Prepress Technician — PCL Graphics

PCL Graphics; Markham; On-site; CAD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

PCL Graphics, a large-format printing and graphics engineering company, is seeking a Prepress Technician in Markham, ON. This hands-on role focuses on preparing and optimizing artwork for diverse substrates and print processes.

Proficiency in Illustrator is essential, with experience in Photoshop/Acrobat preflight and strong color management. You will collaborate with account managers, ensure file accuracy, and support press operators in output verification while adapting artwork for multi-panel

Qualifications

• 2+ years of prepress or reprographics experience in a print environment.
• Post-secondary training in Graphic Design, Print Technology, or equivalent hands-on experience.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and strong color management knowledge.
• Comfortable working to tight deadlines in a high-volume production environment.
• High attention to detail and ability to catch file issues before press.

Responsibilities

• Receive, review, and prepare client-supplied artwork for large-format digital output.
• Set up files for production in Illustrator with bleed, trim, and colour profiles.
• Perform colour management and output preparation, including soft-proofing.
• Identify and correct common artwork issues: low resolution, RGB-to-CMYK conversion, font errors, overprints, and spot colour conflicts.
• Communicate file issues and corrections with account managers and clients professionally.
• Prepare cut contour paths and variable data layouts as needed.
• Maintain organized file naming, job folders, and version control.
• Support press operators with file handoff and output verification.
• Adapt artwork for multi-panel installations, tiling, and seam alignment.

Skills

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

PDF preflight

Color management

ICC profiles

InDesign

Prepress experience

Graphic Design training

Deadline driven

Attention to detail

Education

Graphic Design or Print Technology

Tools

InDesign

Job description

Prepress Technician — PCL Graphics
Markham, ON · Full-time · Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

About the Role

PCL Graphics is a large-format printing and graphics engineering company with over 40 years of production experience. We work on demanding commercial projects — architectural graphics, retail environments, fleet graphics, wayfinding systems, and specialty signage — and we're looking for a detail-oriented Prepress Technician to join our team.

This is a hands-on production role. You'll be responsible for preparing and optimizing artwork files for output across a wide range of substrates and print processes. If you have a strong eye for detail, thrive in a fast-moving production environment, and live in Adobe Illustrator, this role is for you.

What You'll Do

• Receive, review, and prepare client-supplied artwork for large-format digital output
• Set up files for production in Adobe Illustrator with correct bleed, trim, and colour profiles
• Perform colour management and output preparation, including soft-proofing
• Identify and correct common artwork issues: low resolution, RGB-to-CMYK conversion, font errors, overprints, and spot colour conflicts
• Communicate file issues and corrections with account managers and clients professionally
• Prepare cut contour paths and variable data layouts as needed
• Maintain organized file naming, job folders, and version control
• Support press operators with file handoff and output verification
• Adapt artwork for multi-panel installations, tiling, and seam alignment

What You Bring

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator — this is the core tool of the role
• Working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Acrobat / PDF preflight
• Strong understanding of colour theory, ICC profiles, and colour space management
• Experience with InDesign is an asset
• 2+ years of prepress, reprographics, or production design experience in a print environment
• Post-secondary training in Graphic Design, Print Technology, or equivalent hands-on experience
• Comfortable working to tight deadlines in a high-volume production environment
• High attention to detail — able to catch file issues before they reach the press

Why PCL Graphics

• Established company with 40+ years in the industry — stable, well-equipped facility
• Exposure to a wide variety of substrates, applications, and production methods
• Collaborative team environment with experienced operators and account staff
• Markham location — convenient for GTA east and York Region candidates