Prepress Operator

Company Overview 

At Imagine we go beyond print to help our clients deliver game-changing visual communications from concept to delivery that set the standard for our industry. The first step in this process is hiring great employees! Our innovation teams are the most committed, highly experienced artisans in the business. We are committed to delivering high-quality marketing solutions, in every environment and campaign, helping our clients capture the heart, minds, and loyalty of their customers. For more than 30 years, The Imagine Group has established itself as one of the most influential and innovative visual communications companies in the industry. Join us and let's Imagine a better way together.

Job Summary:

The Prepress Operator ensures all art/files for offset, and digital, screen, and dye sublimation printing are in the accurate format, content, and color in accordance with the client’s technical specifications. The position requires effective communication skills, keen attention to detail, and a strong understanding of the offset and digital printing process.

Job Description:

• Communicate effectively with Sales and Account Management team members.
• Prepare customer’s files for: size, image resolution, bleeds, overprints, font issues, and color breaks.
• Maintain quality control during all prepress processes, reading and understanding work instructions, proper documentation, and procedures Verify provided artwork will reproduce to customer expectations.
• Maintain a workflow schedule and communicate status regularly to internal customers.
• Process and build files for production.
• Determine and create page layouts, while accounting for folds, trims, and die cuts as necessary.
• Work with various graphic design and layout software applications commonly used on Mac OS.
• Perform quality checks on finished hard and PDF proofs before releasing to manufacturing.
• Output digital files to various output devices.
• Responds to concerns from sales and production personnel regarding client expectations, alterations, or suggestions.
• Contribute to safety goals by maintaining a clean, clutter-free workplace, report potentially unsafe conditions and ensure that the department meets and exceeds safety requirements.
• Communicate with production to understand our printing capabilities.
• Meet productivity and quality standards by completing work in a timely and accurate manner.
• May operate CTP plate making equipment to prepare plates for press.
• May perform maintenance to department equipment.
• Work overtime as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities 

• None

 Minimum Qualifications of Position 

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Five plus or more years of experience in an electronic pre-press environment; or 
• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Communications, Graphic Design, or Printing Technology. 

Preferred Qualifications of Position 

• Vocational/technical school or college degree in electronic pre-press.
• Five plus years of experience working in printing or manufacturing.
• Image retouching and color correction knowledge.
• In-depth understanding of dye sublimation printing processes and materials, including best practices for color management and file preparation.
• Experience with large-format printers and other printing machinery used in dye sublimation.
• Understanding of print finishing processes (e.g., heat pressing, transfer methods).

Knowledge and Skills

• Basic computer skills including email, basic mouse, keyboard, and menu navigation.
• Basic math skills including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and measurement.
• Basic color management skills with the ability to work in different digital file formats.
• Extensive skills with Adobe Creative Suite applications used for print production.
• Ability to communicate/understand basic written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to use problem solving skills in producing jobs effectively.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Frequent reaching, bending, climbing, kneeling, crouching, and stooping.
• Frequent standing for prolonged periods of time.
• Frequent walking.
• Ability to lift, pull, push up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to visually inspect all work for defects.
• Manual dexterity for repetitive work.

EEO Statement:

The Imagine Group provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.