Prepress Operator

Job Summary:

Under the direction of the Prepress Supervisor, the Pre-Press Specialist troubleshoots processes and sets up the imposition of digital files from customers for printing.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Conducts pre-flight and advanced troubleshooting of customer-supplied digital files for fonts, images, color, and printability.

• Ensure all files meet requirements for the intended print and finishing, including traps, overprints, knockouts, and imposition needs.

• Know when to escalate issues to ensure uninterrupted production.

• Complete and maintain all paperwork and logs with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.

• A strong understanding of screening, plate, curves, dot gain, color management, and calibration is needed.

• A strong understanding of printing and manufacturing processes, including imposition, trapping, overprinting, paper characteristics, ink densities, ghosting, lips, foil stamping, embossing, and die cutting.

• This position also requires knowledge of all aspects of Electronic Pre-press and Platemaking, including digital file formats.

• Keeping current with changes and developments in computer hardware and software, printing, and graphic design technology

• Read and understand the Job “Work Order” for instructions and specifications specific to the manufacturing of a job. Produce all jobs according to the specifications and instructions within the Work Order

• Complete production time-keeping records (Data Collection) via Pace, inclusive of logging time against the proper activity codes, quantity produced, and materials where applicable.

• Assemble proofs for print jobs per instructions for customer approval.

• Operate computer to-plate equipment to image offset printing plates from digital files

• Inspect proofs and plates for quality and accuracy.

• Coordinate plate output to meet pressroom schedules.

• Prepress workflow building and troubleshooting experience.

• Perform routine maintenance on proofing and plate-making equipment.

• Perform color adjustments to image files.

• Must be willing and able to work planned and unplanned overtime to meet department workload and demands.

• All associates share the responsibility to maintain a safe, productive, and respectful workplace.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

RECRUITMENT TIP: APPLICANT MUST HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH KODAK PRINERGY WORKFLOW OR HAVE 4 YEARS OF PRINTING EXPERIENCE

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as work orders, safety rules, operating SOP’s, and policy manuals.

• The ability to prepare routine reports and correspondence.

• The ability to communicate effectively with other departments.

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

Education and Experience:

· High School Diploma or GED preferred.