Preparing and processing customer artwork and production files for flexographic label printing is the core of this role. The Prepress Operator ensures all digital files meet customer specifications and company production requirements before platemaking and printing, performing various prepress functions.
Responsibilities
Review customer artwork, specifications, purchase orders, and job instructions to become familiar with project requirements
Examine incoming artwork and production files for completeness, accuracy, and compatibility with flexographic printing processes
Prepare and modify artwork using appropriate graphic design and prepress software, including Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Acrobat, and other company-approved software
Verify document dimensions, bleeds, dyelines, barcodes, fonts, images, resolutions, and other graphic elements to ensure compliance with customer and production requirements
Review and prepare color separations, including process and spot colors, Pantone colors, and specialty inks, as required
Perform appropriate trapping and chokes/spreads to compensate for flexographic printing requirements and prevent registration issues
Prepare step-and-repeat layouts based on press specifications, repeat dimensions, web width, die size, and production requirements
Ensure artwork is properly positioned in relation to dies, print cylinders/plates, seams, perforations, varnishes, foils, adhesives, and other finishing requirements
Check and adjust image resolution, line weights, overprints, knockouts, transparencies, gradients, and other technical elements to ensure proper reproduction
Review barcodes and variable information for accuracy, readability, and compliance with applicable customer requirements
Create and review proofs for internal approval and/or customer approval
Make revisions as necessary based on customer feedback or production requirements
Communicate with Customer Service, Sales, Production, Quality, and other departments regarding artwork issues, technical requirements, revisions, and job specifications
Identify potential production problems before files are released to platemaking or printing and recommend appropriate solutions
Prepare final, production-ready files for digital plate production or other approved platemaking processes
Ensure files are properly named, organized, archived, and stored according to company procedures and job requirements
Maintain accurate job records and document revisions, approvals, and production information in the company's computerized printing management or workflow system
Perform quality checks at all stages of prepress preparation to ensure the final files accurately reflect customer specifications and company standards
Millions of jobs, with real people getting hired every day
200,000+
New jobs added daily
7,000,000+
Verified job listings
1,000,000+
Tailored applications submitted
Assist with troubleshooting artwork and prepress-related issues that may affect print quality, registration, color, or finishing
Maintain knowledge of flexographic printing processes, substrates, inks, anilox requirements, plate technology, color management, and other factors affecting label reproduction
Participate in continuous improvement activities to improve prepress workflow, quality, productivity, and overall production efficiency
Maintain department equipment, software, and work areas as directed by the Prepress Manager
Follow all company safety policies, quality procedures, GMP requirements, and applicable regulatory requirements
Understand and carry out the responsibilities of the company's Food Safety Program and complete assigned tasks to ensure compliance with applicable food safety requirements
Perform other duties as assigned by the Prepress Manager or other authorized management personnel
Requirements
High school diploma or equivalent required
Technical, graphic arts, printing, or prepress education preferred
Previous experience in prepress, flexographic printing, label production, graphic arts, or a related field preferred
Experience with flexographic label production and digital prepress workflows is highly desirable
Working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Acrobat, and other relevant prepress software
Knowledge of flexographic printing processes and requirements
Understanding of color separation, trapping, overprinting, knockouts, spot colors, process colors, and Pantone color systems
Knowledge of step-and-repeat and imposition principles
Understanding of dyelines, bleeds, cutbacks, registration, print direction, repeat dimensions, and label finishing requirements
Ability to identify and correct artwork issues that could negatively affect print quality
Knowledge of barcode requirements and basic barcode verification principles
Ability to read and interpret customer artwork, specifications, proofs, job tickets, and production instructions
Ability to communicate effectively with customers and internal departments regarding artwork and technical requirements
Ability to clearly document changes, corrections, and job requirements
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced production environment and manage multiple jobs and deadlines
