Premedia/Prepress (71480)

PrintWorkers; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision

Job summary

PrintWorkers in Park Ridge, IL is seeking a detail-oriented Prepress Technician to prepare files for high-quality print production. The role requires hands-on experience with prepress workflows, color management, and print production processes.

You will perform file preflighting, color correction, and optimization, while collaborating with production staff to ensure proofs and final output meet Pantone and CMYK standards.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop.
• Experience with prepress workflow tools such as Kodak Prinergy.
• Strong understanding of CMYK, spot and Pantone colors, bleeds and imposition.

Responsibilities

• File preflighting: review files for errors, fonts, dimensions, resolution.
• Color correction to Pantone standards.
• File optimization including trapping, bleeds, and imposition.
• Proofing digital and physical proofs for client approval.
• Operate plate-making equipment, digital printers and proofing systems.
• Collaborate with production staff and press operators.
• Quality control to minimize errors and maintain print quality.

Skills

Attention to detail

Troubleshooting

Color management

Prepress workflows

Education

Graphic arts degree/certificate

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Kodak Prinergy

Job description

Job Description

Prepress Technician – 1st & 3rd Shifts

Location: Park Ridge, IL

Pay: $22–$38 per hour

Benefits: Medical, Dental & Vision

Job Type: Direct Hire

Position Overview

We are seeking a detail-oriented Prepress Technician to prepare and optimize files for high-quality print production. The ideal candidate has experience with prepress workflows, color management, and print production, along with strong technical skills and attention to detail.

Key Responsibilities

• File Preflighting: Review customer files and job tickets for errors, including missing fonts, incorrect dimensions, and low image resolution.
• Color Correction: Adjust color profiles, separations, and ink density to meet Pantone standards.
• File Optimization: Perform trapping, add bleeds, and manage imposition to ensure files are properly prepared for press production.
• Proofing: Create digital and/or physical proofs and mockups for customer approval before production.
• Equipment Operation: Operate and maintain plate-making equipment, digital printers, and proofing systems.
• Team Collaboration: Work closely with production staff and press operators to ensure files are production-ready.
• Quality Control: Identify and resolve file issues to minimize errors and maintain print quality.

Qualifications & Skills

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, especially Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop.
• Experience with prepress workflow tools such as Kodak Prinergy.
• Strong understanding of CMYK, spot and Pantone colors, bleeds, resolution, trapping, and imposition.
• Knowledge of offset, and/or digital printing processes.
• Excellent attention to detail, visual acuity, and analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• High school diploma or a certificate or associate degree in graphic arts.
• Typically 1–5 years of hands-on experience in prepress.
• CTP (Computer-to-Plate) and platemaking experience is a plus.