Mailing Service & Prepress Specialist

Kramer Madison; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits package

Paid time off

Holiday pay

Job summary

Kramer Madison in Madison, WI is seeking an experienced Prepress & Mail Data Specialist to join our print production team. You will preflight files, manage color, prepare for offset and digital output, and support direct mail data processing and variable data printing.

Ideal candidates have 2+ years in commercial printing, hands-on prepress skills, and familiarity with USPS presort and mailing documentation. Join a team delivering quality print solutions in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in a commercial printing environment with hands-on prepress responsibilities.
• Experience with USPS direct mail processing, postal presort, and mailing documentation is preferred.
• Experience with at least one variable data printing platform.

Responsibilities

• Preflight incoming files for print readiness and prepare for offset/digital output.
• Perform color management including soft proofing and Pantone conversion.
• Prepare files using prepress tools and manage plate-ready files.
• Operate RIP software and coordinate with press operators on output issues.
• Import, clean, and normalize mailing lists; presort and generate postal docs.
• Map and merge mailing data for variable data printing and QA outputs.

Skills

Adobe Creative Suite

PDF preflight

File imposition

RIP software

Print production workflow

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Graphic Communications, Print Technology

Tools

Enfocus PitStop

BCC Bulk Mailer

Mail Manager

Satori

AccuZIP

HP SmartStream

XMPie

Job description

Key Responsibilities:

Prepress & Print Production

• Preflight incoming customer files (PDF, AI, InDesign, etc.) for print readiness, checking resolution, color mode, bleeds, and trim
• Perform color management including soft proofing, Pantone conversion, and color correction
• Prepare files for offset and digital output using software such as Adobe Acrobat, Pitstop, or similar prepress tools
• Impose and manage plate-ready or press-ready files following press specifications
• Operate and manage RIP (Raster Image Processor) software for output to digital presses or platesetters with software like Fuji’s XMF, HP’s SmartStream, Konica’s AccurioPro, etc.
• Coordinate with press operators to troubleshoot file and output issues
• Maintain print-ready file archives and manage jobs on network servers

Direct Mail Data Processing

• Import, clean, and normalize mailing lists in formats including CSV, Excel, and delimited text files
• Deduplicate, CASS-certify, and NCOA-process address data to ensure deliverability and postal compliance
• Presort mailing lists to USPS standards for First-Class and Marketing Mail (Standard/Bulk) using presort software (e.g., BCC Bulk Mailer or Mail Manager, Satori, AccuZIP, or similar)
• Generate postal documentation including postage statements, tray and bundle labels, and 3602/3600 forms
• Maintain knowledge of current USPS regulations, IMb (Intelligent Mail barcode) requirements, and Move Update compliance
• Manage mailing permit records and maintain postal accounting documentation

Variable Data Printing (VDP)

• Map and merge mailing data onto mail pieces using variable data software such as HP’s SmartStream, XMPie, FusionPro, Objectif Lune PrintShop Mail, or similar platforms
• Build variable data templates linking database fields to designed layouts (names, addresses, personalized images, barcodes, and QR codes)
• Proof and QA variable data jobs to ensure correct merge, field mapping, and barcode accuracy
• Work with designers and account managers to translate marketing campaigns into personalized direct mail pieces
• Troubleshoot data mapping errors and output inconsistencies

Required Skills and Qualifications:

Prepress Skills

• Adobe Creative Suite (Acrobat, InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop)
• PDF preflight & editing (Enfocus PitStop or similar)
• File imposition
• RIP software operation
• Print production workflow knowledge

Mail Data & VDP Skills

• USPS presort software (BCC, AccuZIP, etc.)
• CASS certification & NCOA processing
• First-Class & Marketing Mail presort knowledge

Education & Experience:

• 2+ years of experience in a commercial printing environment with hands-on prepress responsibilities
• Demonstrated experience or willingness to learn USPS direct mail processing, postal presort, and mailing documentation
• Experience with at least one variable data printing platform
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Graphic Communications, Print Technology, or a related field preferred — equivalent work experience accepted

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with both offset and digital print production workflows
• Familiarity with Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) programs
• Experience reading and interpreting postal acceptance unit (BMEU/DMU) requirements
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple jobs simultaneously under deadline
• Excellent communication skills to coordinate with customers, designers, and press staff
• Sharp attention to details, following instructions and willing to help in other areas if needed

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Full benefits package including health, life & disability insurance
• Paid time off and holidays