Lead Prepress Operator: Plate Making & Imposition

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 56,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Paid time off

401(k) with company match

Life insurance

Parental leave

Tuition assistance

Job summary

RRD is seeking a Printing and Bindery Specialist to review client files, adjust layouts, and prepare plates for press. You will work with CS reps and production to resolve issues, load customer files for output, and perform quality checks on plates.

The role requires expertise in Mac/PC design tools, digital file formats, and color management, plus hands-on experience with CTP and related finishing equipment.

Qualifications

• Proficient with Mac/PC graphic design and layout software.
• Strong knowledge of digital file formats (PDF, TIFF, EPS) from Mac and PC.
• Experience with imposition software (Mac) and Adobe Creative Suite (PC).
• Advanced color management and handling of various digital file formats.
• Ability to output digital files to various devices and learn new graphics software.
• Understanding of offset printing and color interactions.
• Mechanical skills with small hand tools for repairs on printing equipment.

Responsibilities

• Review client electronic files for completeness before plate making.
• Use layout software to adjust print job to paper size.
• Determine layout considering folds, trims, bleeds, gripper; add crop marks and color bars.
• Identify missing or problematic components and communicate with teams.
• Collaborate with CS Rep, customer, and production to resolve issues.
• Load customer files for output during manufacturing.
• Prepare color proofs for customer review.
• Operate CTP plate making equipment and binding/tabbing devices.
• Perform quality checks on finished plates.
• Train and support new and existing team members.

Skills

Graphic design software

Imposition software

Adobe Creative Suite

Color management

Output devices knowledge

Offset printing knowledge

Mechanical skills/tools

Tools

CTP plate making

Image setter

Binding/tabbing equipment

Flatbed scanner

Job description

RRD is seeking a Printing and Bindery Specialist to review client files, adjust layouts, and prepare plates for press. You will work with CS reps and production to resolve issues, load customer files for output, and perform quality checks on plates.

The role requires expertise in Mac/PC design tools, digital file formats, and color management, plus hands-on experience with CTP and related finishing equipment.