Forge Graphic Works is a group of highly skilled, creative thinkers who design and produce retail graphics and consumer experiences. We do work for big brands and small companies alike, specializing in designing and printing large retail campaigns, event graphics, retail displays and other marketing programs. We work hard but have fun designing and producing really cool stuff.

As our RIP and Soft Signage Operator, you will work with our project management and production staff to RIP and prepare graphic files for print. Candidates must be quality conscious and detail oriented. Duties include sending files to the various print presses using our RIP software, creating impositions, and color profiling. In addition, this role will load, unload, print, trouble-shoot, and maintain a variety of large format latex and dye-sub printing equipment.

This is a unique position, with a good mix of production work performed on our shop floor as well as editing and preparing files for other operators.

As we work across many mediums and industries for our clients, this is a position for someone who enjoys a challenge that varies from day to day and wants to grow within a fun, creative and growing business.

Although workload sometimes requires a modified schedule, normal shift hours for this position are 8am-5pm.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain accuracy of all RIP’ed print files and limit re-prints or errors
• Create, maintain, and re-linearize ICC profiles
• Ensure color accuracy and consistency of output across all our machines
• Operate various large format print presses, with focus on dye-sub and latex machines
• Read and analyze detailed and complex job tickets and other supporting documents to produce graphics with complete accuracy
• Follow all quality control and production protocols to ensure that all products meet stringent quality standards
• Manage speed, accuracy and efficiency to meet all deadlines
• Provide accurate, immediate progress reports to all stakeholders
• Record precise material usage and labor data for all work performed
• Perform daily maintenance on all department equipment to ensure the highest performance
• Troubleshoot mechanical and digital issues as they arise
• Maintain a clean, organized, and well-stocked working area

Required Skills:

• Creative thinking and problem solving with an eye for quality
• Self-motivation
• At least 2 years of Pre Press, RIP or Press Operating experience, preferably in a large format printing or sign shop environment
• Thorough understanding of large format digital printing, RIPs, and finishing processes
• Extreme attention to detail
• Ability to work in a fast paced, deadline-driven environment
• Ability to work autonomously and as a member of a team
• Positivity and a “can-do” attitude
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

We Offer:

• Fun, creative and casual work environment located in close-in Northeast Portland
• Substantial benefits package (medical, dental, vision + 401k w/employer match)
• High standards of quality and creativity
• A tight-knit hardworking group of team players
• High profile projects

We are looking for the right candidate, willing to commit to a long-term relationship. If you have hands-on experience in some areas of this description and not others, we encourage you to still apply. Please send us a resume, cover letter, and salary requirements and we will respond to applicants chosen for later interviews. Any applications missing this info will not be responded to. All replies and interviews will be strictly confidential.

Thank you for your interest!

Send Resume

As a project manager you will work with our sales and management staff to plan and execute creative and print projects. You will work with members of the production, sales, design, and engineering staff within Forge as well as manage outside project vendors. This will include estimating, managing deadlines, assigning responsibilities, managing client interaction and monitoring and communicating status of projects to internal and external stakeholders.

As we work across many mediums and industries for our clients, this is a position for someone who enjoys a challenge that varies from day to day and wants to grow within a fun, creative and growing business.

Responsibilities:

• Interface with client and be the representative of our company during meetings and client communication
• Create estimates, production schedules, purchasing plans, install schedules and logistics plans
• Plan projects in order to meet timelines and budget
• Assemble and gather assets, materials, and other project needs
• Communicate all project requirements to internal teams and outside vendors
• Problem solve and monitor and report on project status to internal and external stakeholders

Required Skills:

• 3-5 years of print project management or similar operations experience in a large format printing or sign shop environment
• Experience planning and managing 3D builds involving wood, metals, and other materials such as trade show booths or retail displays
• Ability to brief in and manage graphic design and engineering projects
• Creative thinker and problem solver
• Thorough understanding of large format substrates, printing processes, materials, installation and fulfillment
• Client facing experience with a polished, professional and confident demeanor
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and multi-task quickly and effectively
• Must genuinely enjoy organizing, planning and thinking quickly in a fast paced, demanding environment
• Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Excel and basic knowledge of Adobe Design software

We Offer:

• Fun, creative and casual work environment located in close-in Northeast Portland
• Substantial benefits package (medical, dental, vision + 401k w/employer match)
• High standards of quality and creativity
• A tight-knit hardworking group of team players
• High profile projects

We are looking for the right candidate, willing to commit to a long-term relationship. Please send us a resume, cover letter, and salary requirements and we will respond to applicants chosen for later interviews. Any applications missing this info will not be responded to. All replies and interviews will be strictly confidential.

Thank you for your interest!

Send Resume

As a Production Manager, you will be responsible for supervising floor employees in our print production, finishing, assembly and fulfillment environment. This position plans and schedules workflow, implements policies and procedures and recommends improvements in production methods, quality, equipment, operating procedures, staffing and safe working conditions.

Responsibilities:

• Aide in scheduling production of all jobs in the Forge system to ensure efficient workflow, maximized equipment up time and overall production deadlines are met
• Maintain workflow by monitoring all phases of the production process to ensure that technical issues are addressed, and project deliverables meet stringent quality standards
• Coordinate with other departments when needed to ensure timely project delivery
• Ensure quality and accuracy of all orders and keep production data and inventories up to date
• Build an effective team by recruiting, orienting, and training all production employees and helping to develop personal growth opportunities
• Resolve personnel issues by investigating issues, identifying solutions and recommending action. Monitor productivity and attendance and report department and company violations. Hold production employees accountable
• Ensure effective employee relations. Provide employee coaching, training and development by performing employee reviews as applicable
• Balance quality, productivity, cost, safety and morale to achieve positive results in all areas
• Work to continuously improve production efficiency
• Maintain and manage production performance by establishing metrics, SOP’s and providing regular progress reports to upper management
• Ensure all equipment is running and minimize downtime
• Research and propose equipment purchases to improve performance based on existing and future metrics and throughput

Required Skills:

• Expert knowledge of all large format substrates and processes including printing, cutting, finishing, assembly, fulfillment and graphic installation
• Must be a strong leader with ability to hold team members accountable while also providing mentorship
• Will play a key role in developing a culture of high energy and positivity
• Strong attention to detail and an eye for quality
• Must have strong verbal and written communication skills
• Must be a highly motivated team player, with the ability to think and act autonomously
• Must be able to prioritize multiple projects with multiple deadlines that are in various stages of development or production
• Possess a positive, “can-do” attitude

We Offer:

• Fun, creative and casual work environment
• Substantial benefits package (medical, dental, vision + 401k w/employer match)
• High standards of quality and creativity
• A tight-knit, strong team of employees
• High profile projects

We are looking for the right candidate, willing to commit to a long-term relationship. Please send us a resume, cover letter, and salary requirements and we will respond to applicants chosen for later interviews. Any applications missing this info will not be responded to. All replies and interviews will be strictly confidential.

Thank you for your interest!

Send Resume