Prepress Graphic Technician

Inovar Packaging Group; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

PTO and holidays

Job summary

Inovar Packaging Group is seeking a detail-oriented Prepress Technician to prepare customer files for Flexographic and Digital printing. This role emphasizes accuracy in proofreading, barcode verification, and print readiness, not design creation.

The ideal candidate has experience with Adobe Creative Suite and strong collaboration across Prepress, Production, and Customer Service teams. On first shift, 8am–4:30pm, Monday–Friday, providing a stable schedule.

Qualifications

• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite for prepress prep.
• Associate degree or equivalent in a related field.
• Strong proofreading, spelling, grammar, and sequential numbering skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare customer files for Flexographic and Digital printing (trapping, stepping, distortion).
• Edit/create artwork using Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Collaborate with Management, Prepress, Production, and Customer Service teams.

Skills

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe InDesign

Proofreading

Time management

Communication

Education

Associate degree in a related field

Bachelor’s degree (preferred) in graphics or related field

Tools

Esko Workflow

Job description

Prepress Technician

This is a technical production role focused on file preparation, compliance, and print readiness — not creative design. First shift 8am-4:30pm, Monday-Friday.

Prepress Technician

This is a technical production role focused on file preparation, compliance, and print readiness — not creative design. First shift 8am-4:30pm, Monday-Friday.

Inovar Packaging Group, a leader in labeling, promotional, and identification solutions, is one of North America’s premier label printing and flexible packaging companies. We have industry-leading resources, innovation, and operational excellence while maintaining our strong legacy of customer service and product quality. Serving industries such as automotive, food and beverage, health and beauty, agriculture, and retail, we are committed to delivering high-quality products and services.

Why Join Us

• Competitive pay and company equity
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short/long-term disability, 401(k) Retirement Plan with company match!
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and company holidays
• Opportunities for career growth within a rapidly expanding company
• A collaborative and innovative work environment

Position Overview

The Prepress Technician plays a critical role in ensuring high-quality print production by preparing customer files for Flexographic and Digital printing. This position requires technical expertise in file preparation, proofreading, and barcode verification, as well as strong collaboration with management, prepress, production, and customer service teams. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, and capable of managing multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare customer files for Flexographic and Digital printing, including trapping, stepping, and distortion.
• Edit and create artwork using graphic design software such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
• Maintain clear communication with Management, Prepress, Production, and Customer Service teams.
• Proofread all content for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and consistency.
• Conduct hard copy proofing and ensure accuracy in variable data and sequential numbering.
• Collaborate with clients to understand design needs and provide proofs for approval
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to the graphics prepress process

Basic Qualifications

• Associate degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat, and InDesign.
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel).
• Strong time management, organization, and multitasking skills.
• Ability to think critically, solve problems proactively, and deliver within deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a client-focused approach.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in graphics or an industry-related field.
• Experience with Esko Workflow.
• Background in Flexographic printing or label manufacturing prepress.
• Familiarity with general manufacturing and pre-production graphics manipulation.