Prepress Graphics Specialist

MCC Label; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

MCC Label is seeking a Press Plate Maker to support plate production and artwork preparation for multiple printing methods. You will set up plates, perform QA checks, and ensure job files meet customer specs for fast turnaround.

The role emphasizes mastering prepress workflows, color separation, and file optimization to deliver flawless printing plates across lithography, flexography, gravure, and digital label formats.

Qualifications

• Assoc degree or 2 yrs exp in graphics reproduction or related fields.
• Advanced computer skills including prepress software and office apps.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud.
• Experience with Hybrid, Esko, GMG or HP Indigo software is a plus.
• Understanding color theory and color separation.
• Detail oriented, well organized and able to meet tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Make plates for our printing press and ensure QA checks.
• Maintain plate logs and verify plate envelope information.
• Coordinate plate priorities with Scheduling and Graphics teams.
• Execute electronic art separations per customer artwork and printer specs.
• Output electronic and hard color proofs; convert proofs to final files.
• Inspect finished files and complete QA checklist.
• Interact with customers and teammates on job specs and requirements.
• Manage multiple jobs across production stages and document accurately.

Skills

Adobe Creative Cloud

MS Office

Color theory

Color separation

Prepress software

Esko software

GMG software

HP Indigo

Learning new tech

Communication skills

Education

Assoc degree or 2 yrs exp in Graphics Reproduction / related fields

Tools

Esko

GMG

HP Indigo software

Job description

Build your Career with an Industry Leader

As the global leader of premium labels, MCC helps brands stand out in competitive markets and inspire positive consumer experiences. Backed by over a century of printing experience, MCC is focused on the future by developing consumer-driven innovations and sustainable packaging solutions. Working for our team, you can truly make a difference.

Job title: Press Plate Maker

The Press Plate Maker It's important to note that this is not a design position. The Press Plate Maker focuses on the production of plates by ensuring the accurate construction and processing of all artwork files for various printing methods, including lithography, flexography, gravure, and digital label printing. Expertise in printing processes is paramount for this role, as the candidate adeptly configures jobs to meet customer specifications, ensuring swift turnaround times without compromising quality. The primary emphasis of this position lies in the technical aspects of preparing files for printing, showcasing proficiency in optimizing files for flawless execution on the chosen printing platform.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Make plates for our printing press
• Responsible for the critical evaluation of all plates made and completes appropriate QA check lists
• Responsible for maintaining Plate Logs Verifies information on Plate Envelope is correct
• Coordinates plate priorities with Scheduling, Graphics Coordinator, or Graphics Supervisor Maintains components-to-press schedules to understand priorities and mark completion of jobs or flags
• Execute electronic art separations to customer-supplied artwork following internal job tickets while adhering to printer specifications for all print types and materials. This includes, but is not limited to application of traps, overprints, pullbacks, and positive or reverse line requirements, etc.
• Outputs electronic proofs & hard color proofs.
• Convert approved proof files to final stepped files for plate output.
• inspect finished files, including the completion of QA checklist.
• Interacts with customer representatives or other teammates concerning job specifications or special requirements.
• Manage multiple jobs in various production stages.
• Operate Macintosh workstations utilizing company ERP, Graphics Systems, and strong knowledge of manufacturing operations.
• Assist with external communication and file transfers.
• Complete required documentation in an accurate and prompt manner.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Interact directly with customers or graphics separators for queries, feedback on specifications, etc.
• Participate in researching and developing new technology.
• Perform routine maintenance and manage computers and equipment.
• Comply with established facility safety policies and procedures and other regulations as applicable.
• Adheres to MCC company code of ethics.
• Participate in continuous improvement / Kaizen teams.
• Attends department meetings and internal training classes.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Associate degree or 2 years of equivalent combination of education and experience in Graphics Reproduction, Customer Service, or related fields.
• Advanced computer skills are essential, including proficiency with business operating systems, prepress/preflight software, internet applications, as well as word processing and spreadsheet software.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications.
• Experience with Hybrid, Esko, GMG or HP Indigo software a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new technology including new/upgraded software and hardware.
• Understanding color theory and color separation.
• Specific vision abilities required including color perception, depth, and focus adjustment.
• Must be detail oriented, well organized, and take pride in delivering quality work.
• Ability to multi-task and work well under pressure with tight deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to translate technical information into actionable tasks.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule and overtime as needed.
• Ability to problem-solve and work with minimal supervision.
• This position may require sporadic travel as necessary.

Diversity & Inclusion:

MCC fosters an inclusive culture that respects and embraces our teammates’ diverse backgrounds and experiences, so that everyone can achieve their full potential here. We aspire for our company to truly reflect the diversity of our customers and the markets we serve. We are committed to equal opportunity for everyone, regardless of peoples’ gender identity/expression, age, language, sexual orientation, ability, race, socioeconomic status, national origin or other characteristics.