Prepress Operator

Midnight Oil; Shakopee (MN); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Midnight Oil in Minnesota is seeking a Prepress Operator to ensure all art/files for offset, digital, screen, and dye sublimation printing are prepared to client specifications. You will support Sales and Production, manage file prep, color breaks, and proofing, with a focus on accuracy and timely delivery.

The role requires strong communication, attention to detail, and extensive experience in electronic pre-press environments, with typical work hours from 11:30am to 8:00pm.

Qualifications

• Must have strong pre-press knowledge for offset and digital printing.
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite used for print production.
• Solid color management skills and file preparation expertise.
• Able to work with Mac OS-based design tools and production software.

Responsibilities

• Communicate effectively with Sales and Account Management teams.
• Prepare customer files for size, image resolution, bleeds, overprints, font issues, and color breaks.
• Maintain quality control during all prepress processes and verify artwork reproduces correctly.
• Maintain a workflow schedule and communicate status to internal customers.

Skills

Adobe Creative Suite

Color management

Mac OS workflow

Quality control

Communication

Pre-press

Team collaboration

Tools

Mac OS

Job description

Description

Job Summary:

The Prepress Operator ensures all art/files for offset, and digital, screen, and dye sublimation printing are in the accurate format, content, and color in accordance with the client’s technical specifications. The position requires effective communication skills, keen attention to detail, and a strong understanding of the offset and digital printing process.

Work Hours: 11:30am - 8:00pm

Job Description:

• Communicate effectively with Sales and Account Management team members.
• Prepare customer files for: size, image resolution, bleeds, overprints, font issues, and color breaks
• Maintain quality control during all prepress processes, reading and understanding work instructions, proper documentation, and procedures Verify provided artwork will reproduce to customer expectations.
• Maintain a workflow schedule and communicate status regularly to internal customers.
• Process and build files for production.
• Determine and create page layouts, while accounting for folds, trims, and die cuts as necessary.
• Work with various graphic design and layout software applications commonly used on Mac OS
• Perform quality checks on finished hard and PDF proofs before releasing to manufacturing.
• Output digital files to various output devices
• Respond to concerns from sales and production regarding client expectations, alterations, or suggestions
• Contribute to safety goals by maintaining a clean, clutter-free workplace, report potentially unsafe conditions and ensure that the department meets and exceeds safety requirements.
• Communicate with production to understand our printing capabilities.
• Meet productivity and quality standards by completing work in a timely and accurate manner.
• Work overtime as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• None

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OF POSITION

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Five plus years of experience in an electronic pre-press environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS OF POSITION

• Vocational/technical school or college degree in electronic pre-press.
• Five plus years of experience working in printing or manufacturing.
• Image retouching and color correction knowledge.
• In-depth understanding of dye sublimation printing processes and materials, including best practices for color management and file preparation.
• Experience with large-format printers and other printing machinery used in dye sublimation.
• Understanding of print finishing processes (e.g., heat pressing, transfer methods).

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Basic computer skills including email, basic mouse, keyboard, and menu navigation.
• Basic math skills including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and measurement.
• Basic color management skills with the ability to work in different digital file formats.
• Extensive skills with Adobe Creative Suite applications used for print production.
• Ability to communicate/understand basic written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to use problem solving skills in producing jobs effectively.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Frequent reaching, bending, climbing, kneeling, crouching, and stooping.
• Frequent standing for prolonged periods of time
• Frequent walking
• Ability to lift, pull, push up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to visually inspect all work for defects.
• Manual dexterity for repetitive work

EEO Statement:

The Imagine Group provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.