Pre-press Associate, Support II

Zebra Technologies; Santiago de Querétaro; On-site; MXN 380,000 - 520,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Flexible hours

Well-being day

Job summary

Zebra Technologies in Queretaro, Mexico is seeking a Pre-Press Specialist to ensure accurate translation of digital designs to the flexographic production process. The role focuses on digital workflow optimization, tooling management, ink color matching, and close collaboration with press operators to reduce downtime and waste.

Ideal candidates bring 3–5+ years in pre-press for packaging, strong knowledge of flexography, and proficiency with ES KO/ArtPro, Adobe Creative Suite, and

Qualifications

• Technical or Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Arts, Industrial Design, Engineering, or related technical field.
• 3–5+ years of proven experience in pre-press operations for packaging/labels using flexographic processes.
• Strong knowledge of flexography (narrow/wide web, or corrugated) and pre-press workflows (Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, ES KO/ArtPro, PackEdge).
• Hands-on experience managing printing plates, cylinders, and anilox rollers; color theory and ink matching with spectrophotometers.

Responsibilities

• Digital Workflow: optimize graphics for flexo including trapping, dot gain, and distortion.
• Tooling Management: select, verify, and manage printing cylinders, plates, and anilox rollers.
• Color & Inks: manage ink formulation and color matching using Pantone standards and spectrophotometry.
• Press Support: partner with press operators to troubleshoot color and register issues during setup.

Skills

Pre-press

Flexography

Adobe Illustrator

Photoshop

ESKO/ArtPro

Printing cylinders

Printing plates

Anilox rollers

Color matching

Spectrophotometry

Color theory

Education

Technical/Bachelor’s in Graphic Arts

Tools

Printing plates

Printing cylinders

Anilox rollers

Job description

Queretaro, Mexico

Full time

JR103743

Overview

At Zebra, we are a community of innovators who come together to create new ways of working. United by curiosity and a culture of caring, we develop smart solutions that anticipate our customer’s and partner’s needs and solve their challenges.

Being part of Zebra Nation means you are seen, heard, valued, and respected. Drawing from our unique perspectives, we collaborate to deliver on our purpose. Here you are part of a team pushing boundaries today to redefine the work of tomorrow for organizations, their employees, and those they serve.

You’ll have opportunities to learn and lead in a forward-thinking environment, defining your path to a fulfilling career while channeling your skills toward causes you care about—locally and globally.

Come make an impact every day at Zebra.

What We're Looking For

The Pre-Press Specialist will be responsible for ensuring the correct preparation, review, and optimization of digital graphics files, as well as managing and monitoring the physical tooling (printing cylinders, printing plates, anilox rollers) and inks required for the flexographic printing process. The primary goal is to guarantee that the digital design translates with absolute fidelity and color consistency onto the production press, minimizing downtime, setup times, and material waste.

Experience on pre-press, tools (print cylinder, print plates, anilox), inks, color matching. Flexographics process.

• Digital Workflow & File Optimization: Review, adapt, and approve technical graphic files for the flexo printing process (addressing dot gain compensation, trapping, distortion factors, bleeds, etc.).

• Tooling Management: Specify, verify, and monitor the condition of printing cylinders (register adjustments and repeat lengths).Coordinate and validate the manufacturing, mounting, and storage of photopolymer printing plates (clichés/grabados) .Select and manage the inventory of anilox rollers (BCM, line screen/LPI (https://screen.corp.google.com/LPI) ) based on the project's ink coverage, resolution, and substrate requirements.

• Inks & Color Matching: Perform and validate color matching tests according to industry standards (Pantone, spectrophotometry).Formulate, adjust, and approve ink recipes (water-based, solvent-based, or UV inks) to guarantee color consistency throughout the production run.

• Pressroom Technical Support: Work closely with press operators to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues during press setup (e.g., color matching, register issues, or poor ink transfer).

• Quality Control: Ensure all prepress tooling meets exact quality and physical specifications before being released to production, helping maximize overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).

Candidate Profile (Requirements)

• Education: Technical degree or Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Process/Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field in Graphic Arts.

• Experience: 3 to 5+ years of proven experience in pre-press operations within the packaging, self-adhesive labels, or converting industry, specifically utilizing flexographic processes .

• Essential Technical Skills: Deep understanding of the flexography process (narrow web, wide web, or corrugated).Advanced proficiency in pre-press software and workflows (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, ESKO, ArtPro, or PackEdge).Practical, hands‑on experience managing and specifying printing plates, printing cylinders, and anilox rollers .Solid knowledge of color theory, colorimetry (using spectrophotometers), and ink color matching .

• Soft Skills: Exceptional attention to detail, ability to work under tight production deadlines, strong communication skills, and a proactive approach to technical troubleshooting.

Core Responsibilities

• Digital Workflow: Optimize graphics files for flexo (trapping, dot gain, distortion).

• Tooling Management: Select, verify, and manage printing cylinders, plates, and anilox rollers .

• Color & Inks: Manage ink formulation and color matching using spectrophotometers and Pantone standards.

• Press Support: Partner with press operators to troubleshoot color and register issues during setup.

Requirements

• Degree in Graphic Arts, Industrial Design, Engineering, or related technical field.

• Deep knowledge of the Flexographic process and prepress software (Adobe Suite, ESKO / ArtPro ).

• Strong expertise in color theory, ink matching, and tooling specs (anilox LPI/BCM, photopolymers).

Benefits

We understand the importance of work-life balance and wellbeing, which is why we offer flexibility for our teams including: hybrid work, adaptable hours, Summer Flex Fridays, Focus Fridays, and an annual companywide well-being day to promote revitalization and success.

AI Technology Statement

Zebra Technologies leverages AI technology to evaluate job applications using objective, job-relevant criteria. This approach enhances efficiency and promotes fairness in the hiring process. However, every decision regarding interviews and hiring is made by our dedicated team, because we believe people make the best decisions about people. For more on how we use technology in hiring and how we process applicant data, see our Zebra Privacy Policy (https://www.zebra.com/us/en/about-zebra/company-information/legal/privacy-statement.html) .

Zebra

Zebra provides the foundation for intelligent operations with an award-winning portfolio of connected frontline, asset visibility and automation solutions. Organizations globally across retail, manufacturing, transportation, logistics, healthcare, and other industries rely on us to deliver outcomes today while driving innovation for what's next. Together with our partners, we create new ways of working that improve productivity and empower organizations to be better every day. Learn more at zebra.com .

Better Every Day