Summary
Marcom is the creatively-led global team that oversees Apple’s consumer facing marketing. We ensure the flawless development and execution of world-class communications across all medias and platforms. Every day, hundreds of millions of Apple customers around the world interact with our products. We drive the strategy and creative work that provide both new and existing customers with simple, engaging and inspiring marketing experiences.
The Marcom Packaging R&D Print Specialist assists the Marcom Packaging team through managing the print lab operations, and conducting lab tests on a range of print related lab equipment. This role also assists the team’s Print Experts in organizing print test samples and related documentation, reviewing test reports, organizing color and press sheet reviews, and has the opportunity to manage R&D projects to meet deadlines and deliverables.
Job Description
- Create, update and/or validate print lab procedures, while keeping lab equipment maintenance and calibrations up to date to ensure performance standards are met. Perform routine cleaning and preventive maintenance on all equipment. Reach out and partner with equipment vendors as needed.
- Plan and maintain supply needs for lab materials and consumables. Monitor shelf life of inks and additives, viscosity, filtration, and ink mixing equipment operation to ensure readiness for use.
- Operate print lab equipment following existing standard operating procedures (SOPs), and/or assist in developing and documenting new SOPs, for lab tests and equipment. Ability to design and organize testing of new materials.
- Conduct lab tests precisely to SOP specifications, and capture, organize and report lab test results accurately and concisely. Catalogue print test samples and documents.
- Assist in the production of Proof Of Concept test matrices, test methods, print test forms (using Adobe CC) and print and material specification documents for new print and material development.
- Practice extreme attention to detail to cross-reference all assets against the final mechanicals per the checklist, and confirm that all print layers match specifications. Review and sign off on supplier PDFs and press sheets.
- Conduct measurements on trial press sheets and compile results. Review vendor test reports with Marcom Print Experts.
- Organize and effectively present sample reviews to diverse audiences of Marcom teams and cross functional partners; produce and distribute meeting summaries.
- Participate in R&D projects and work with cross-functional teams to meet deadlines and deliverables. Assist in documenting best practices and SOPs of workflow processes for both internal and external partners.
- Conduct early morning and late evening calls with counterparts in Europe and Asia.
- Work with the finance team to set up new vendors, process PO requests and vendor invoices.
Key Qualifications
- BA/BS degree in Packaging, Printing, Graphic Communications, or equivalent.
- 7+ years of relevant experience in print production, laboratories, or raw material manufacturers. Experience in consumer electronics and/or premium consumer goods packaging and labeling preferred.
- Able to understand and interpret complex processes, while asking relevant questions to successfully execute tasks. Ability to follow SOPs and deliver reliable, repeatable results; meticulous attention to detail a must.
- Must have exceptional organizational, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills to concisely and effectively communicate test processes and details of test outcomes to diverse audiences.
- Motivated self-starter able to focus and successfully complete tasks while juggling multiple projects with shifting priorities. Collaborative “team-player” who is positive, engaged, responsible and has a strong work ethic. Trustworthy in a confidential environment and supportive of company values.
- Manages time effectively and accountable for self scheduling. Flexible during high-volume periods (some longer or late hours). Experience working with overseas manufacturing and other partners is a plus.
- Working knowledge of print processes: offset, flexography, gravure, and/or digital printing, and print materials: inks, varnishes, foils or adhesives, is preferred.
- Experience with color measurement instrumentation, such as Konica Minolta or X-Rite spectrophotometers, and gloss meters.
- Proficiency with Mac applications, Microsoft Office Suite, database software, and Adobe Creative Cloud apps including Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign. Experience with statistical and data analysis tools is preferred.
