Hybrid Prepress & Platemaking Technician – 1st Shift

JohnsByrne; Na-Au-Say Township, Niles (IL, IL); Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

JohnsByrne is seeking a Prepress Technician / Platemaker in Illinois to prepare customer artwork and production files for printing, while supporting offset plate production for the pressroom.

The role requires reviewing files for quality, correcting issues, generating proofs, and ensuring alignment with press requirements. Training is provided for platemaking and aspiration to improve workflow efficiency.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; Associate degree in Graphic Communications, Printing Technology, or related field preferred.
• 2+ years of prepress, graphic arts, packaging, or printing experience.
• Proficiency with the Adobe Creative Cloud: Acrobat Pro, Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign.
• Strong understanding of PDF workflows and print production standards.
• Knowledge of color management.
• Experience with proofing systems and workflows (KODAK PRINERGY, PREPS, PitStop).
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Review incoming customer artwork for printability and production compatibility.
• Verify file specifications including dimensions, bleeds, margins, resolution, fonts, and color builds.
• Correct artwork issues while maintaining customer design intent.
• Create and manage production-ready PDF files.
• Generate digital and hard-copy proofs for customer approval.
• Execute trapping, imposition, and nesting as required.
• Prepare files for offset printing.
• Create press-ready files according to equipment, substrate and finishes required.
• Maintain file organization, revision control, and production documentation.
• Communicate artwork concerns and technical requirements to internal customers.
• Troubleshoot file-related production issues and implement corrective actions.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to workflow efficiency and quality.
• Adhere to company quality standards, safety practices, and production procedures.
• Offset plate making on Fuji Film system. Will train.

Skills

Attention to detail

2+ years prepress experience

Communication and problem-solving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree in Graphic Communications/Printing Technology or related field preferred

Tools

Adobe Acrobat Pro

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe InDesign

KODAK PRINERGY

PREPS

Enfocus PitStop Pro

Imposition software

Color management tools

Job description

JohnsByrne is seeking a Prepress Technician / Platemaker in Illinois to prepare customer artwork and production files for printing, while supporting offset plate production for the pressroom.

The role requires reviewing files for quality, correcting issues, generating proofs, and ensuring alignment with press requirements. Training is provided for platemaking and aspiration to improve workflow efficiency.