About Us
The Inkhouse is the apparel decorating division of Slingshot. We provide high-quality embroidery and screen printing apparel to our campus stores located all across the United States. We are a creative, collaborative, and supportive team committed to quality craftsmanship.
Position Overview
The Prepress Coordinator is responsible for the entire lifecycle of the printing screen. This includes applying emulsion, exposing (burning) designs with high precision, and reclaiming used screens. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, organized, and capable of working in a fast-paced environment where cleanliness and consistency are paramount.
Key Responsibilities
Prepare and separate digital artwork (using Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop) for screen printing.
Convert designs into halftones and output high-opacity film positives.
Ensure all art meets technical specifications for the intended mesh counts.
Coating: Apply light-sensitive liquid emulsion to mesh using a scoop coater or automatic coating machine, ensuring a consistent and even thickness.
Burning (Exposure): Position film positives accurately and use UV exposure units to "burn" designs into the emulsion.
Washout & Finishing: Wash out unexposed emulsion to reveal the design, check for pinholes, and apply "block-out" or tape to the edges of the screen for production.
Quality Control: Inspect every screen for tension, mesh damage, and exposure accuracy before it reaches the press.
Reclaiming & Cleaning: Use high-pressure washers and chemical cleaners to strip old ink and emulsion from used screens. Ensure screens are degreased and free of "ghost images."
Inventory & Maintenance: Monitor levels of chemicals, emulsion, and tape. Keep the darkroom and
washout booth clean and compliant with safety standards.
Assist with production as needed
Working Conditions
On-site position in a production shop environment.
Requires standing and moving between departments.
Occasional lifting of materials (up to 40 lbs).
Work is performed in a darkroom (yellow/amber light) and a washout area (wet environment).
Frequent exposure to water and industrial cleaning solvents.
Moderate to high noise levels from pressure washers.
Standard work hours with possible overtime during peak production times.
Why Join Us?
Be part of a creative, collaborative, and supportive team.
Work on a wide range of projects—from corporate materials to custom apparel.
Opportunities to grow your skills across printing, embroidery, and screen printing.
Qualifications
Attention to details and the ability to spot tiny imperfections or "pinholes" that could ruin a print run.
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) (a plus but not required).
Ability to stand for long periods and lift/move screen frames (up to 40 lbs occasionally).
Technical Knowledge: Understanding of mesh counts, emulsion types, and exposure times.
Comfortable working with cleaning chemicals and pressurized water while wearing appropriate PPE.
Ability to effectively manage time and prioritize screens based on the daily production schedule to prevent press downtime.
Good communication and problem-solving skills.