Prepress Operator

About This Role

The Prepress Operator ensures all art and files for various printing methods are accurately formatted, content-correct, and color-matched to client specifications. This position requires strong communication skills, meticulous attention to detail, and a comprehensive understanding of both offset and digital printing processes.

Responsibilities

• Communicate effectively with Sales and Account Management team members
• Prepare customer files for size, image resolution, bleeds, overprints, font issues, and color breaks
• Maintain quality control during all prepress processes, reading and understanding work instructions, proper documentation, and procedures
• Verify provided artwork will reproduce to customer expectations
• Maintain a workflow schedule and communicate status regularly to internal customers
• 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
• Respond to concerns from sales and production regarding client expectations, alterations, or suggestions
• 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
• Communicate with production to understand printing capabilities
• Meet productivity and quality standards by completing work in a timely and accurate manner
• Work overtime as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Five plus years of experience in an electronic pre-press environment
• 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
• Extensive skills with Adobe Creative Suite applications used for print production
• Ability to communicate and understand basic written and verbal instructions
• Ability to use problem-solving skills in producing jobs effectively

Nice to have:

• Vocational/technical school or college degree in electronic pre-press
• Five plus years of experience working in printing or manufacturing
• Image retouching and color correction knowledge