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Cutting Plotter Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sign Fabricator

Garden City, ID · On-site

$18 - $20.17/hr

Operates and maintains all associated equipment including wood- and metal-cutting band saws ... Lays out and completes final fabrication of special signs using die and plotter-cut legends ...

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Cutting Plotter Operator information

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$10

$18

$24

How much do cutting plotter operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for cutting plotter operator in the United States is $18.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by a Cutting Plotter Operator and how can they be managed?

Cutting Plotter Operators often encounter challenges such as handling complex design files, ensuring precise cuts on various materials, and maintaining equipment to avoid downtime. Managing these challenges requires strong attention to detail, familiarity with design software, and routine machine maintenance. Operators frequently collaborate with designers and production teams to troubleshoot issues and ensure finished products meet quality standards, making good communication skills essential. Staying updated on equipment best practices and regularly calibrating machines can help minimize errors and improve workflow efficiency.

What is the difference between Cutting Plotter Operator vs Sign Maker?

AspectCutting Plotter OperatorSign Maker
CredentialsBasic certifications or on-the-job trainingMay require additional design or fabrication skills
Work EnvironmentManufacturing or print shops, production floorsDesign studios, sign shops, retail environments
Industry UsageUsed in signage, vehicle wraps, decalsCreates signs, banners, displays
Search & ComparisonOften compared for skills and equipment usedRelated but broader in design and fabrication aspects

The main difference is that a Cutting Plotter Operator specializes in operating cutting plotters to produce precise cuts for signage and decals, while a Sign Maker designs and fabricates entire signs, often using multiple tools and techniques. Both roles are essential in the signage industry, but the Cutting Plotter Operator focuses more on machine operation, whereas the Sign Maker handles the overall design and assembly process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cutting Plotter Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cutting Plotter Operator, you need strong attention to detail, manual dexterity, and a basic understanding of design principles, often supported by a high school diploma or vocational training. Familiarity with cutting plotter machines, vector graphics software like Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW, and basic computer skills are typically required. Strong organizational skills, problem-solving ability, and effective communication help operators handle custom orders and coordinate with team members. These skills ensure precise output, minimize material waste, and maintain efficient production workflows.

What are Cutting Plotter Operators?

Cutting Plotter Operators are skilled professionals who operate and maintain cutting plotter machines used to cut materials such as vinyl, paper, fabric, or cardboard into specific shapes and designs. They prepare designs using specialized software, set up the plotter, load materials, and ensure precise cutting according to project specifications. Cutting Plotter Operators are commonly employed in industries like signage, apparel, packaging, and graphic design, where custom shapes and lettering are required. Attention to detail, technical know-how, and quality control are essential aspects of this role.
Infographic showing various Cutting Plotter Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,872 per year, or $18.2 per hour.
Print Production Specialist (contract contingent)

Print Production Specialist (contract contingent)

ProSidian Consulting

Vienna, VA

$18 - $23/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Company Description

ProSidian is a Management and Operations Consulting Services Firm focusing on providing value to clients through tailored solutions based on industry leading practices.  ProSidian services focus on the broad spectrum of Risk Management, Compliance, Business Process, IT Effectiveness, Energy & Sustainability, and Talent Management.  We help forward thinking clients solve problems and improve operations. 
Launched by former Big 4 Management Consultants; our multidisciplinary teams bring together the talents of nearly 190 professionals nationally to complete a wide variety of engagements for Private Companies, Fortune 1,000 Enterprises, and Government Agencies of all sizes.  Our Services are deployed across the enterprise, target drivers of economic profit (growth, margin and efficiency), and are aligned at the intersections of assets, processes, policies and people delivering value. 
ProSidian clients represent a broad spectrum of industries to include but are not limited to Energy, Manufacturing, Chemical, Retail, Healthcare, Telecommunications, Hospitality, Pharmaceuticals, Banking & Financial Services, Transportation, Federal and State Government Agencies.  Learn More About ProSidian Consulting at www.ProSidian.com.

Job Description

ProSidian Consulting seeks a Print Production Specialist to support and participate in a project supporting a Federal Government Agency Contract focusing on Financial Crimes Enforcement. The Print Production Specialist plays an integral role by effectively participating in day to day operations and by offering quality service and excellence in the administration provided for the ProSidian Engagement Teams services supporting the Federal Government Agency Contract.

