Graphics Prepress Technician

About the Role

We are looking for a highly meticulous, detail-oriented Prepress Specialist to join our team. In this role, your primary focus will be prepress production and technical file preparation primarily for vehicle wraps and basic signage.

You will act as the final line of defense to ensure artwork, layouts, and files are technically flawless according to project specs, making sure they are print-ready, and set up for successful production and installation.

In this role, prepress isn't an isolated desk job. To succeed, you’ll participate in hands-on cross-training across all areas of production - from digital press operations to physical finishing and graphics/vinyl installation. We believe the best prepress designers think with the entire workflow in mind: understanding why a file is set up a certain way because you have physically handled the materials, cut the signs, or wrapped the vehicles yourself.

We value curiosity and proactive thinking over strict step-by-step rigid instruction. The ideal candidate isn't afraid to ask thoughtful questions to clarify intent, but also possesses the practical judgment to navigate gray areas, adapt on the fly, and figure out the best path forward without needing an exact blueprint for every situation.

You Are the Right Fit If:

• You can switch gears seamlessly: You can pick up and drop a complex task on a whim, without missing a single detail when jumping back in.
• You put the customer first with a positive attitude: You have a friendly, fun-first attitude and deeply understand that our ultimate goal is to care for and serve the customer.
• You enjoy both dynamic work and focused desk time: You love variety in your workday, but are equally comfortable sitting at a desk for hours at a time when deep focus is needed.
• You are relentless about accuracy: You excel at checking, double-checking, and triple-checking information before giving final confirmation.
• You are analytical, but not rigid: You analyze project data, specs, and files with a critical eye, while keeping the flexibility to solve real-world problems in practical ways.

Key Responsibilities

• File Inspection & Preflight: Review, inspect, and troubleshoot incoming digital artwork files for proper resolution, color (CMYK/Pantone), bleed, outlines, and job information for production/install.
• Prepress Production & Layout: Prepare or edit accurate, print-ready files and digital proofs. Perform file corrections, and layout adjustments as needed.
• Cross-Functional & Hands-On Production: Participate in cross-training across shop operations (finishing, printing, vinyl application, installation). Apply hands-on experience to preflight decisions, balancing role specific efficiency with real-world handling and installation practicalities.
• Quality Assurance & Issue Identification: Serve as the final gatekeeper for project accuracy. Actively spot errors or inconsistencies in customer files and communicate them before files move to production.
• Customer & Team Communication: Direct contact with customers via phone and email to discuss file issues, request revisions, clarify specifications, and provide clear proofing guidance.
• Multi-Tasking & Workflow Management: Manage and prioritize multiple custom prepress jobs simultaneously across tight deadlines and changing schedules.

Qualifications & Skills

• Prepress & Print Knowledge: Strong understanding of prepress workflows, print production processes, color management, and file standards (PDF/X, CMYK vs. RGB).
• Holistic Workflow Mindset: Ability to evaluate prepress tasks with the end-to-end production process in mind, anticipating downstream needs (cutting, weeding, laminating, installation) to prevent issues on the shop floor.
• Willingness to Get Hands-On: Eager to learn, assist, and train directly on production equipment and installation processes to gain full context on how prepress setups impact physical execution.
• Practical Problem-Solving & Resourcefulness: Strong critical thinking skills with the ability to assess a situation, use practical judgment, and make sound decisions independently rather than relying on rigid, literal instructions.
• Proactive & Inquisitive: Comfortable asking clarifying questions when needed to ensure quality, while remaining flexible, open-minded, and adaptable when instructions don't fit a standard mold.
• Technical Proficiency: Strong computer skills and comfort navigating design software (e.g., FlexiSign, Adobe Creative Cloud: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat Pro) and prepress/RIP software.
• Communication & Integrity: Written and verbal communication skills. Honest, upfront, and proactive when reaching out to clients or team members about potential file issues.

What We Value

• Big-Picture Thinking: You view prepress as the foundation of the physical product, taking into account how material choices, layout decisions, and finishing steps interact in the real world.
• Flexibility Over Rigidity: You view rules and workflows as guidelines for success, using practical discretion and problem-solving to resolve unique customer files or production roadblocks.
• Inquisitiveness & Ownership: You know when to ask a question to avoid a mistake, but you also take initiative to evaluate options and find practical solutions independently.
• A Commitment to Quality: You take pride in catching errors early and upholding high standards for the final product.
• Direct & Honest Communication: Transparency with clients and colleagues is essential to our workflow and success.

How to Apply

We take file preparation and attention to detail seriously, and that starts with your application! To be considered for this role, please submit your application via email with the following items:

• Your Resume (PDF format preferred).
• Your "Why Us?" Blurb: A brief paragraph explaining why you think you are the right fit for our team and this specific role.
• Start Date & Compensation: Let us know when you would be available to start, as well as your expected compensation/hourly rate.
• What Makes You Unique: Tell us one thing about your background, mindset, or personal journey that sets you apart from other applicants.

Please submit all required materials in a single email with the subject line:

Prepress Specialist Application - [Your Name]

Note: Incomplete applications that miss any of the four items above will not be reviewed.

Pay: $18.00 - $23.00 per hour

Expected hours: 25.0 – 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person