Platemaker (56582)

MILL ROCK PACKAGING•Salt Lake City, UT

11d•$20 - $22•Onsite

About The Position

Mill Rock Packaging (MRP) is a growing U.S.-based packaging company and a market leader in designing, engineering, and producing high-end, sustainable, and customized graphic paperboard, folding carton, and commercial printing products. We serve customers across industries like food and beverage, technology, health and beauty, pharmaceuticals, and more. Our culture is built on five core behaviors that guide everything we do: Lead with Safety – We put people first, always. Build Trust – We keep our promises and act with integrity. Innovate and Be Resilient – We embrace challenges and create solutions that raise the bar. Include and Collaborate – We believe diverse perspectives make us stronger. Raise the Bar – We strive for excellence in every detail. If you’re looking for a place where these values aren’t just words but actions, you’ll feel right at home here. MRP is searching for a passionate and agile Level 1 Platemaker who considers themselves a problem-solver and is excited by challenges and the opportunity to build something great with us. This role creates offset plates according to job specifications and established procedures using platemaking, testing, and computer equipment. This position supports both internal and external customers and is responsible for inspecting plates to ensure they meet specifications and identifying imperfections. This position utilizes Adobe and Esko products, including Plato, to support prepress workflows and integrate with internal systems. The role requires comfort with technology, strong attention to detail, and the ability to follow established quality and safety procedures. The position is considered a Prepress Technician/Platemaker role with primary responsibility for supporting the plate-making process, maintaining accurate production records, and collaborating with prepress and production teams to meet job requirements and deadlines.

Requirements

Associate degree in graphic arts, printing technology, or equivalent work experience preferred.
Minimum five years of experience in a print shop prepress environment preferred.
Skilled use of both Apple and PC computers.
Ability to read and interpret job tickets, work orders, and production schedules.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality standards.
Ability to distinguish colors and identify print defects.
Good organizational and time-management skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 25–50 pounds, as needed.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (up to 8–12 hours per shift).
Regularly lift and move materials up to 25 lbs. and up to 50 lbs occasionally.
Frequent use of hands and fingers to handle printing plates, tools and equipment controls. arms for machine operation and material handling.
Ability to visually inspect printing plates and artwork for defects, requiring close vision, color differentiation and attention to detail.
Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to moving machinery, ink, solvents, dust, and varying noise levels.
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) and comply with all safety procedures.
Manual dexterity sufficient to load, unload, handle and organize printing plates and related materials.

Nice To Haves

Esko DeskPack experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Prepare plates for offset printing based on job specifications and production schedule.
Perform digital platemaking and prepress functions following all required quality and safety procedures.
Maintain production records according to required protocols.
Clean processing equipment and maintain supply inventory for plate production.
Evaluate page layout accounting for folds, trims, bleeds, and gripper; add crop marks and color bars as necessary.
Set up files using design and layout software, including Esko and Plato.
Maintain, archive, and retrieve data files from department servers.
Operate prepress department equipment, including PC and Apple computers.
Screen laser plate-making plate-setter and Epson proofers.
Set up CAD cutter and output, strip and inspect coating blankets according to job specifications and production schedule.
Use computer-to plate (CTP) technology to transfer images onto printing plates.
Inspect plates for accuracy and quality as well as inspecting both physical and digital imposition proofs for accuracy.
Keep accurate records of jobs processed.
Collaborate with prepress and production teams to meet deadlines and job requirements.
Adhere to workplace safety guidelines and maintain a clean and organized work environment.
Resolve problems quickly on delayed projects.
Troubleshoot and resolve equipment issues engaging internal and external support as needed to resolve the problem.
Monitor levels and conditions of processing chemicals for optimal processing.
Monitor inventory levels of plates, chemistry and all other materials necessary for plate production.
Attend ongoing prepress, quality and safety education classes.
Initiate action to prevent problems, documents quality problems, contribute solutions to problems, and verify implementation of solutions.
Performs other duties as assigned