Graphics Assistant

Position: Graphics Assistant Location: Morristown, TN Shift: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Pay Rate:

• Trainee: $25.00/hour
• Level I: $26.97/hour
• Level II: $28.31/hour
• Level III: $30.38/hour

Summary Description

The Graphics Assistant supports the Graphics, Ink, and production teams by managing customer color certification programs, maintaining color and cylinder data, coordinating ink correlation activities, and helping ensure printed products consistently meet customer specifications.

This position combines technical color management, data analysis, graphics support, and cylinder lifecycle management. The Graphics Assistant works with specialized software and measurement equipment to maintain accurate color standards, support production readiness, troubleshoot graphics and ink-related issues, and drive continuous improvement across the Graphics, Ink, and Cylinder departments.

What You’ll Be Doing

Color Management & Customer Certification

• Manage assigned customer color certification programs, including Mars, Hershey, Perfetti, and other accounts, using ColorCert software.
• Review production schedules to identify jobs requiring ColorCert setup and build new jobs at least two weeks prior to production.
• Generate and interpret Graphics Management System (GMS) reports to create ColorCert job files.
• Establish color standards, verify primary and spot-color specifications, confirm color tolerances, and sequence colors according to press layouts.
• Maintain ColorCert databases and standards to ensure accurate color targets are available to the Ink Room and Production teams.
• Perform routine net profiling and calibration of X-Rite measurement devices used by Press Operators to verify color accuracy.
• Update Radius and scheduling systems to reflect ColorCert completion and tracking status.
• Create, validate, and transmit customer color scorecards.
• Review color measurement data from production runs and verify X-Rite readings for each roll.
• Ensure certification reports are accurately communicated to customer servers.
• Troubleshoot color-management issues, validate standards, maintain customer-specific requirements, and support improvements to color certification programs.
• Facilitate communication of customer color standards, drawdown requests, and substrate requirements between the Ink and Graphics departments.
• Evaluate and approve Color Standard Books by grading printed samples established on press.
• Assist with color approvals for process colors and dot gain as needed.

Cylinder & Ink Management

• Assist with managing cylinder conditions to ensure proper pre-press preparation in accordance with ColorCert and Ink Room standards.
• Maintain and administer the Cylinder Tracking Program using lifecycle management software.
• Create and maintain cylinder inventory databases.
• Enter and track cylinder usage and mileage information.
• Establish cylinder records for new SKUs and production jobs.
• Monitor cylinder life expectancy and identify cylinders approaching established replacement thresholds.
• Coordinate cylinder refurbishment or replacement schedules to maintain production readiness and print-quality standards.
• Coordinate the ink correlation process with Siegwerk’s In-House Technician or Des Moines facility.
• Review production schedules to identify new colors or engraving specifications requiring correlation.
• Update and maintain ink correlation information within SPEC and ColorCert.
• Support continuous improvement projects involving graphics, ink, cylinder performance, and cylinder tracking.

Additional Graphics Support & Cross-Training

• Research and assist with troubleshooting ink- and graphics-related issues.
• Serve as backup for the Graphics Coordinator as needed, including processing and shipping cylinders, composites, and GMGs.
• Assist with managing and improving the GMS database.
• Assist with creating and revising Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), One Point Lessons (OPLs), and training materials for the Graphics Department.
• Review remake proofs as they are received.
• Follow jobs on press when requested to support Ink and Graphics initiatives.
• Serve as backup for the Wet Goods Coordinator as needed, including ordering and receiving wet goods shipments and tankers.
• Identify and manage assigned continuous improvement projects across the Ink, Graphics, and Cylinder departments.
• Work independently while collaborating with Production, Ink, Graphics, and other departments to resolve technical issues and support customer requirements.
• Perform additional duties and projects as assigned.

We’d Love to Hear From You If

• You have an Associate’s Degree or completed a two-year technical school program; relevant experience or training will also be considered.
• You have strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• You are comfortable learning and working with specialized software and technical systems.
• You can analyze technical data and make informed decisions that directly impact customer compliance and print quality.
• You have strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
• You are comfortable researching and troubleshooting technical issues.
• You have strong attention to detail and can accurately maintain databases, specifications, measurements, and technical records.
• You are organized and capable of managing multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines.
• You are a self-starter who can work effectively with minimal supervision.
• You can communicate and collaborate effectively across Graphics, Ink, Production, and other departments.
• You are interested in continuous improvement and developing your technical knowledge within graphics, color management, ink, and printing operations.

Benefits

At TOPPAN Packaging Americas, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package designed to support overall wellbeing. Benefits may vary based on location, employment classification, or collective bargaining agreement and may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, including FSA and HSA options
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Employee Assistance Program and wellbeing resources
• Paid time off and holidays
• Company-paid and voluntary insurance plans including life, accident, and disability coverage
• Tuition reimbursement

Equal Opportunity Employer

TOPPAN Packaging Americas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

We are committed to providing a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and able to contribute to their fullest potential. Reasonable accommodations are available throughout the application and employment processes. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please contact us.