Prelim/Prepress Operator III

RRD Company; St. Charles (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Paid time off

Disability insurance

401(k) with match

Life insurance

Tuition assistance

Maternity leave

Adoption assistance

Employee discounts

Job summary

RRD is seeking a Mac-focused prepress professional for the 1st shift. You will review client files, adjust layouts, and prepare plates for press while coordinating with customer service and production to resolve issues.

Proficiency in Mac design tools, Kodak Prinergy, and color management is essential. The role requires knowledge of PDF/TIFF/EPS formats and hands-on operation of plate-making equipment.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of Mac experience in manufacturing.
• Process color experience required; color correction beneficial.
• Process color and reproduction experience required.
• Variable data creation/editing skills.
• Proficient with Mac and PC graphic design/layout software.
• Kodak Prinergy experience (2–3 years).
• Familiar with PDF/TIFF/EPS formats across Mac/PC.
• Imposition software (Mac) and Adobe Creative Suite (PC).
• Advanced color management and cross-format handling.
• Output digital files to various output devices.
• Understanding of offset printing and color interactions.
• Mechanical repairs/hand tools for equipment maintenance.
• Train others in new processes and lean methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Review client files for completeness before plate making.
• Manipulate page layout to paper dimensions.
• Determine layout with folds, bleeds, trims, and add crop marks.
• Identify missing components and communicate issues.
• Collaborate with Customer Service and production to resolve problems.
• Load customer files for output during manufacturing.
• Prepare color proofs for customer review.
• Operate CTP plate making and bending/tabbing equipment.
• Perform quality checks on finished plates.

Skills

Mac experience

Color expertise

Color proofing

Variable data

Mechanical skills

Lean methods

Team training

Tools

Kodak Prinergy

Imposition Mac

Adobe Creative Suite

Output devices

Job description

• Army MOS: 83F:Printing and Bindery Specialist
• Department: Production & Manufacturing
• Shift: 1st Shift

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

• 1ST SHIFT: MONDAY - FRIDAY 6:30AM - 3PM
• 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

Qualifications

• 5-7 years Mac experience required in a manufacturing environment.
• Process color experience is required. Color correction and proofing experience a plus.
• Process color and reproduction experience is a must.
• Variable data creation and editing skills.
• Must be able to work with various graphic design and layout software applications commonly used on Mac's and PC's
• Two to Three years of Kodak Prinergy experience.
• 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
• Train others in new processes and lean methodologies
• Perform other duties as assigned

Additional Information

**1st SHIFT (M-F) 7 AM- 3:30 PM**

The pay range for this role at the noted location is $29.30 to $38.50 per hour. The actual rate of pay offered may vary based upon, but not limited to: education, skills, experience, proficiency, performance, shift, and location. In addition to base salary, depending on the role, the total compensation package may also include overtime, shift differential, call-in, and stand-by pay.

• medical coverage
• dental coverage
• vision coverage
• paid time off
• disability insurance
• 401(k) with match
• life insurance and other voluntary supplemental insurance coverages
• tuition assistance
• maternity leave
• adoption assistance
• employer/partner discounts

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.