Packaging Prepress Technologist

Oliver Inc.; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Oliver Inc. seeks an experienced prepress professional to prepare and validate artwork for print production across folding cartons, labels, and flexible packaging. You will preflight files, resolve errors, and optimize for multiple printing technologies.

The role involves creating working files, impositions, RIPing for proofs, and collaborating with designers and production. Experience with ESKO (ArtPro+) and color management, plus strong troubleshooting and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of prepress experience in packaging, label, or commercial print.
• Education in Graphic Design, Packaging Technology, or related field preferred.
• Deep understanding of print production, file prep, and imposition.
• Knowledge of color management, RIP software, and digital proofing workflows.
• ESKO software experience (or the ability to learn ESKO quickly) is highly preferred.
• Proven troubleshooting in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and validate customer artwork for print production.
• Preflight files, resolve errors, and optimize for various printing technologies.
• Create working files; impose layouts for the plate-making process.
• RIP files for proofing and final output; produce and inspect digital proofs.
• Build step-and-repeat layouts using ESKO applications (e.g., ArtPro+).
• Prepare spot coating vector artwork for flexographic plates.
• Generate printing plates and production-ready files.
• Review folding carton artwork for accuracy, completeness, and print readiness.
• Maintain color consistency using profiles and calibration tools.
• Coordinate with outside vendors for embossing/stamping dies and specialty services.
• Archive and retrieve production files via automated archival software.
• Follow production schedules and work orders to ensure on-time delivery.
• Collaborate closely with graphic designers, customers, and production teams.

Skills

Prepress experience

Attention to detail

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Graphic Design or Packaging Technology education

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe InDesign

ArtPro+

Job description

Shape the Print-Ready Future of Packaging

At Oliver Inc., we’ve been perfecting print and packaging for more than 250 years. Across multiple facilities, we pair state-of-the-art technology with a deep commitment to sustainability, speed, consistency, and nimbleness. We’re passionate about creative problem-solving, we respect one another, and we win by helping our customers build unforgettable brands.

A Day in the Life

You start your day reviewing the production queue, spotting a mix of folding cartons, labels, and flexible packaging projects. You preflight incoming artwork, correct file issues, and ready files for downstream processes. Before lunch, you’re crafting step-and-repeat layouts in ESKO, generating digital proofs, and calibrating color to nail brand accuracy. The afternoon brings plate-ready impositions, vector prep for spot coatings on flexo plates, and coordination with partners for embossing and stamping dies. Throughout, you archive and retrieve assets with automated tools and collaborate with designers, customers, and production to keep jobs on schedule and on spec.

What You’ll Do

• Prepare and validate customer artwork for print production.
• Preflight files, resolve errors, and optimize for various printing technologies.
• Create working files; impose layouts for the plate-making process.
• RIP files for proofing and final output; produce and inspect digital proofs.
• Build step-and-repeat layouts using ESKO applications (e.g., ArtPro+).
• Prepare spot coating vector artwork for flexographic plates.
• Generate printing plates and production-ready files.
• Review folding carton artwork for accuracy, completeness, and print readiness.
• Maintain color consistency using profiles and calibration tools.
• Coordinate with outside vendors for embossing/stamping dies and specialty services.
• Archive and retrieve production files via automated archival software.
• Follow production schedules and work orders to ensure on-time delivery.
• Collaborate closely with graphic designers, customers, and production teams.

What You’ll Bring

• 3+ years of prepress experience in packaging, label, or commercial print.
• Education in Graphic Design, Packaging Technology, or related field preferred.
• Deep understanding of print production, file prep, and imposition.
• Hands-on expertise with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, and ArtPro+ on PC-based prepress systems.
• ESKO software experience (or the ability to learn ESKO quickly) is highly preferred.
• Knowledge of color management, RIP software, and digital proofing workflows.
• Proven troubleshooting in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving abilities.
• Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to high-quality output.
• Proficiency in packaging workflows, RIP, and file formatting.

Preferred Background

Experience with folding cartons, labels, flexible packaging, or other packaging print environments.

Why You’ll Love Oliver

• Competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package.
• Stable, growing organization with multiple facilities.
• Collaborative, supportive team culture.
• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• Access to cutting-edge packaging and printing technologies.

Equal Opportunity

Oliver Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity and expression, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, citizenship status, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.