Job Title: Digital Print Operator – Variable Data Printing (VDP)



Location: San Diego, CA 92126

Salary: $56,160 - $66,560 annually

Job Type: Direct Hire | Full-Time

Industry: Commercial Printing & Direct Mail

Position

Overview


A well-established commercial printing and direct mail company in San Diego is seeking an experienced Digital Print Operator to join its production team.



This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys a fast-paced print environment and has hands-on experience with digital printing, Variable Data Printing (VDP), and personalized direct mail production. Experience with FusionPro is highly preferred, although candidates with comparable VDP or variable-data software experience are encouraged to apply.



The Digital Print Operator will be responsible for preparing files, setting up variable-data jobs, operating digital production equipment, monitoring print quality, and helping ensure projects are completed accurately and on schedule.



Key Responsibilities

-Set up, operate, and monitor digital production printing equipment for commercial print and direct mail projects.

-Prepare and process Variable Data Printing (VDP) jobs using FusionPro or similar variable-data software.

-Review customer files, databases, PDFs, artwork, and production specifications prior to printing.

-Merge variable data with print templates for personalized letters, postcards, envelopes, mailers, and other marketing materials.

-Perform preflight checks and identify potential file, data, formatting, or production issues before jobs reach the press.

-Set up print jobs according to specifications including paper stock, size, quantity, finishing requirements, and variable-data elements.

-Monitor print quality throughout production, checking for proper registration, color consistency, image quality, personalization, and data accuracy.

-Troubleshoot basic equipment, file, and workflow issues to minimize production delays.

-Coordinate with account management, prepress, mailing, bindery/finishing, and -production teams to keep projects moving on schedule.

-Maintain accurate job documentation and production records.

-Perform routine equipment cleaning and basic preventative maintenance.

-Follow established quality-control, safety, and production procedures.


Qualifications

-Previous experience in digital printing, commercial printing, direct mail, or print production strongly preferred.

-Experience with Variable Data Printing (VDP) workflows required or highly preferred
-FusionPro experience strongly preferred; experience with comparable VDP/personalization platforms will also be considered.

-Familiarity with digital production presses and RIP/workflow software.

-Understanding of PDFs, print-ready artwork, databases, variable fields, and personalized print production.

-Direct mail or mailing-production experience is a plus.

-Strong attention to detail and ability to catch errors before they reach final production.

-Comfortable managing multiple print jobs and deadlines in a fast-paced production environment.

-Basic mechanical and troubleshooting ability.

-Dependable, organized, quality-focused, and able to work effectively as part of a production team.


Ideal Background


Candidates coming from commercial print shops, digital print centers, direct mail companies, marketing production companies, or high-volume in-plant print environments are especially encouraged to apply.



Experience with platforms or equipment such as FusionPro, Fiery, Xerox, Canon, Ricoh, Konica Minolta, HP digital presses, or similar digital production technology is valuable.



Why Join?


Join an established San Diego printing organization where your technical print-production skills will have an immediate impact. This position offers the opportunity to work with a variety of commercial print and direct mail projects while expanding your expertise in VDP, digital production, personalization, and automated print workflows.



Confidential Search: Company information will be provided to qualified candidates during the interview process.

This role is responsible for operating digital production printing equipment and managing Variable Data Printing (VDP) jobs for commercial print and direct mail projects. The Digital Print Operator will prepare and review files, merge variable data with print templates, perform preflight checks, monitor print quality, troubleshoot production issues, and coordinate with internal teams to ensure projects are completed accurately and on schedule. Ideal candidates will have experience in digital printing, commercial print production, direct mail, or VDP workflows, with FusionPro experience strongly preferred. Knowledge of digital presses, RIP/workflow software, PDFs, databases, personalized print production, and quality control processes is highly desirable, along with strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, basic mechanical aptitude, and the ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced production environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disabled / Protected Veterans

The Know Your Rights poster is available here:
https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12.pdf

The pay transparency policy is available here:
https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ofccp/pdf/pay-transp_%20English_formattedESQA508c.pdf

For temporary assignments lasting 13 weeks or longer, AppleOne is pleased to offer major medical, dental, vision, 401k and any statutory sick pay where required.

We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact your staffing representative who will reach out to our HR team.

AppleOne participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations as required by law. Learn more about the E-Verify program.
https://e-verify.uscis.gov/web/media/resourcesContents/E-Verify_Participation_Poster_ES.pdf

We also consider for employment qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements, including, if applicable, the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. Pursuant to applicable state and municipal Fair Chance Laws and Ordinances, we will consider for employment-qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, including, if applicable, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. For Los Angeles, CA applicants: Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.