DTF Heat press Operator / Apparel Decorator

STONEWERX PROMO

Atascadero, CA 93422, USA

Published: 6/14/2022

Manufacturing

Full Time

Job Description

Stonewerx Promotional

Heat Press Production Operator

Job Description

Stonewerx Promotional is a leader in custom-branded promotional products and decorated apparel. We are seeking a dependable, detail-oriented, and hardworking Heat Press Production Operator to join our growing production team.

This position is responsible for applying Direct-to-Film (DTF) transfers and other heat-applied graphics to garments and promotional products using commercial heat press equipment.

The ideal candidate takes pride in producing high-quality work, maintains accuracy throughout repetitive production processes, works efficiently to meet deadlines, and contributes to a clean, safe, and organized production environment.

Previous experience with commercial heat presses, apparel decoration, screen printing, or similar production processes is preferred. Training may be provided for candidates who demonstrate strong attention to detail, dependability, and a willingness to learn.

Job Overview

The Heat Press Production Operator is responsible for preparing garments and transfers, setting up and operating commercial heat presses, accurately positioning graphics, inspecting finished products, maintaining production counts, and preparing completed merchandise for the next stage of production.

This position requires the ability to follow production work orders, maintain consistent decoration placement, and meet daily production goals while minimizing errors and material waste.

The employee must be comfortable performing repetitive production tasks, working with heated equipment, and maintaining consistent quality throughout small and large production runs.

Key Responsibilities

1. Heat Press Operation & Garment Decoration

Set up and operate commercial heat presses, including pneumatic, automatic, dual-station, clamshell, swing-away, and specialty presses as applicable.
Set appropriate temperature, pressure, dwell time, and application settings according to garment materials and transfer specifications.
Safely operate heat press equipment and associated pneumatic systems.
Properly load and position garments on heat press platens.
Measure and position transfers according to Stonewerx placement standards and customer specifications.
Apply DTF transfers and other approved heat-applied graphics to T-shirts, polos, sweatshirts, hoodies, jackets, safety apparel, uniforms, bags, and other products.
Properly handle hot-peel, warm-peel, and cold-peel transfer films.
Perform secondary pressing when required for proper adhesion and finish.
Use appropriate finishing sheets, protective pads, pillows, platen covers, and application accessories.
Adjust application methods for seams, zippers, buttons, pockets, reflective materials, performance fabrics, and heat-sensitive garments.
Recognize materials requiring special handling, temperature adjustments, or protective application methods.
Perform test applications when directed by management.

2. Transfer Preparation & Production Setup

Review production work orders before beginning each job.
Verify garment style, color, size, quantity, artwork, and decoration placement requirements.
Inspect supplied DTF transfers for visible defects before application.
Verify transfer dimensions, orientation, color, and quantity.
Cut, separate, organize, and stage transfers for heat press production.
Organize garments by style, size, color, and production sequence.
Identify damaged garments or defective transfers before production.
Maintain accurate transfer and garment counts to prevent shortages, overruns, and unnecessary waste.
Prepare workstations with all necessary garments, transfers, tools, and supplies before beginning production.

3. Production & Workflow Management

Read, understand, and accurately follow production work orders.
Complete assigned production jobs according to established schedules and deadlines.
Maintain an organized and efficient workflow throughout each production run.
Track production quantities and maintain accurate counts of completed merchandise.
Ensure completed garments are properly separated from unprocessed garments, samples, rejects, and rework items.
Fold, stack, organize, and stage completed garments for quality inspection, packaging, or shipping.
Communicate production delays, shortages, discrepancies, or quality concerns to the Production Manager.
Follow established production priorities and adjust workflow as directed.
Assist other production departments when needed and as assigned.
Maintain productivity without compromising product quality or workplace safety.

4. Quality Control & Inspection

Inspect garments and transfers before, during, and after application.
Verify artwork placement, alignment, color, adhesion, finish, and overall appearance.
Ensure consistent decoration placement throughout production runs.
Check completed garments for scorching, wrinkles, dye migration, press marks, transfer lifting, incomplete adhesion, contamination, or other defects.
Compare finished products against approved artwork, samples, proofs, and production specifications.
Identify and separate defective products immediately.
Report damaged garments, production errors, and rework requirements to management.
Maintain accurate counts of acceptable and rejected merchandise.
Follow Stonewerx quality standards while minimizing spoilage, rework, and material waste.

5. Heat Press Care & Workstation Maintenance

Perform routine cleaning and basic operator-level care of assigned heat press equipment.
Keep heat press platens, pads, covers, tables, and application surfaces clean and free of adhesive, lint, and debris.
Check equipment for visible damage or abnormal operation before use.
Verify proper heat press operation and report inconsistent temperatures, pressure issues, or mechanical concerns.
Follow approved equipment startup and shutdown procedures.
Report equipment malfunctions immediately to the Production Manager.
Maintain organized tools, accessories, and application materials.
Follow all safety procedures when working with heated, pneumatic, and mechanical equipment.

