Prepress Operator

The Imagine Group•Charlotte, NC

1d•$22 - $30

About The Position

The Prepress Operator ensures artwork and files for offset, digital, screen, and dye sublimation printing meet client technical specifications for format, content, and color. The role requires effective communication, attention to detail, and an understanding of offset and digital printing processes. The operator prepares and processes files for production, creates page layouts, performs quality checks on proofs, and outputs digital files to production devices. They coordinate with Sales, Account Management, and production teams, maintain workflow schedules, and help ensure work meets customer expectations, quality standards, and safety requirements. The position may include operating CTP plate-making equipment and maintaining department equipment. Overtime may be required.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Five or more years of experience in an electronic pre-press environment, or a bachelor's degree in Graphic Communications, Graphic Design, or Printing Technology.
Basic computer skills, including email, mouse and keyboard use, and menu navigation.
Basic math skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and measurement.
Basic color-management skills and ability to work with different digital file formats.
Extensive skills with Adobe Creative Suite applications used for print production.
Ability to communicate and understand basic written and verbal instructions.
Ability to use problem-solving skills to produce jobs effectively.
Ability to visually inspect work for defects.
Manual dexterity for repetitive work.
Ability to lift, pull, and push up to 40 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Vocational or technical school education or a college degree in electronic pre-press.
Five or more years of experience working in printing or manufacturing.
Knowledge of image retouching and color correction.
In-depth understanding of dye sublimation printing processes and materials, including color-management and file-preparation best practices.
Experience with large-format printers and other machinery used in dye sublimation.
Understanding of print finishing processes, such as heat pressing and transfer methods.

Responsibilities

Communicate effectively with Sales and Account Management team members.
Prepare customer files by checking size, image resolution, bleeds, overprints, font issues, and color breaks.
Maintain quality control during prepress processes, follow work instructions and procedures, and complete proper documentation.
Verify that supplied artwork will reproduce according to customer expectations.
Maintain a workflow schedule and regularly communicate status to internal customers.
Process and build files for production.
Determine and create page layouts while accounting for folds, trims, and die cuts as necessary.
Use graphic design and layout software applications commonly used on Mac OS.
Perform quality checks on finished hard and PDF proofs before releasing them to manufacturing.
Output digital files to various output devices.
Respond to concerns from sales and production personnel regarding client expectations, alterations, or suggestions.
Maintain a clean, clutter-free workplace, report potentially unsafe conditions, and help the department meet safety requirements.
Communicate with production to understand printing capabilities.
Meet productivity and quality standards by completing work accurately and on time.
May operate CTP plate-making equipment to prepare plates for press.
May perform maintenance on department equipment.
Work overtime as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.