Prepress Technician

Prepress TechnicianWhen you join Smurfit Westrock, you will be joining a team that creates sustainable paper and packaging solutions that help move the world forward. As a Prepress Technician, you will be responsible for preparing, inspecting, and processing electronic artwork files for high-resolution print production. This role plays a critical part in ensuring files meet quality standards through color correction, trapping, retouching, proofing, and output preparation. You will help maintain prepress equipment, monitor calibration, and support efficient workflow processes to deliver exceptional print quality.How You Will Make an ImpactPrepare and preflight electronic files for print production.Perform file assembly, color correction, retouching, trapping, and imposition.Review and inspect proofs to ensure quality and customer specifications are met.Output files and verify accuracy before release to production.Ensure all work meets department quality standards.Organize completed work for the next stage of production.Monitor equipment calibration and make adjustments as needed.Perform routine maintenance on prepress equipment.Load materials into output devices and maintain equipment performance.Follow department procedures, quality standards, and safety requirements.Support continuous improvement efforts and other duties as assigned.What You Need to SucceedMinimum 2 years of prepress or print production experience.Strong Adobe Creative Cloud (CC) skills.Strong color correction and quality inspection abilities.Basic computer skills, including email and Microsoft Office applications.Ability to read and interpret work instructions, safety procedures, and technical documents.Basic math skills.Strong communication and organizational skills.Reliable attendance and ability to work overtime as needed.Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.Experience in commercial printing, packaging, or graphic arts production.Experience with Automation Engine (Esko) or similar workflow software.Knowledge of print production processes, color management, and file preparation.Experience operating prepress output equipment and proofing systems.Safety RequirementsAbility to wear required PPE, including safety glasses, hearing protection, safety shoes, gloves, hard hats, and task-specific protective equipment.Commitment to workplace safety and compliance with company policies and procedures.Ability to identify hazards and follow the STOP Work process when necessary.Completion of required safety and job-related training.Physical RequirementsAbility to sit, stand, walk, hear, speak, and use hands throughout the workday.Frequent use of hands and fingers for computer and equipment operation.Ability to occasionally bend, stoop, squat, reach, push, and pull.Ability to lift up to 25 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally.Close attention to detail and strong visual acuity, including color differentiation.Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with moderate to loud noise levels.The starting rate is $24 per hour, depending on your role, level, and location. The benefits for this role may include short-term bonus incentive, health, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and paid sick leave as required by applicable state/local law, 10 days of paid vacation, and 11 days of paid holidays, subject to annual change. Your actual pay will be based on your work location and other factors, such as your skills, experience, and education. To learn more about the specific salary range for your preferred location, please contact your recruiter during the hiring process. You may apply online at and the application window is expected to close by 1/4/2027Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.