Pre-Production/Pre-Press Specialist
About The Position
Sir Speedy Longwood is looking for a detail-oriented and experienced Prepress Specialist to join our production team. This position plays a critical role in ensuring customer artwork is properly prepared, accurate, and production-ready before it reaches our printing and finishing equipment. Our ideal candidate understands both small-format commercial printing and large-format/sign production. This person should be comfortable reviewing customer-supplied files, identifying potential production issues, making necessary corrections, and preparing artwork according to the requirements of different printing and finishing processes. We operate in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment where quality, communication, and meeting deadlines matter.
Requirements
- Previous prepress, print production, graphic production, or related experience.
- Working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Acrobat.
- Strong understanding of CMYK, RGB, PMS/spot colors, resolution, raster vs. vector artwork, fonts, bleeds, and print specifications.
- Experience preparing files for commercial digital printing.
- Experience preparing files for wide-format printing and signage.
- Strong computer skills and the ability to learn new software and production equipment.
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to catch errors before they become production problems.
- Ability to prioritize multiple jobs and work effectively in a deadline-driven environment.
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
Nice To Haves
- Familiarity with RIP software, digital print workflows, or Fiery Command WorkStation is a plus.
- Understanding of contour cutting, routing, white ink, variable data, imposition, and finishing processes is a plus.
Responsibilities
- Review incoming customer artwork for print readiness and production accuracy.
- Preflight and prepare files for both small-format and large-format production.
- Check and correct bleeds, margins, resolution, color modes, fonts, transparencies, image quality, page sizes, and other file-related issues.
- Prepare files for digital printing, including business cards, brochures, postcards, booklets, flyers, forms, envelopes, and other commercial print products.
- Prepare large-format files for banners, yard signs, posters, window graphics, wall graphics, rigid signage, decals, and similar applications.
- Set up files with appropriate bleeds, cut paths, contour cuts, white ink layers, registration marks, and finishing requirements when applicable.
- Create efficient print layouts, nesting, impositions, and gang-ups to maximize material usage and production efficiency.
- Prepare files for cutting, routing, laminating, mounting, folding, scoring, binding, and other finishing processes.
- Make minor artwork adjustments and production-related corrections when necessary.
- Communicate clearly with Customer Service and Production when artwork, specifications, or job instructions require clarification.
- Identify potential production problems before a job reaches the press, reducing waste, reprints, and delays.
- Review proofs and job specifications for accuracy before releasing files into production.
- Maintain organized digital files and follow established file-naming and workflow procedures.
- Assist with quality control throughout the production process.
- Support production during high-volume periods and assist with other duties as needed.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient workspace.
Benefits
- Health and dental benefits for eligible employees (subject to elegibility)
- 401(k) benefits for eligible employees
- Paid training and opportunities to learn additional equipment and production processes
- Opportunities for professional growth as our company continues to expand
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
