Prepress Operator

Overview

Prepares and processes customer artwork and production files for flexographic label printing. Ensures all digital files meet customer specifications and company production requirements prior to platemaking and printing. Performs prepress functions including file inspection, artwork correction, color separation, trapping, step-and-repeat, imposition, proofing, and preparation of files for plate production.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are essential to the position. Other duties may be assigned.

· Reviews customer artwork, specifications, purchase orders, and job instructions to become familiar with project requirements.

· Examines incoming artwork and production files for completeness, accuracy, and compatibility with flexographic printing processes.

· Prepares and modifies artwork using appropriate graphic design and prepress software, including Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Acrobat, and other company-approved software.

· Verifies document dimensions, bleeds, dyelines, barcodes, fonts, images, resolutions, and other graphic elements to ensure compliance with customer and production requirements.

· Reviews and prepare color separations, including process and spot colors, Pantone colors, and specialty inks, as required.

· Performs appropriate trapping and chokes/spreads to compensate for flexographic printing requirements and prevent registration issues.

· Prepares step-and-repeat layouts based on press specifications, repeat dimensions, web width, die size, and production requirements.

· Ensures artwork is properly positioned in relation to dies, print cylinders/plates, seams, perforations, varnishes, foils, adhesives, and other finishing requirements.

· Checks and adjusts image resolution, line weights, overprints, knockouts, transparencies, gradients, and other technical elements to ensure proper reproduction.

· Reviews barcodes and variable information for accuracy, readability, and compliance with applicable customer requirements.

· Creates and reviews proofs for internal approval and/or customer approval. Makes revisions as necessary based on customer feedback or production requirements.

· Communicate with Customer Service, Sales, Production, Quality, and other departments regarding artwork issues, technical requirements, revisions, and job specifications.

· Identifies potential production problems before files are released to platemaking or printing and recommends appropriate solutions.

· Prepares final, production-ready files for digital plate production or other approved platemaking processes.

· Ensures files are properly named, organized, archived, and stored according to company procedures and job requirements.

· Maintains accurate job records and documents revisions, approvals, and production information in the company's computerized printing management or workflow system.

· Performs quality checks at all stages of prepress preparation to ensure the final files accurately reflect customer specifications and company standards.

· Assists with troubleshooting artwork and prepress-related issues that may affect print quality, registration, color, or finishing.

· Maintains knowledge of flexographic printing processes, substrates, inks, anilox requirements, plate technology, color management, and other factors affecting label reproduction.

· Participates in continuous improvement activities to improve prepress workflow, quality, productivity, and overall production efficiency.

· Maintains department equipment, software, and work areas as directed by the Prepress Manager.

· Follows all company safety policies, quality procedures, GMP requirements, and applicable regulatory requirements.

· Food Safety: Understands and carries out the responsibilities of the company's Food Safety Program and completes assigned tasks to ensure compliance with applicable food safety requirements.

· Performs other duties as assigned by the Prepress Manager or other authorized management personnel.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skill, and ability required for the position.

Education and/or Experience:

· High school diploma or equivalent required; technical, graphic arts, printing, or prepress education preferred.

· Previous experience in prepress, flexographic printing, label production, graphic arts, or a related field preferred.

· Experience with flexographic label production and digital prepress workflows is highly desirable.

· Working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Acrobat, and other relevant prepress software.

Technical Skills:

· Knowledge of flexographic printing processes and requirements.

· Understanding of color separation, trapping, overprinting, knockouts, spot colors, process colors, and Pantone color systems.

· Knowledge of step-and-repeat and imposition principles.

· Understanding of dyelines, bleeds, cutbacks, registration, print direction, repeat dimensions, and label finishing requirements.

· Ability to identify and correct artwork issues that could negatively affect print quality.

· Knowledge of barcode requirements and basic barcode verification principles.

· Ability to read and interpret customer artwork, specifications, proofs, job tickets, and production instructions.

· Communication Skills

· Ability to communicate effectively with customers and internal departments regarding artwork and technical requirements.

· Ability to clearly document changes, corrections, and job requirements.

· Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced production environment and manage multiple jobs and deadlines. .

Pay: $23.00 - $28.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person