Silkscreen / Finish shop operator

Job Description
Because of the need for consistent, in-person collaboration and/or the requirement to perform all work onsite due to the nature of this particular role, it will be performed full-time on site. This means work will be conducted on location at a BAE Systems facility 100% of the time.
This is a first shift position on a 4/10 shift working Monday-Thursday-5am start time.

Our employees work on the world’s most advanced electronics. At Electronic Systems, you’ll be among the brightest minds, working on the aerospace and defense industry’s most difficult problems. Drawing strength from our differences, we’re innovating for the future. And you can, too. We put our customers first – exemplified by our missions: “We Protect Those Who Protect Us®” and “We Innovate For Those Who Move The World™.” Sound like a team you want to be a part of? Come build your career with BAE Systems.

The Silkscreen Technician is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining screen‑printing equipment to produce high‑quality printed graphics on a variety of substrates (metal, fiberglass, carbon fiber, etc.). The role blends technical skill, attention to detail, and an eye for color and registration to ensure each run meets customer specifications, quality standards, and production schedules.

Key Responsibilities
Pre‑Production & Setup
• Review job orders, artwork files, and client specifications (colors, size, placement, substrate).
• Prepare screens: coat with emulsion, expose using UV light, wash out images, and inspect for pinholes.
• Select and stretch appropriate mesh count for each job.
• Register screens accurately using registration marks or alignment tools.
Ink & Material Management
• Mix custom inks to match client‑specified colors, maintaining consistent viscosity.
• Store inks, solvents, and cleaning chemicals safely and label them per OSHA/site standards.
• Track inventory of screens, squeegees, substrates, and consumables; request re‑orders as needed.
Printing Operations
• Load substrates onto the press (manual).
• Adjust squeegee pressure, angle, and speed for optimal ink transfer.
• Perform multi‑color prints, ensuring precise registration for each pass.
• Conduct test prints, make adjustments, and obtain approval before full run.
Quality Control
• Inspect prints for color fidelity, registration, ink density, and defects (smudges, streaks, ghosting).
Post‑Production
• Cure or dry prints using ovens or air‑dry methods as required.
• Clean screens, squeegees, and press components after each job.
Safety & Housekeeping
• Follow all safety protocols (PPE, ventilation, proper chemical handling).
• Maintain a clean, organized work area; dispose of waste according to environmental regulations.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills
Experience
• 1–3 years of hands‑on screen‑printing experience (commercial, apparel, or fine‑art).
• Familiarity with manual screen‑printing presses
Technical Skills
• Proficient in screen preparation (emulsion coating, exposure, washing).
• Ability to mix and match epoxy inks (solvent‑based).
• Knowledge of color theory and registration techniques.
Education
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate’s degree or certification in graphic arts, printing technology, or related field is a plus.
Physical Requirements
• Ability to stand for long periods, lift up to 50 lb, and perform repetitive motions.
• Good hand‑eye coordination and visual acuity for detailed inspection.
• No known sensitivity or allergy to thinners, solvents, or epoxy‑ink fumes.
Software
• Basic proficiency with graphic‑design file formats (AI, EPS, PDF) and RIP software is advantageous.
• Basic proficiency with MS office suite (Outlook, Word, Excel) is required.
Safety Awareness
• Understanding of OSHA regulations, MSDS, and proper PPE usage.



Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Problem‑Solver: Quickly identifies print defects and implements corrective actions.
• Detail‑Oriented: Maintains tight tolerances for registration and color consistency.
• Team Player: Communicates effectively with cross‑functional teams and supports a collaborative environment.
• Adaptable: Comfortable handling a variety of substrates and switching between short‑run custom jobs and high‑volume production.
• Continuous Learner: Stays current with new inks, screens, and printing technologies.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $45320 - $72490

Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.

Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.


About BAE Systems Electronic Systems
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it’s what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts – defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team—making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you’ll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference. Electronic Systems (ES) is the global innovator behind BAE Systems’ game-changing defense and commercial electronics. Exploiting every electron, we push the limits of what is possible, giving our customers the edge and our employees opportunities to change the world. Our products and capabilities can be found everywhere – from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of space. At our core are more than 14,000 highly talented Electronic Systems employees with the brightest minds in the industry, we make an impact – for our customers and the communities we serve.

This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.