Digital Print Prepress Operator

Custom Creation Packaging llc; Antioch (CA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Custom Creation Packaging is seeking an experienced Digital Print & Prepress Operator to join our production team in Antioch, CA. This role combines the computer-side of print production with hands-on setup, color matching and file preparation to ensure flawless finished products.

You will work with wide-format digital printers, roll-to-roll print-and-cut equipment, and vinyl cutters, using Adobe Illustrator and Acrobat to prepare artwork, check fonts/bleeds, and optimize templates for

Qualifications

• Strong Illustrator/file-prep skills and understanding of print production.
• Experience preparing files for commercial printing.
• Ability to identify file issues before production.

Responsibilities

• Review incoming customer artwork and prepare files for production
• Work confidently in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Acrobat
• Create and modify cutlines, bleeds, dielines and production artwork
• Resize and position customer artwork onto templates
• Identify low-resolution, missing-font, transparency and other file issues before production
• Set up print-and-cut files
• Prepare white-ink and specialty-print layers when required
• Gang/nest jobs efficiently to minimize material waste
• Operate wide-format digital printers
• Operate roll-to-roll print-and-cut equipment
• Operate vinyl cutters/plotters
• Load media and change materials
• Monitor print quality and color consistency
• Perform basic color matching and adjustments
• Perform daily machine cleaning and basic maintenance
• Catch production errors BEFORE jobs are printed
• Inspect finished products for quality
• Keep jobs organized and accurately labeled
• Follow production schedules and priorities
• Maintain a clean and organized production area

Skills

Adobe Illustrator

Attention to detail

Time management

Problem-solving

Print production knowledge

Tools

Adobe Acrobat

Templates & dielines knowledge

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

** Digital Print & Prepress Operator**

Custom Creation Packaging is looking for an experienced Digital Print & Prepress Operator to join our production team.

We specialize in custom printed packaging, labels, pouches, stickers, jars, boxes and other branded products. We are looking for someone who understands both the computer side of print production and the hands‑on production side.

This is NOT just a graphic design position. The ideal candidate understands how artwork actually translates into a finished printed product.

** Pay:** $23–$28/hour, depending on experience
** Schedule:** Full-time, Monday–Friday
** Location:** On-site
** 90-Day Performance Review**

Responsibilities

• Review incoming customer artwork and prepare files for production
• Work confidently in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Acrobat
• Create and modify cutlines, bleeds, dielines and production artwork
• Resize and properly position customer artwork onto templates
• Identify low-resolution, missing-font, transparency and other file issues before production
• Set up print-and-cut files
• Prepare white-ink and specialty-print layers when required
• Gang/nest jobs efficiently to minimize material waste
• Operate wide-format digital printers
• Operate roll-to-roll print-and-cut equipment
• Operate vinyl cutters/plotters
• Load media and change materials
• Monitor print quality and color consistency
• Perform basic color matching and adjustments
• Perform daily machine cleaning and basic maintenance
• Catch production errors BEFORE jobs are printed
• Inspect finished products for quality
• Keep jobs organized and accurately labeled
• Follow production schedules and priorities
• Maintain a clean and organized production area

Required Skills

• Strong Adobe Illustrator skills
• Understanding of vector vs. raster artwork
• Understanding of CMYK, RGB and spot colors
• Understanding of bleed, trim and cutlines
• Experience preparing files for commercial printing
• Strong attention to detail
• Comfortable working with measurements and dimensions
• Ability to work quickly without sacrificing quality
• Ability to manage multiple jobs at once
• Reliable attendance and punctuality
• Strong problem-solving skills

Preferred Experience

Experience with any of the following is highly desirable:

• Mimaki printers
• Roland TrueVIS printers
• Graphtec cutters
• RasterLink or other RIP software
• Roland VersaWorks
• Print-and-cut workflows
• White ink
• Clear media
• Labels and stickers
• Flexible packaging
• Wide-format printing
• Color matching
• Production nesting/ganging

You do not need experience with every machine we use. However, you MUST have strong Illustrator/file-preparation skills and a solid understanding of professional print production.

What We're Looking For

We want someone who notices problems before they become expensive mistakes.

The right person is organized, dependable, detail-oriented and comfortable taking ownership of their work. We want someone who can eventually receive a production job, prepare it correctly, produce it, QC it and move it to the next stage with minimal supervision.

There is opportunity to grow into a lead production role as the company continues to expand.