantities before running.
• Check color against approved proofs and standards; flag variances to the Digital Print Manager or prepress before the full run.
• Perform daily, weekly and scheduled operator maintenance, cleaning, replacing consumables, clearing jams and waste handling.
• Run calibrations and color checks when changing stocks, and build or update media profiles with prepress as needed.
• Handle printed sheets carefully to avoid scratches, scuffs and fingerprints, and stage them correctly for cutting.

Zund Digital Cutting

• Set up and run cut files in Zund Cut Center, including camera registration, tool selection, depth and speed settings.
• Select, install and calibrate tools, cutting, perforating, kiss-cut, scoring and creasing, matched to each paper stock and job.
• Change and inspect blades and creasing tools; maintain the cutting underlay and vacuum table.
• Die-cut, perforate, kiss-cut, score and crease printed sheets to spec, then weed and separate finished pieces.
• Use perforating and kiss-cut setups for tear-offs, coupons, stickers and labels, and score or crease heavier stocks so they fold cleanly without cracking.
• Nest jobs and plan sheet layouts to maximize material yield and reduce waste.
• Perform routine Zund maintenance, including camera and tool calibration, cleaning and lubrication, per the maintenance schedule.

Quality, Workflow & Safety

• Inspect first pieces and in-run samples for print quality, cut accuracy and fit; stop and correct issues early.
• Read job tickets accurately and record production, material usage and waste in the production system.
• Coordinate with prepress, scheduling and bindery/fulfillment to keep jobs on time and moving to the next step.
• Report equipment problems promptly and assist service technicians as needed.
• Follow all safety procedures, including lockout/tagout, blade and tool safety, and safe handling of press consumables and chemicals.
• Keep the work area clean, organized and stocked.
• Keep consumables (press supplies, blades, cutting underlay) stocked and tell the Digital Print Manager when supplies run low.
• Help train other operators and back up other digital print or finishing equipment when needed.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Some hands-on experience in print production, bindery, finishing or a similar manufacturing setting.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and attention to detail.
• Basic computer skills and comfort learning new software.
• Ability to read job tickets, measure accurately and work with fractions and metric units.
• Reliable attendance and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to juggle changing priorities and switch between machines without losing track of job details.
• Normal color vision (with or without correction) to judge print quality against proofs.

PREFERED EXPERIENCE 

• 1–2 years operating a Zund cutter, a Canon production press, or comparable digital press or digital cutting equipment.
• Familiarity with Zund Cut Center, RIP software, or Adobe Illustrator/Acrobat for checking files.
• Working knowledge of color management and paper stocks (coated, uncoated, text, cover and envelopes).
• Forklift or material-handling experience.
• Experience with Canon imagePRESS or varioPRINT series presses, or Zünd G3 / S3 series cutters.
• Experience running variable data and direct mail jobs; exposure to G7 or other color-standard workflows.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Stand and walk for the full shift; bend, reach and lift repeatedly.
• Lift and move cartons of paper and envelopes up to 50 lbs.
• Work in a production environment with machine noise; wear required safety equipment.
• Work overtime or adjust shifts as production needs require.
• Work safely around sharp blades and moving cutting heads.

BENEFITS

• Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K with company match, and other voluntary benefits offered

EEO STATEMENT

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and value diversity in our workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and empowered to contribute their best work.