Prelim/Prepress Operator 3

RR Donnelley & Sons; Timonium (MD); On-site; USD 31,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

RR Donnelley & Sons in Timonium, MD is seeking a pre-press operator to review client files, prepare layouts, and finalize plates for production. The role involves manipulating electronic files, ensuring accuracy in folds, trims, bleeds, and color bars, and coordinating with Customer Service and production to resolve issues.

Ideal candidates will have proficiency with Mac/PC graphic design software, knowledge of PDF/TIFF/EPS formats, and experience with imposition software and Adobe Creative

Qualifications

• Proficient with Mac/PC graphic design tools and file handling formats (PDF/TIFF/EPS).
• Experience with imposition software and Adobe Creative Suite preferred.
• Strong color management and ability to adapt formats for various outputs.
• Knowledge of offset printing processes and how color separations interact.
• Ability to output digital files to different output devices; willingness to learn new software.

Responsibilities

• Review client files for completeness before plate making.
• Use desktop publishing software to adjust layout to paper size.
• Determine page layout considering folds, trims, bleeds, and gripper; add crop marks and color bars.
• Identify missing or problematic components and communicate with Customer Service and production teams.
• Load client files for output during manufacturing and prepare color proofs as needed.
• Operate CTP plate making equipment and related tooling; perform plate prep for press.
• Perform quality checks on finished plates before release to manufacturing.
• Collaborate with Customer Service and production to resolve issues and support special projects.
• Engage in cross-training with other areas as required by management.

Skills

Graphic design software

Mac/PC cross-platform

Color management

Digital file formats

Offset printing knowledge

Problem solving

Tools

Imposition software (Mac)

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Company 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 KodakPRINERGY 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 basisMust 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 rolewill 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.