The duties of this position include performing a broad range of advance skills and expertise in the Federal sector: responsibilities may include but are not limited to addressing management concerns in accordance with agency policies, assisting in scheduling and coordinating meetings, interviews, events and other similar activities, as needed, in support of the training process and performing and tracking day-to-day training matters. Specific Task Order Swim lanes For this contract cover Training Support, Print Production, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA),Operations Management, Facility & Contract Support, & 508 Compliance so that the ProSidian Consulting Engagement Team Member can provide administrative, clerical, and research support for Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) program offices

The purpose of the Print Specialist is to handle requests for printing and distribution from various sources within the agency for simple to complex printing requirements. The duties of the Print Production Specialist include: Developing production methods to meet customer's schedules; Reports of work in progress, and Completed work for review before distribution. Each job delivered to the specialists will be accompanied by a Fin006 (Request for Graphic Services) which details the specialized printing requirements of the customer. Each request shall be carefully reviewed to make sure it is complete and requirements are clearly defined. If there are any questions about the information provided, the print specialist shall obtain clarification from the customer or COR. Provide suggestions to prescribe policies and procedures for the procurement of all Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) mission essential printing, binding, related supplies, and related services.

The Print Specialist will interact with vendors in the printing industry to ensure policies and procedures are kept in place. The specialists will be proficient in using software that is current to the printing industry; including the latest version of Adobe Creative suite 5.5 as well as Microsoft Office products. Operate one or more copying/printing/plotter machines to make copies or printouts of documents such as letters, reports, presentations, manuals, business cards, and posters, large format printouts, contact sheets, covers, and bulletins. Mount, frame, and utilize Vacuum Press. Use tools like cutting blades, and rulers to crop illustration board, foam core, and printouts. Combine templates and structured data sources to create mail merges. Operate small binding machines. Perform clerical duties associated with the request for design, printing, and photographic services.

Track work, deliver and pick up work. Maintain an inventory of supplies and parts needed for reproduction equipment. Coordinate repairs with vendors. Demonstrated experience operating high speed copiers/printers/scanners/vacuum press/cameras and binding equipment including the ability to coordinate tasks and maintain accountability for vital project functions. Meet daily production goals and quality standards. The specialist shall offer: Must have at least 3 to 5 years of experience working with GPO environment that demonstrates these abilities: Compiles printing specifications, complete GPO forms, review printers' proofs, attend press inspections as necessary. Exercises quality control by assuring the published information is accurate, complete, and conforms to established standards and specifications.

Performs the following distinct quality inspections: acceptability of materials and printing process, work in process to prevent rework, final inspection at the conclusion of each major work phase, pre- final film, prepress inspection, press sheet inspection, and published. Consistently meets deadlines and time constraints. Comprehensive knowledge in: printing papers, printing inks, varnishes, and other coatings. Employees understanding in digital duplicating and printing technology. Identifies malfunctions and deviations from accepted performance criteria. Utilizes strong time management skills to establish priorities and meet deadlines. Able to communicate with others efficiently and tactfully. Recommend alternatives for problem jobs with anticipated difficulty meeting cost, schedule or performance goals, and Offer process improvement recommendations to the COR as identified when needed.

Qualifications
  • Have a Bachelor's degree from a nationally accredited institution or relevant work experience
  • Have strong oral and written communication skills (English) and demonstrate knowledge of proper grammar and terminology commonly used in business office environments to prepare business analyses
  • Have strong analytical skills
  • Have a strong customer service mindset
  • Be able to make independent judgments and recommendations with confidence
  • Be capable to proficiently produce work accurately and efficiently
  • Ability to work and lead others in ambiguous situations
  • Ability to effectively analyze and structure problems and service requirements based on the services we provide
  • Ability to participate in the management of work streams that support of large, complex projects
  • Results orientation/self-directed -- ability to drive change in unstructured environment
  • Strong interpersonal communication skills and ability to work well in teams
  • Must have proficiency with various software applications including Microsoft Suite
  • External, client-facing consulting experience
  • Excellent written communication skills

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HIRING EXPECTATIONS/ POSITION SPECIFICATIONS

  • Participates in the development and implementation of best practices and programs.
  • Demonstrates commitment to excellence and service in dealing with all internal and external customers.
  • Offers best possible solutions while displaying best possible values.
  • Participates in effective retention and recruitment strategies for the Practice.
  • Elevates consulting services to a new standard of professionalism and sales contribution.
  • Elevates the level of consulting to achieve further competitive advantage with speaking engagements, client case studies and on site evaluations.
  • Establishes a sense of professionalism among the consulting staff to further elevate the standards of the Practice.
  • Establishes, communicates and guides the accomplishment of relevant objectives, measurable goals, and performance standards to ensure effective, efficient and economical client outcomes.
  • Fosters trust and support from the various constituents to position ProSidian Consulting as a trusted partner and the preferred quality provider in the market place.
  • Supports and participates through influence in a matrix environment. Leadership is accomplished through a positive team approach, resulting in achievement of standards for all service lines.
  • Supports initiatives to assess productivity and throughput to optimize resources.
  • Effectively participates in the establishment and guidelines for relevant objectives, measurable goals, and performance standards to ensure effective, efficient and economical client outcomes.
  • Serves as a leader in performance improvement and best practices initiatives - encouraging 'best of the best' mindset.
  • Works closely with members of senior management support strategic and tactical plans to meet sales goals, drive pipeline growth and facilitate new sales opportunities.
  • Works closely with members of senior management to devise budgets to meet sales goals.
  • Works collaboratively with other disciplines to assure that standards for excellence in consulting are met, clients and employees are treated fairly and with respect, and that all client needs are met in a positive and responsive fashion.

