Prepress Operator

JohnsByrne; Niles (IL); On-site; USD 30,307 - 55,104; Full time

Job summary

JohnsByrne in Illinois is seeking a skilled Prepress Operator to prepare customer artwork and production files for printing, ensuring files meet press requirements and customer specifications. The role reviews files, manages color, proof generation, imposition, and workflow processing to ensure efficient production of high-quality printed products.

You will work closely with Project Managers, Client Services, Sales, and the press room to resolve artwork issues and maintain schedules, while

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; associate degree preferred.
• 2+ years in prepress, graphic arts, packaging, or printing.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud applications.
• Strong PDF workflow and print production knowledge.
• Color management understanding and press-ready file creation.
• Experience with proofing systems and color standards.
• Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Review artwork for printability and production compatibility.
• Verify file specs: dimensions, bleeds, margins, resolution, fonts, colors.
• Correct issues while preserving design intent.
• Create and manage production-ready PDFs.
• Generate proofs for customer approval.
• Execute trapping, imposition, and nesting as needed.
• Prepare files for offset printing and press-ready output.
• Maintain organization, revisions, and documentation.
• Communicate requirements to internal customers and troubleshoot issues.
• Support workflow improvements and adhere to quality standards.

Skills

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree in Graphic Communications, Printing Technology, or related field

Tools

Adobe Acrobat Pro

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe InDesign

KODAK PRINERGY

PREPS

Enfocus PitStop Pro

Job description

Job Details Job Location: JB-CHI Oakton - Niles, IL 60714 Position Type: Full Time Education Level: High School Salary Range: $22.00 - $40.00 Hourly Travel Percentage: None Job Shift: 1st Shift Job Category: Manufacturing Prepress Operator

Position Summary

The Prepress Operator is responsible for preparing customer artwork and production files for printing by ensuring all files meet company, customer, and press requirements. This role performs file review, correction, color management, proof generation, imposition, and workflow processing to ensure efficient production and high-quality printed products. The Prepress Operator works closely with Project Managers, Client services, Sales, plating and the press room, to resolve artwork issues and maintain production schedules.

Key Responsibilities

• Review incoming customer artwork for printability and production compatibility.
• Verify file specifications including dimensions, bleeds, margins, resolution, fonts, and color builds.
• Correct artwork issues while maintaining customer design intent.
• Create and manage production-ready PDF files.
• Generate digital and hard-copy proofs for customer approval.
• Execute trapping, imposition, and nesting as required.
• Prepare files for offset printing.
• Create press-ready files according to equipment, substrate and finishes required.
• Maintain file organization, revision control, and production documentation.
• Communicate artwork concerns and technical requirements to internal customers.
• Troubleshoot file-related production issues and implement corrective actions.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to workflow efficiency and quality.
• Adhere to company quality standards, safety practices, and production procedures.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; Associate degree in Graphic Communications, Printing Technology, or related field preferred.
• 2+ years of experience in a prepress, graphic arts, packaging, or printing environment.
• Proficiency with the Adobe® Creative Cloud: Adobe® Acrobat Pro, Adobe® Illustrator, Adobe® Photoshop, Adobe® InDesign.
• Strong understanding of PDF workflows and print production standards.
• Knowledge of color management.
• Experience with proofing systems, KODAK PRINERGY® and PREPS®, Enfocus PitStop Pro®.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines.
• Strong communication and problem-solving abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of offset printing, foil, em-, de-bossing for packaging.
• Experience with barcodes, variable data printing, and packaging artwork.
• Understanding of G7, GRACoL, SWOP, or other color standards.
• Experience working within ISO or quality-controlled manufacturing environments.

Technical Knowledge

• CMYK, RGB, spot colors
• Color separations and screening
• PDF/X standards
• Trapping and overprint settings
• Bleed and trim specifications
• Imposition software
• Resolution and image optimization
• Print proofing and color matching
• Press and finishing requirements

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods.
• Visual abilities: close, distance, color, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus

Success Metrics

• Accuracy of production files
• On-time job preparation
• Reduction of press delays caused by file issues
• Compliance with customer specifications and production standards