Prepress Tech

Job Title: Prepress Operator

The Prepress Operator ensures the format, content, and color of all files for offset and digital printing. The position requires great communication skills, keen attention to detail, and a strong understanding of the offset and digital printing process.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Communicate effectively with Sales and Account Management team members
• Preflight customer's files for: size, image resolution, bleeds, overprints, font issues, and color breaks
• Verify provided artwork will reproduce to customer expectations
• Process and build files for production
• Determine and create page layouts, while accounting for folds, trims, and die cuts as necessary
• Work with various graphic design and layout software applications commonly used on Mac OS
• Perform quality checks on finished hard and PDF proofs before releasing to manufacturing
• Output digital files to various output devices
• Operate CTP plate making equipment to prepare plates for press
• Perform maintenance to department equipment
• Contribute to safety goals by maintaining a clean, clutter-free workplace, report potentially unsafe conditions and ensure that the department meets and exceeds safety requirements
• Meet productivity and quality standards by completing work in timely and accurate manner
• Work overtime as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Mandatory Qualifications:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
• Basic computer skills including email, basic mouse, keyboard and menu navigation
• Basic math skills including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and measurement
• Basic color management skills with the ability to work in different digital file formats
• 3+ years of experience in an electronic pre-press environment
• Extensive skills with Adobe Creative Suite applications used for print production (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat)
• Ability to communicate/understand basic written and verbal instructions including read planning notes / layouts to produce imposed files
• Demonstrated ability to use problem-solving skills in producing jobs effectively

Preferred Qualifications:

• 3+ years of experience working in printing or manufacturing
• 3+ years of experience with Color Management
• Extensive skills with Apogee, Metrix, Phoenix
• Ability to continue to learn and use new graphics software on an ongoing basis
• Vocational/technical school or college degree in electronic prepress and/or equivalent experience
• Extensive knowledge and demonstrated skills in all production processes related to electronic pre-press activities, including software, hardware, equipment, and materials
• Apogee, Metrix, and Pitstop software knowledge
• Image retouching and color correction knowledge

Physical Requirements:

• Frequent reaching, bending, climbing, kneeling, crouching, and stooping
• Frequent standing for prolonged periods of time
• Frequent walking
• Ability to lift, pull, push up to 40 pounds
• Ability to visually inspect all work for defects
• Manual dexterity for repetitive work

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Pay is negotiable based on experience.