***Military Background a plus and or experience working in a Federal Government Environment

Additional Information

CORE COMPETENCIES

  • Teamwork - ability to foster teamwork collaboratively as a participant, and effectively as a team leader
  • Leadership - ability to guide and lead colleagues on projects and initiatives
  • Business Acumen - understanding and insight into how organizations perform, including business processes, data, systems, and people
  • Communication - ability to effectively communicate to stakeholders of all levels orally and in writing
  • Motivation - persistent in pursuit of quality and optimal client and company solutions
  • Agility - ability to quickly understand and transition between different projects, concepts, initiatives, or work streams
  • Judgment - exercises prudence and insight in decision-making process while mindful of other stakeholders and long-term ramifications
  • Organization - ability to manage projects and activity, and prioritize tasks

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OTHER REQUIREMENTS

  • Business Tools - understanding and proficiency with business tools and technology, including Microsoft Office.  The ideal candidate is advanced with Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Word, and proficient with Adobe Acrobat, data analytic tools, and Visio with the ability to quickly learn other tools as necessary.
  • Commitment - to work with smart, interesting people with diverse backgrounds to solve the biggest challenges across private, public and social sectors
  • Curiosity - the ideal candidate exhibits an inquisitive nature and the ability to question the status quo among a community of people they enjoy and teams that work well together
  • Humility - exhibits grace in success and failure while doing meaningful work where skills have impact and make a difference
  • Willingness - to constantly learn, share, and grow and to view the world as their classroom

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BENEFITS AND HIGHLIGHTS

At ProSidian, we invest in our employees to help them stay healthy and achieve work-life balance. Our full time team members receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes Competitive Compensation, Group Health Insurance Health Benefits, 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan Contributions, Vacation and Paid Time off (PTO) Benefits, Pre-Tax Payment Programs, Purchasing Discounts & Savings Plans, a ProSidian Employee & Contractor Referral Bonus Program, Performance Incentives, etc.  Our comprehensive benefits package includes a medical, dental and vision plan.  Our growing list of benefits currently include the following for internships:

  • Competitive Compensation:  ProSidian provides an opportunity to gain college credit through requirements set and approved by your university as well as a stipend granted by ProSidian Consulting when all requirements for such are met at the termination of the internship. ProSidian will work with your university to meet any and all requirements which will allow you to achieve your goals in this position and obtain college credit transferable to your school.
  • Purchasing Discounts & Savings Plans:  We want you to achieve financial success. We offer a Purchasing Discounts & Savings Plan through The ProSidian Corporate Perks Benefit Program - Helping You Do More With Less:  https://ProSidian.CorporatePerks.com.  This provides special discounts for eligible employees on products and services you buy on a daily basis.
  • Security Clearance: Due to the nature of our management and operations consulting engagements for Private Companies, Fortune 1,000 Enterprises, and Government Agencies of all sizes; oftentimes there are Security Clearance requirements for Engagement Teams handling sensitive Engagements in the Federal Marketplace.  A Security Clearance is a valued asset in your professional portfolio and adds to your credentials based on past, present, and future work.
  • Leverageable Experience and Thought Leadership:  By collaborating with firm leadership, other members of the team, as well as Fellows and collaborating partners in what is a flat organization, you'll make valuable professional connections, interact with clients daily, gain leverageable Experience, and contribute to Thought Leadership while you build a basket of marketable experiences.
  • ProSidian Employee &  Contractor Referral Bonus Program:  ProSidian Consulting will pay up to $5k for all referrals (payments mad...

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About ProSidian Consulting

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

ProSidian is a management and operations consulting firm with a reputation for its strong national practice spanning six solution areas including Risk Management, Energy & Sustainability, Compliance, Business Process, IT Effectiveness, and Talent Management. We help clients improve their operations. Linking strategy to execution, ProSidian assists client leaders in maximizing company return on investment capital through design and execution of operations core to delivering value to customers. Visit www.ProSidian.com or follow the company on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ProSidianfor more information.

Industry

Business schools and computer and management training

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US

Year founded

2004

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