ESKO Graphic Production Artist- 1st Shift

Interstate Packaging; White Bluff (TN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Interstate Packaging is seeking an ESKO Graphic Production Artist for the 1st shift in White Bluff, TN. You will prepare, optimize, and manage electronic files for flexo and digital printing, using ESKO Automation Engine and related tools to ensure color consistency and efficient platemaking workflows.

The role requires strong color management skills, G7 methodology, and a proven ability to calibrate proofing devices, profile inks, and maintain file integrity under tight deadlines.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in flexographic/digital packaging color separation.
• Proficiency in Esko software suite (Automation Engine, ArtPro+, Color Engine, Pack Proof) and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Strong understanding of ICC profiling, delta-E tolerances, and DFE architectures.
• Proven experience using spectrophotometers (e.g., X-Rite) to read color targets and audit ink profiles.
• Ability to catch structural, font, or color gaps in complex multi-layer artwork prior to imaging.
• Ability to pass a standard Munsell Hue/color blindness test.

Responsibilities

• Review and prepare customer artwork for flexographic and digital printing.
• Apply G7 colorimetric methods to ensure tonal accuracy.
• Calibrate and profile Epson contract proofing devices using ESKO tools.
• Maintain file hierarchies and production file integrity.
• Communicate project status with graphics supervisor and administrator.
• Follow GMPs and support QA of LEN files.

Skills

Color separation

G7 methodology

Esko software

ICC profiling

Spectrophotometer use

Artwork review

Attention to detail

Education

BS in Graphic Design

Tools

Automation Engine

ArtPro+

Color Engine

Pack Proof

Adobe Creative Suite

X-Rite spectrophotometer

Job description

Position Title: ESKO Graphic Production Artist- 1st Shift

Location: WHITE BLUFF, TN 37187

Position type: Full Time

Job Shift: 1st Shift

Job Summary

The ESKO Flexo Graphic Production Artist prepares, optimizes, and manages electronic files for flexographic and digital printing environments. This role uses advanced ESKO software to manage color consistency, automate platemaking workflows, and calibrate external proofing devices. The ideal candidate possesses deep technical expertise in flexographic standards, G7 methodology, press fingerprinting, color profile mapping.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Review, trap, and manipulate customer digital artwork to meet specific flexographic and digital printing requirements.
• Implement G7 colorimetric methodologies to ensure precise tonality and gray balance.
• Adjust tone reproduction curves to match standardized target print specifications.
• Calibrate and profile Epson contract proofing devices using ESKO Pack Proof or Color Engine.
• Perform regular spectrophotometer linearization and media checks to verify color-accurate contract proofs.
• Build efficient layouts using ESKO's automated step-and-repeat tools, integrating required distortion factors and cylinder metadata.
• Follow established procedures, quality control steps and complete all required documentation.
• Provide backup to Administrator for QA of LEN files.
• Maintain consistent communications of project details and scheduled job status with graphics supervisor and administrator.
• Maintain electronic file hierarchy and production file integrity.
• Maintain a courteous and professional atmosphere.
• Occasional handling and inspection of physical flexo plates and contract proofs.

Qualification

Required Qualifications

• Experience with color separation / job engineering experience in flexographic and digital flexible packaging / label manufacturing (preferably 5+ years)
• Proficiency in ESKO software suite (Automation Engine, ArtPro+, Color Engine, Pack Proof) and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Strong understanding of ICC profiling, delta-E tolerances, and Digital Front End (DFE) architectures.
• Proven experience using spectrophotometers (e.g., X-Rite) to read color targets, audit ink profiles, and diagnose press shift issues.
• Ability to catch structural, font, or color gaps in complex multi-layer customer artwork prior to imaging.
• Ability to pass a standard Munsell Hue/color blindness test.
• Ability to sit or stand at a high-resolution graphics workstation for long periods of time.

Preferred Qualifications

• BS in Graphic Design or related field.
• Experience with Crystal Platemaking workflows.
• Idealliance G7 Professional or G7 Expert certification is highly preferred.
• Experience with press fingerprinting & characterization.
• Experience with ESKO color profile mapping.
• Experience with HP Digital workflow management.

Essential Functions

• Must follow all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), having visitors use the front office door and sign-in and sign-out, by escorting visitors and making sure they follow GMPs, and being aware of surroundings and reporting suspicious activity that could lead to Food Defense and Food Safety related concerns.
• Must have reading skills necessary to properly understand orders, material labels, reports warning signs, etc.
• Must be able to distinguish subtle shades of color accurately in order to match samples and color designations on orders and design concepts.
• Must be able to lift 25 – 60 lbs.
• Must be able to comprehend and follow detailed instructions without constant supervision.
• Must be able to communicate operating problems to supervisor.
• Must be able to logically deduce (reason) the source of problem in a design which prevents commercially acceptable printing, propose a solution to that problem and carry out that solution, i.e. ability to evaluate, assess and make decisions.
• Must have eyesight whether corrected or not, which allows individual to distinguish hairlines, registration and color accuracy.
• Must have maturity and disposition to operate and execute safety at all times.
• Must understand and be able to implement safety emergency procedures.
• Must have physical strength to stand for lengthy periods of time.
• Must be able to interact with and follow instructions from quality control and/or management to maintain specified quality standards.
• Must possess typing skills and postscript computer skills.
• Must be able to work with personnel both in the department and outside the department (sales, production, etc.) under high-pressure situations.
• Must be able to work under stress of tight deadlines.

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