Desktop Publishing Specialist (DTP)

Apertera; United States; Remote; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Health Insurance; well‑g

Birthday Off

6 Personal/Sick Days

Learning & Growth Opportunities

Supportive & Collaborative Team

Job summary

Apertera seeks an experienced Desktop Publishing Specialist to turn complex multilingual source files into clean, editable documents for translation. You will prepare Word, PDF, PowerPoint, and InDesign files, reconstruct PDFs in Word, and ensure accurate formatting and client-style compliance.

This role emphasizes expert Word, Acrobat Pro, InDesign, and PowerPoint skills, with attention to typography, cross-references, and layout QA across multilingual projects.

Qualifications

• At least four years of professional DTP experience in translation or localization.
• Expert-level Word skills with complex document structure and troubleshooting.
• Advanced Acrobat Pro and PowerPoint; working knowledge of InDesign.
• Experience reconstructing PDFs to Word with editable content and tables.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage tight deadlines with PMs.

Responsibilities

• Prepare Word, PDF, PowerPoint, and InDesign files for translation, including clean, structured files for CAT tools such as Phrase.
• Reconstruct PDF content in Word with editable text, real tables, styles, numbering, cross-references, TOCs, and section breaks.
• Format translated files considering expansion, multilingual typography, fonts, and client style requirements.
• Perform DTP quality checks against the source for content, tables, figures, headings, and layout.
• Prepare final client-ready files and support project troubleshooting; contribute to templates and macros.

Skills

Desktop Publishing

Microsoft Word

Adobe Acrobat Pro

Adobe InDesign

PowerPoint

PDF to Word reconstruction

Multilingual formatting

Tools

Phrase

Microsoft Excel

Job description

About Apertera

Apertera is leading the evolution of language solutions for high-stakes content. We partner with enterprises as an extension of their teams, combining professional expertise with Adaptive AI technology that is continuously refined by client context.

For more than twenty years, Apertera has set the bar for legal, financial, and regulatory translation, serving the most rigorous buyers, including over 75% of major national Canadian law firms, all major banks, and leading securities regulators.

Apertera is Canadian-owned, ISO 17100 and SOC 2 certified.

Our core values:

• Innovation
• Dedication
• Fanatical commitment to quality and service
• Resourcefulness
• Collaboration

We are seeking an experienced Desktop Publishing Specialist to prepare, reconstruct, and finalize multilingual documents. You will turn complex source files into clean, editable files for translation and produce accurate, client-ready deliverables. This role suits someone who enjoys solving difficult formatting problems and improving how the work gets done.

What you will do:

• Prepare Word, PDF, PowerPoint, and InDesign files for translation, including clean, structured files for CAT tools such as Phrase.
• Reconstruct PDF content in Word using editable text, real tables, styles, automatic numbering, cross-references, tables of contents, and appropriate section breaks.
• Format translated files while accounting for text expansion, multilingual typography, fonts, and client style requirements.
• Perform detailed DTP quality checks against the source, including content, tables, figures, headings, page layout, headers and footers, links, and visual consistency.
• Prepare final client-ready files in the required formats and support troubleshooting throughout the project.
• Contribute to templates, work instructions, macros, and other improvements that increase quality and efficiency.

What we are looking for:

• At least four years of professional DTP experience in a translation or localization environment.
• Expert-level Microsoft Word skills, including complex document structure and troubleshooting.
• Advanced Adobe Acrobat Pro and Microsoft Excel skills; working knowledge of Adobe InDesign and PowerPoint.
• Experience with PDF-to-Word reconstruction, editable tables, font management, and formatting quality assurance.
• Strong judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing deadlines while working closely with Project Managers and other production teams.
• Professional proficiency in English and French is required.

Nice to Haves:

• Microsoft Word VBA & Macros experience
• AI & Process Automation
• Photoshop & Illustrator
• Right-to-Left (RTL) language formatting

Benefits & Perks You’ll Love:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Including complementary therapies and support for your overall well-being.
• Your Birthday Off: We celebrate your special day!
• 6 Personal/Sick Days: Take the time you need for your health or life’s unexpected moments.
• Learning & Growth Opportunities: Training and resources tailored to your role and department.
• Supportive & Collaborative Team Culture: Work alongside team members who genuinely have your back
• Team Recognition & Action Awards: Celebrate wins and contributions in meaningful ways.
• Employee Referral Program: Earn rewards for bringing amazing talent to our team.

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