A printer is configured to manage a signal-to-noise ratio of a signal produced by a sensor scanning a print test pattern. The print test pattern is printed while controlling ink density printed by each of one or more pens. Each ink density is selected so that the signal-to-noise ratio exceeds a threshold as the print test pattern is scanned. Pens within the printer are aligned or otherwise maintained by adjusting nozzle firings as indicated by data obtained from the signal during the scanning.