Pre-Press Process Specialist

cclcareers; Hermitage (Mercer County); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

cclcareers is seeking a Pre-press Process Specialist to prepare customer artwork for print production using Mac-based tools and Esko workflows. You will manage proofs, plate production, and quality checks in a production-focused environment.

The role emphasizes attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to prioritize tasks to meet tight deadlines in a hybrid office/production setting. Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office is required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of two years of prepress experience, preferably within a printing or packaging environment.
• Experience with Adobe and prepress workflow systems such as Esko or Hybrid Software strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Utilize Mac-based production software, including Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat, and Esko, to produce digital proofs and printing plates.
• Receive, review, and organize incoming graphics files to ensure completeness and readiness for production.
• Perform preflight checks and create data entries that accurately capture production requirements.
• Verify that artwork elements, design intent, and color specifications align with company standards.
• Prepare and develop production-ready artwork based on preflight specifications and internal requirements.
• Create color separations, apply trapping, and ensure proper barcode formatting.
• Use GlobalVision software and manual quality checks to ensure production files match customer-supplied artwork.
• Conduct detailed quality assurance reviews to confirm accuracy and alignment of files, proofs, and printing plates.
• Monitor production schedules and prioritize workload to meet deadlines and operational needs.
• Operate plate engraving equipment to image and expose plate materials accurately.
• Process imaged materials using plate processors and trim plates to final specifications.
• Transfer finished and approved plates with job documentation to the Ink and Plates Department.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
• Perform routine maintenance of department equipment as directed.
• Communicate issues, concerns, or production challenges promptly to department leadership.
• Utilize Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and other office applications to communicate and manage documentation effectively.

Skills

Prepress knowledge

Quality control

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Mechanical aptitude

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree in graphics

Bachelor's degree in graphic design

Tools

Esko

Hybrid Software

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Acrobat

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Pre-press Process Specialist is a production-focused role responsible for preparing customer artwork for print production using industry-standard prepress software. This position supports proofing, imaging operations, and plate production.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are representative of the role but are not all-inclusive:

• Utilize Mac-based production software, including Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat, and Esko (DeskPack, Automation Engine, WebCenter), to produce digital proofs and printing plates.
• Receive, review, and organize incoming graphics files to ensure completeness and readiness for production.
• Perform preflight checks and create data entries that accurately capture production requirements.
• Verify that artwork elements, design intent, and color specifications align with company (CCL) standards.
• Prepare and develop production-ready artwork based on preflight specifications and internal requirements.
• Create color separations, apply trapping, and ensure proper barcode formatting.
• Use GlobalVision software and manual quality checks to ensure production files match customer-supplied artwork.
• Conduct detailed quality assurance reviews to confirm accuracy and alignment of files, proofs, and printing plates.
• Monitor production schedules and prioritize workload to meet deadlines and operational needs.
• Operate plate engraving equipment to image and expose plate materials accurately.
• Process imaged materials using plate processors and trim plates to final specifications.
• Transfer finished and approved plates with job documentation to the Ink and Plates Department.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
• Perform routine maintenance of department equipment as directed.
• Communicate issues, concerns, or production challenges promptly to department leadership.
• Utilize Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and other office applications to communicate and manage documentation effectively.

Developmental Skills

The ideal candidate demonstrates an ongoing willingness and ability to learn and adapt to new technologies, workflows, and production requirements.

This role requires:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Sound judgment and problem-solving ability
• Solid technical and mechanical aptitude
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Initiative and a proactive approach to addressing questions and challenges

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Computer Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel)
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat)
• Familiarity with industry-standard pre-press and workflow software (e.g., Esko or Hybrid Software Solutions)

Education and/or Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field preferred
• Minimum of two years of prepress experience, preferably within a printing or packaging environment
• Experience with Adobe and prepress workflow systems such as Esko or Hybrid Software strongly preferred

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this role.

• Frequent standing and walking
• Regular use of hands and fingers for computer and equipment operation
• Occasional sitting, reaching, bending, kneeling, or crouching
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs
• Vision requirements include close and distance vision
• Ability to work safely in both office and production environments, including adherence to all safety procedures and the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this role.

• Combination of office (computer-based prepress work) and production floor environments
• Occasional exposure to loud noise, temperature variations, humidity, moving mechanical parts, chemicals, and UV or high-intensity industrial light sources