Prelim/Prepress Operator 3

RRD; Timonium (MD); On-site; USD 31,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with match

Paid time off

Job summary

RRD in Timonium, MD is seeking a skilled Pre-press Operator to review client files, prepare layouts, and output plates for press. You will work with Kodak PRINERGY, set up page layouts, and ensure folds, bleeds, and crop marks are correct, collaborating with Customer Service and production teams.

The role requires strong color management, proficiency with Mac and PC graphics software, and leadership to guide junior staff.

Qualifications

• Proficiency with Mac/PC graphic design software and file formats.
• Strong color management and ability to handle PDF/TIFF/EPS inputs.
• Experience with imposition and Adobe Creative Suite environments.
• Ability to output to various devices and learn new graphics tools.
• Understanding of offset printing and color interactions.
• Leadership skills to support the pre-press team and cross-functional calls.

Responsibilities

• Review client files for completeness before plate making.
• Prepare page layouts, folds, bleeds, crop marks and color bars.
• Load client files for output and may prepare color proofs.
• Operate CTP plate making and related equipment as needed.
• Perform quality checks on finished plates and assist cross-functional teams.
• Participate in special projects and conference calls with customers.

Skills

Graphic design

Mac/PC workflows

Color management

Imposition software

Desktop publishing

Quality control

Leadership

Tools

Imposition Mac

CTP equipment

Desktop publishing software

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.

Job Description

• Review electronic files that are received from clients and check them for thoroughness and completeness in advance of the plate making process
• Experience with Kodak PRINERGY a plus!! (ensure that is on your resume)
• 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
• May also be required to work special projects from Management and interact with cross-training in other areas.

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.
• Leadership skills will also be required. Pre-press operator 3 designates the department lead. The lead needs to be able to help out in special circumstances and have the ability to answer questions or take the action needed to find the answers that other employees may have related to pre-press operations. This role will also include joining conference calls in order to help clarify proper methods of submitting art, variable files for programing etc. for both internal and external interested parties. The calls may also be customer facing. Customers questions will need to be answered and the customer may need to be respectfully edified in order to meet the requirements of their project.

Additional Information

RRD's current salary range for this role is $22.48 to $31.78 / hour. The hourly range may be adjusted based on the applicable geographic location of the hired employee, and the range may change in the future. At RRD, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions may vary based upon, but not limited to education, skills, experience, proficiency, performance, shift and location. Depending on the role, in addition to base salary, the total compensation package may also include participation in a bonus, commission or incentive program. 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

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.