Print Flatbed Cutter Operator / Custom Hardware Fabricator

Job Description

Job DescriptionAbout the role

CR&A Custom Inc. is hiring a full-time Flatbed Cutter Operator to run our Colex digital cutting tables at our Los Angeles production facility. You'll cut and finish large-format printed graphics for events, retail rollouts, trade shows, and out-of-home campaigns that ship nationwide.

This is a cutting role. You'll own the cutter: setup, material handling, tooling, quality, and keeping finished work moving to packing on schedule. Experience on any professional flatbed cutter or CNC router transfers; we'll train you on our Colex machines.

What you'll do

• Operate Colex flatbed cutting tables to cut, kiss-cut, crease, and route printed graphics to spec.
• Load and set up cut files, align registration marks, and confirm cut paths before running production.
• Select and change blades, router bits, and tooling based on the substrate: foam board, PVC, coroplast, Dibond (ACM), acrylic, cardboard, and flexible media.
• Set cut depth, speed, and pressure for each material, and run test cuts on new jobs.
• Inspect every job for accurate dimensions, clean edges, and correct quantity before it moves to packing.
• Work from production tickets and work orders, and prioritize jobs by due date with the production lead.
• Flag file, print, or registration problems to prepress before cutting, not after.
• Minimize material waste through efficient nesting and careful handling of printed sheets.
• Perform daily cleaning and routine maintenance on the cutter, and report issues before they cause downtime.
• Keep the cutting area safe, organized, and clear of scrap.
• Help with finishing, packing, or other production tasks during slower periods.

What you need

• 1+ year operating a digital flatbed cutter or CNC router in a print, sign, display, or packaging shop. Colex, Zund, Esko Kongsberg, Summa, Elitron, MultiCam, AXYZ, or similar all count.
• Working knowledge of common sign and display substrates and the tooling each one needs.
• Ability to read work orders, measure accurately with a tape measure, and catch dimension errors.
• Comfort working with cut files and registration marks on the machine's software.
• Ability to lift and maneuver sheets up to 50 lbs and stand for a full shift.
• Reliable attendance and the ability to work some overtime when deadlines require it.
• Attention to detail. Printed material is expensive, and a bad cut means a reprint.

Nice to have

• Direct experience on Colex SharpCut or other Colex cutting tables.
• Experience with cutting software such as i-cut, Esko, or similar, or basic file prep in Illustrator.
• Familiarity with large-format printers and RIP workflows (Caldera, Onyx).
• Light fabrication or assembly experience for displays and hardware. This is occasional, not a core duty.
• Forklift certification.
• Bilingual English and Spanish.