This position does not include operating, servicing, maintaining, or troubleshooting DTF printers, printing systems, or associated printing and curing equipment.

6. Inventory & Material Handling

Monitor supplies of transfers, finishing sheets, protective pads, platen covers, and other heat press consumables.
Notify management when supplies are running low.
Properly store and organize transfers, garments, and production materials.
Assist with receiving, counting, sorting, and staging garments for production.
Maintain organized storage and completed-product areas.
Handle customer merchandise carefully to prevent damage, stains, or unnecessary waste.
Assist with preparing completed orders for packaging and shipment when assigned.

7. Additional Production Support

As production needs require, the Heat Press Production Operator may assist with other apparel decoration and fulfillment activities, including:

Loading and unloading garments for production.
Folding, counting, bagging, and packaging completed merchandise.
Preparing garments for screen printing, embroidery, or other decoration processes.
Sorting and staging apparel for production departments.
Assisting with basic screen-printing production tasks when trained.
Maintaining clean and organized shared production areas.
Supporting shipping and fulfillment activities as directed.

Qualifications

Previous experience with commercial heat presses, garment decoration, or apparel production is preferred.
Experience applying DTF or other heat-transfer graphics is strongly preferred.
Familiarity with pneumatic or dual-station heat presses is a plus.
Ability to understand and follow temperature, pressure, dwell time, and material specifications.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to consistent, high-quality work.
Ability to accurately read and follow written production instructions.
Ability to recognize garment defects, incorrect transfer placement, and application problems.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Ability to work efficiently while maintaining accuracy.
Ability to manage repetitive tasks and changing production priorities.
Basic computer skills for reviewing work orders and updating production information.
Dependable attendance, punctuality, and a strong work ethic.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with other production team members.
Willingness to learn new application methods and assist in other production areas when needed.

Physical Requirements

This is an active production position involving standing, repetitive movements, and manual material handling.

Employees must be able to:

Stand and work at production stations for extended periods.
Regularly use hands, wrists, and arms to load garments, position transfers, operate heat presses, and handle finished products.
Perform repetitive garment loading, pressing, peeling, folding, counting, and stacking activities throughout the workday.
Safely lift and move boxes, garments, supplies, and production materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
Bend, reach, twist, push, pull, and perform repetitive movements associated with apparel production.
Work safely around heated surfaces, pneumatic equipment, and moving machinery.
Visually inspect artwork placement, alignment, garment condition, and finished-product quality.
Maintain attention to detail while completing repetitive production activities.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Safety & Work Area Responsibilities

Follow all Stonewerx Promotional safety policies and operating procedures.
Use required personal protective equipment when applicable.
Maintain clean, organized, and hazard-free workstations.
Follow safe operating procedures when working around heated platens and pneumatic equipment.
Never bypass equipment guards, emergency stops, or safety systems.
Immediately report unsafe conditions, equipment problems, injuries, and near misses.
Follow safe lifting, material handling, and ergonomic practices.
Participate in required safety meetings and training.
Follow established housekeeping and end-of-shift cleaning procedures.

Performance Expectations

Success in this position will be evaluated based on:

Product Quality: Consistent application quality and finished-product appearance.
Placement Accuracy: Correct and repeatable artwork positioning.
Production Efficiency: Ability to meet assigned production goals and deadlines.
Low Spoilage Rates: Minimal damaged garments, application errors, and rework.
Order Accuracy: Correct garment styles, sizes, quantities, and decoration locations.
Workstation Organization: Clean, safe, and properly maintained production areas.
Equipment Operation: Safe and correct use of commercial heat presses.
Dependability: Consistent attendance, punctuality, and reliability.
Communication: Prompt reporting of problems, shortages, and production concerns.
Teamwork: Willingness to support coworkers and overall production objectives.

Benefits

Competitive compensation
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Paid time off and paid holidays
401(k) retirement plan
Employee discounts on products
Training and opportunities to expand production skills

How to Apply

If you are dependable, detail-oriented, enjoy hands-on production work, and take pride in producing high-quality decorated apparel, we encourage you to apply.

Stonewerx Promotional is committed to maintaining a professional, safe, and quality-focused production environment. We value team members who demonstrate reliability, craftsmanship, accountability, and a commitment to getting the job done right.

Stonewerx Promotional — Quality, Precision & Pride in Every Product.

\nCompany Description

Stonewerx Promo is small but mighty promotional products company focused on helping businesses grow their brands, recognize their employees, and thank their customers with innovative, eye-catching, and awe-inspiring graphic artwork, high quality brand products, and exceptional customer service. From sales, to graphics, to back of house processes, we work as a team to ensure that our customers feel well taken care of and receive products that they are proud to showcase with their brand images. We accomplish this goal by ensuring that we have a positive work environment centered around training, communication, and working as a team to achieve our goals. We invest in our employees for the long haul, and we are willing to train