We are a new streetwear brand in Santa Monica, and we're looking for more than just a printer—we're looking for a foundational expert to help us **design, build, and perfect our entire in-house screen printing operation.**
This means you must have a deep, practical knowledge of various ink systems and know how to **set everything up from scratch**—from choosing the right press to dialing in the final workflow. You will be the architect of our production process.
**Foundational & Consulting Responsibilities:**
* **Design the Workspace:** Consult on the optimal layout of our new screen printing room for a safe, efficient, and professional workflow.
* **Dial in the Process:** Develop, document, and perfect our standard operating procedures for every step—from pre-press to curing and finishing.
* **Educate & Guide:** Teach the founding team the nuances of high-quality apparel printing and help us make informed decisions on equipment and supplies.
**Ongoing Production Responsibilities:**
* Operate a manual screen printing press with expert precision.
* Manage the entire pre-press process and accurately mix inks.
* Maintain rigorous quality control on every garment produced.
**Who You Are:**
* **A Proven Builder:** You have direct, hands-on experience **setting up a professional print shop from scratch** or have significantly overhauled an existing one. This is essential.
* **Machine & Equipment Mastery:** You are an expert not just in printing, but in the full **assembly, setup, and calibration of the screen printing machine (press)**, exposure units, and conveyor dryers.
* **Ink System Mastery:** You are an expert in plastisol, water-based, and discharge inks—understanding their properties, mixing systems, and proper curing for various fabrics.
* **A Seasoned Expert:** You have 5+ years of professional screen printing experience and a comprehensive understanding of the entire process.
* **A Teacher:** You have a patient mindset and can clearly explain complex technical processes to others.
**What We Offer:**
* **A Cool, Creative Environment:** We're serious about quality, but we believe in a **fun, collaborative, and inspiring** atmosphere. Good music, good vibes, no corporate egos.
* **Build an Authentic Brand:** This isn't a stale production job. You’ll be the hands-on expert helping build a genuine streetwear brand from the ground up.
* **True Creative Partnership:** Your expertise is essential. Your voice will directly shape our products, and we'll rely on you to help us make the best possible gear.
* **Flexibility & Respect:** We respect your craft and your time. We offer flexible part-time hours to work with your schedule.
**Details:**
* **Location:** Our shop is in Santa Monica, CA. This is an on-site position.
* **Hours:** **Part-time, starting at approximately 2 days per week. There is strong potential for this to grow into more days/hours as the brand expands.**
* **Pay:** **Excellent, premium hourly rate** that reflects your expertise and foundational role in building our production capabilities.
**To Apply:**
Please reply with:
1. Your resume or a summary of your work history.
2. A brief paragraph detailing your experience in **setting up or "dialing in" a print process or shop.**
3. **A link to your portfolio or photos of your past printing work.** (Required).
Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.