Digital Print Process Engineer

Position Summary

At RPI, we are transforming how products are created, produced, and delivered worldwide through a technology-driven, print-on-demand manufacturing platform. Every day, our cloud-based systems power millions of personalized, on-demand products that reach customers with speed, quality, and sustainability. We partner with leading brands, publishers, and creative platforms, including Blurb.com, our consumer-facing self-publishing brand, to bring ideas to life at global scale through a distributed manufacturing network. We are looking for a highly motivated Digital Print Process Engineer to lead process development and optimization across our digital print production environment. This role requires expertise in digital printing technologies, pre-press workflows, and print production validation.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with design, prepress, and operations teams to ensure seamless end-to-end production.
• Review proposed project scopes and provide input to optimize manufacturing efficiency.
• Develop, draft, and implement comprehensive test plans based on project scope, requirements, and objectives to ensure accurate validation and quality outcomes.
• Develop and execute validation protocols for new digital print products, processes, substrates, and equipment.
• Conduct print trials, performance testing, and documentation to ensure production readiness and compliance.
• Partner with quality and regulatory teams to maintain validation standards.
• Maintain and update an accurate database of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), ensuring thorough documentation of materials testing, pre-press adjustments, and work instructions.
• Monitor print output for defects and inconsistencies; assist in root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Aid in hands-on training sessions for operators on digital print best practices, ensuring adherence to quality standards, operational efficiency, and equipment safety.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in digital print manufacturing, with strong exposure to pre-press and production validation.
• Experience with digital print platforms such as HP Indigo, Xerox, Canon, or similar.
• Understanding of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies.
• Excellent analytical, documentation, and communication skills.
• Self-driven and motivated, with the ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Strong team player who thrives in collaborative environments.
• Demonstrates ownership of tasks and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Demonstrates flexibility and willingness to travel to other company locations as required to support operational needs and cross-site collaboration.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with web-to-print workflows.
• Knowledge of RIP software (e.g., HP, Fiery, etc), Adobe Creative Suite, and color management.
• Familiarity with automation tools and digital press APIs.
• Experience with Rotary Die Cutting, Guillotine, and Book Binding equipment.
• Knowledge of substrate behavior and ink interaction in digital environments.
• Project management experience in a digital print or commercial print setting.