Prelim/Prepress Operator 3

RRD; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 37,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Paid time off

401(k) with company match

Life insurance

Job summary

RRD is seeking an experienced plate maker to review client files, format layouts, and prepare plates for production. The role covers imposing images, color proofs, and operating CTP equipment, ensuring quality before release. You will train and support teammates in a fast-paced graphic arts environment.

The position emphasizes proficiency with Mac/PC software, Adobe Creative Suite, imposition tools, and a strong understanding of offset printing processes to maintain high-quality outputs.

Qualifications

• Must be able to work with graphic design and layout software on Mac and PC.
• Strong understanding of digital file formats (pdf, tiff, eps) from different operating systems.
• Experience with imposition software and Adobe Creative Suite software.
• Advanced color management skills and ability to work with various digital file formats.
• Understanding of offset printing processes and color interactions.
• Mechanical skills to repair and maintain printing equipment.

Responsibilities

• Review electronic files that are received from clients and check them for thoroughness and completeness in advance of the plate making process.
• Use desktop publishing software to manipulate the format of the print job to the paper dimensions.
• Determine page layout, folds, trims, bleeds, gripper, and add crop marks and color bars as necessary.
• Identify missing or problematic components and communicate them to the Customer Service Rep and production personnel.
• Work with Customer Service Rep, customer, and production personnel to resolve job issues.
• Load customer supplied electronic files for output during manufacturing.
• May prepare color proofs for customer review.
• May impose images and operate CTP plate making equipment and bending/tabbing equipment.
• Perform quality checks on finished plates before releasing to manufacturing.
• Responsible for training and supporting new and existing team members.

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Imposition software

Graphic design software

Mac and PC workflows

Color management

Digital file formats

Offset printing

Mechanical skills

Job description

RRD is a leading global provider of marketing, packaging, print, and supply chain solutions that elevate engagement across the complete customer journey. The company offers the industry’s most trusted portfolio of creative execution and world-wide business process consulting, with services designed to lower environmental impact. With 22,000 clients, including 93% of the Fortune 100, and 32,000 employees across 28 countries, RRD brings the expertise, execution, and scale designed to transform customer touchpoints into meaningful moments of impact.

RRD is a leading global provider of marketing, packaging, print, and supply chain solutions that elevate engagement across the complete customer journey. The company offers the industry’s most trusted portfolio of creative execution and world-wide business process consulting, with services designed to lower environmental impact. With 22,000 clients, including 93% of the Fortune 100, and 32,000 employees across 28 countries, RRD brings the expertise, execution, and scale designed to transform customer touchpoints into meaningful moments of impact.

Job Description

• Review electronic files that are received from clients and check them for thoroughness and completeness in advance of the plate making process
• Using electronic page layout software (desktop publishing software) manipulates the format of the print job to the dimensions of the paper
• Determine page layout, accounting for folds, trims, bleeds and gripper, and add crop marks and color bars as necessary
• Identify missing or problematic components and communicate them to the Customer Service Rep, customer and production personnel
• Work directly with Customer Service Rep, customer, and production personnel as necessary to work out any problems with the job
• Load customer supplied electronic files for output during the manufacturing process
• May prepare color proofs for customer review
• May impose images and operate CTP plate making equipment and bending/tabbing equipment to prepare plates for press
• Perform quality checks on finished plates before releasing to manufacturing
• Responsible for training and supporting new and existing team members.
  
  

Qualifications

• Must be able to work with various graphic design and layout software applications commonly used on Mac's and PC's
• A thorough understanding of digital file formats (pdf, tiff, eps) from different operating systems (Mac and PC) is required
• Experience with imposition software (Mac) and Adobe Creative Suite software (PC) is preferred
• Advanced color management skills and the ability to work with different digital file formats are required
• Must have the ability to output digital files to various output devices; must have the ability to continue to learn and use new graphics software on an ongoing basis
• Must have an understanding of the offset printing process and how one color affects another
• Mechanical skills using small hand tools in order to make minor repairs and perform maintenance on a flatbed scanner, image setter, and automated film processing equipment is required
  
  

Additional Information

The salary range for this role at the noted RRD location is $27.00 - $38.32 / hour. Starting pay decisions are determined based on multiple factors including but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, skills, experience, certifications, proficiency, performance, shift, location, and other business needs. Typically, roles follow step progressions to a target rate or set increments over time. Depending on the role, in addition to the hourly rate of pay, the total compensation package may also include overtime, shift differential, call-in, and/or stand-by pay. RRD’s benefit offerings include medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, disability insurance, 401(k) with company match, life insurance and other voluntary supplemental insurance coverages, plus parental leave, adoption assistance, tuition assistance and employer/partner discounts

RRD is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans

RRD is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans

At RRD, we value innovation, authenticity, and integrity. To uphold the security and fairness of our hiring process, we ask that candidates refrain from using AI tools during interviews to ensure an authentic and secure experience. We appreciate your cooperation as we work to maintain a transparent and equitable hiring process.

All employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of both a pre-employment background and drug screen.