Prepress Operator

Position Summary

This position will be part of the production team and will help to execute packaging artworks. All artwork executions are coordinated to maintain the integrity of the approved designs and themes. The pre-press position provides preparation and application of printer’s technical specifications to pre-media packaging graphics files maintaining the highest level of quality and workmanship. Work is typically performed under minimal daily supervision, receiving guidance from manager/supervisor about the work that needs to be completed.

Essential Responsibilities, Accountabilities & Results

• Ability to read, understand and follow work instructions, specifications, workflow diagrams and SOPs
• Responsible for ensuring that all artworks are saved in designated file locations on the server with the appropriate document control file naming specifications
• Participate in process improvement efforts and various production meetings to foster a positive creative impact on the business.
• Provide direction, support and mentorship to pre-press team

Pre-flight and Organization of Incoming Jobs

• Check customer supplied files when starting a new job, and compare it to the supplied hard copy for any differences and size conformity
• Ensure that job instructions are aligned to artwork supplied and/or referenced
• Verify colors used and check the resolution of any CT’s

Trapping & Assembly

• Receive product definitions from sales, project managers or production managers
• Manipulate files to match customer specs
• Creates traps, holdbacks, overprints, knockouts, minimum type and line thickness accordingly based on specifications for different types of printing and client requirements to ensure customer jobs print properly
• Add appropriate color control marks for graphics process control, printer registration marks and ID marks to all press ready files
• Step, repeat, and apply distortion and cutbacks when applicable
• Files must be organized to follow defined job folder and server structure and properly prepared for achieving upon completion of project
• Output proofs as needed for internal checks and as specified on the order for customer review and approval

Completed Job Quality Control Check

• Check job to ensure basic mark positions, correct including centers, corner trims, screen scales, punch marks, job name, color designations, and job data / labels if applicable
• Ensuring the accuracy of the final data deliverable such as, but not limited to, PDF, TIFF, stepped LEN files, FTP upload and CD upload
• Ensuring common separations are respected
• Measures job trim to trim to calculate length and width and any distortion
• Responsible for ensuring that all required checklist(s) are completed accordingly and in full, with any errors found subsequently corrected
• Flag any errors or deviations from standard work procedures to the Production Manager/Supervisor

Competency Requirements

• Must be able to work with various graphic design and layout software applications commonly used on Mac's and PC's
• Good understanding of digital file formats (pdf, tiff, eps) from different operating systems (Mac and PC) is required
• Basic color management skills and the ability to work with different digital formats are required
• Must have the ability to output digital files to various output devices; must have the ability to continue to learn and use new graphics software on an ongoing basis
• Must have an understanding of print processes and how one color affects another

Educational & Experience Minimum Requirements

This position requires the following knowledge and skills:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent. Some College/Associate’s Degree preferred
• 1-3 years of work in a printing environment preferred
• Full comprehension in reading work instructions and business memos.
• Able to effectively communicate through writing of business letters, expositions, summaries, and reports, using prescribed form and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style.
• Proofreading skills required.
• Ability to work independently after initial training.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The following physical requirements are commonly performed in this job. There are times, on occasion, when the employee may be asked or expected to perform duties with physical requirements that are different from those listed here. It is the employee’s duty to notify the management of any physical limitations or inability to perform a certain task.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear.
• This position requires periodic standing, walking, bending.
• The employee may occasionally lift or move items up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

This is a remote position in the US. We are open to candidates in various states, with the exception of those residing in the following: AK, DC, DE, ME, NH, NM, OK, HI, MS, MT, NV, NE, ND, SD, UT, VT, WY, WA, WV

Job Type: Temporary

Pay: $25.00 - $35.00 per hour

Work Location: Remote