Apprentice Direct Imaging Artist

Core Responsibilities

• Assist on production work by preparing substrates, film, and workstation setups for straightforward direct imaging jobs; execute steps exactly as instructed and per SOPs.
• Shadow and learn from Direct Imaging Artists to understand materials, registration, curing, and finishing techniques (e.g., transfers, spot finishes, flood coats).
• Run basic, well-scoped print steps under supervision (e.g., first-pass prints, simple color passes); escalate issues immediately to the mentor/manager.
• Document work accurately (job tickets, versioning, measurements) and maintain a clean, organized station in line with department standards.
• Apply learned technical skills on assigned tasks as directed by the Manager, senior team members, or the Director of Prototyping Operations.
• Follow all established SOPs and safety/quality guidelines; proactively ask clarifying questions to ensure accuracy.
• Support department deadlines, including periodic overtime/evening or weekend work when required by rapid prototyping timelines.

Qualifications

• Mindset & Collaboration: Positive attitude; embraces studio culture; works well across the Prototyping group and with internal partners/clients.
• Communication: Clear, proactive communicator; asks questions and provides status updates to mentors and the Manager.
• Pace & Pressure: Comfortable in a fast-paced environment; deadline-positive; willing to support overtime/evening/weekend work as needed.
• Technical Foundation: Basic familiarity with print/production or strong motivation to learn quickly; aims to build toward consistent quality in transfers, spot finishes, and flood coats under supervision (independent mastery not required at entry).
• Physical Demands: Ability to stand and work for long periods of time, and have enough stamina to walk over 5,000 steps during an average shift.
• Detail Oriented: An eye for detail, and a commitment to the highest quality output is essential to success in the Direct Imaging department.

Learning & Progression Milestones

• First 30 days: Complete safety & SOP onboarding; shadow core workflows; assist with setup/teardown; demonstrate correct labeling and basic QC checks.
• By 60 days: Independently set up and execute simple, single-color or first-pass steps on defined jobs; maintain logs; communicate challenges promptly.
• By 90 days: Execute basic multi-step tasks under light supervision (e.g., registration adjustments, standard finish application on approved substrates); ready to take on a subset of Junior tasks on straightforward projects.

Supervision & Development

• Manager and Primary Mentor: Direct Imaging Manager for priorities, coaching, weekly check-ins, and performance feedback.
• Technical Mentors: Direct Imaging Artists are all accessible for technical guidance, knowledge or assistance to help advance the Apprentice Direct Imaging Artist’s skills.
• Checkpoints: 30/60/90-day reviews with documented goals and skill demonstrations aligned to department SOPs.

AI Integration & Learning

• Shadow team members using AI-assisted tools for quality control and workflow optimization
• Learn to interpret AI-generated suggestions for substrate preparation, curing settings, and finishing techniques
• Participate in foundational AI literacy training tailored to the Direct Imaging department
• Support Documentation accuracy using AI-enhanced logging and labeling tools

Education and Experience

• No formal degree required; relevant coursework, vocational training, or personal projects in print/graphics are a plus.

Pay

Salary Range: $18-$22 USD Hourly

Department

Color Imaging

Locations

Chicago