Printing Plate Maker

Standard Printing Company of Canton • Canton, OH

12h • $18 - $20 • Onsite

About The Position

Standard Printing Company is seeking a detail-oriented Plate Maker to join its Prepress team. The Plate Maker operates the Magnus VLF computer-to-plate (CTP) imaging system and Kodak automatic plate processor to produce printing plates according to customer and job specifications. The role supports pressroom quality by producing accurate plates, maintaining production schedules and quality standards, and keeping equipment properly maintained and supplied.

This is a full-time, third-shift position with a schedule of 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM. The work takes place in a prepress and plate room environment and may involve exposure to plate-processing chemical odors. PPE is required when handling processor chemistry.

Standard Printing Company is an established offset and digital commercial printer that has operated since 1923. The company describes its values as customer advocacy, operational excellence, integrity, transparency, tradition, and progress. Compensation is competitive based on experience, with a $2,000 hiring bonus. Medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) with company match are available from the first day of employment. The company also offers ongoing training and career advancement opportunities.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1–2 years of recent, dependable work experience.
• Computer proficiency for operating CTP imaging software and workflow systems.
• Precision measurement and quality-inspection skills.
• Basic mechanical aptitude for routine equipment maintenance.
• Ability to read and interpret job tickets and prepress specifications.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain quality standards under deadline pressure.
• Ability to prioritize work and adapt to rapidly changing production demands.
• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• PPE, including gloves and safety glasses, is required when handling processor chemistry.

Nice To Haves

• Printing or prepress experience.
• Understanding of CTP imaging workflows and thermal plate technology.

Responsibilities

• Read and interpret job ticket instructions to determine plate specifications and job requirements.
• Set up and operate the Magnus VLF CTP imaging system to expose plates according to job specifications.
• Run exposed plates through the Kodak automatic plate processor and monitor developer and dryer conditions according to manufacturer specifications.
• Measure and verify plate registration, punch, and dimensions against job ticket requirements.
• Inspect processed plates for image quality and exposure accuracy; reimage or reject plates that do not meet quality standards.
• Ensure the correct plate material and consumables, including developer, gum, and punch templates, are available for each job.
• Perform daily, weekly, and monthly preventive maintenance on the VLF imager and plate processor according to manufacturer schedules.
• Maintain adequate inventory of plates and processing consumables and reorder as needed.
• Maintain accurate production records, including plate counts, job tickets, and processor chemistry logs.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, including proper handling and disposal of plate-processing chemistry.
• Perform other prepress duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive wages based on experience.
• $2,000 hiring bonus.
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits available from the first day of employment.
• 401(k) with company match, available from the first day of employment.
• Ongoing training and career advancement opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED