Prepress Operator (Offset and Digital Printing)

Moore; Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled Prepress Operator to join their dynamic team. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for preparing digital files and materials for both offset and digital printing, ensuring the highest quality standards are met. Your expertise in color management, file preparation, and troubleshooting will be essential in delivering exceptional results. This position offers the opportunity to work with advanced prepress software and technologies, collaborating closely with press operators to optimize production processes. If you are passionate about print production and eager to contribute to innovative projects, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Proficient in file preparation and proofing for digital and offset printing.
• Strong skills in color management and troubleshooting printing issues.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and proof client files ensuring quality and specifications.
• Perform preflight checks and manage PDF workflows for production.

Skills

File Preparation

Color Management

Troubleshooting

Proofing

Imposition

PDF Workflow Management

Education

Associate Degree in Graphic Design or related field

Tools

Adobe Creative Cloud

Prinergy

Preps by Kodak

Enfocus Pitstop

Equios

Inspire

Job description

Prepress Operator (Offset and Digital Printing)

A Prepress Operator is responsible for preparing digital files and physical materials for printing in both offset and digital printing environments. This role involves reviewing, editing, and ensuring the accuracy of design files, performing color calibration, and setting up printing jobs to meet client specifications and industry standards. The operator ensures that all artwork is optimized for the printing process, handling tasks such as image correction, proofing, imposition, and plate-making for offset printing.

Key responsibilities include:

• File Preparation and Proofing: Reviewing client files for quality, ensuring proper file formats, color modes, and resolution for both digital and offset printing. Generating proofs and reviewing them with clients or design teams for approval.
• Preflighting Files: Performing preflight checks on digital files to ensure they meet the specifications required for printing. This includes checking for resolution issues, color mode discrepancies, font embedding, image trapping, and any other potential errors that could affect the quality or functionality of the print job. Ensuring that files are free of technical issues before they enter the production phase.
• Imposition & Layout: Preparing the correct imposition and layout for both digital and offset presses to ensure efficient printing and minimal waste. Arranging multiple pages or jobs to optimize press runs.
• Plate Making (for offset printing): Creating and processing printing plates for offset presses, ensuring the plates are free of errors and properly aligned to produce high-quality prints.
• Color Management: Ensuring accurate color reproduction by applying color correction techniques, using color management tools and systems, and performing color calibration for digital and offset presses.
• Prepress Software Operation: Utilizing prepress software such as Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) to process and adjust files, set up jobs, and communicate with both digital and offset presses.
• RIP Software Expertise: Proficiently operating RIP software such as Prinergy and Preps by Kodak for the efficient processing of files and imposition, ensuring that they are optimized for both digital and offset printing technologies.
• PDF Workflow Management: Working within a PDF-based workflow and ensuring that all files are correctly prepared for production using PDF standards and optimization techniques. Experience with Enfocus Pitstop for file editing, quality control, and troubleshooting of PDF files is highly beneficial.
• Press Setup and Maintenance: Collaborating with press operators to ensure job specifications are met, preparing digital or offset presses for production runs, and performing routine maintenance to ensure smooth operation.
• Troubleshooting and Problem-Solving: Identifying and resolving issues with files, colors, or equipment, ensuring minimal downtime and maintaining quality control throughout the production process.

Plusses:

• Experience with Equios for managing workflow and print production, especially for complex digital jobs.
• Familiarity with Inspire software for variable data printing, including dynamic personalization and customized print runs, is a plus.
• Enfocus Pitstop expertise for managing and editing PDF files and improving file quality in a PDF workflow.

Moore Company participates in committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Moore Company is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.

Moore Company participates in the E-Verify program. Must be authorized to work in the United States and successfully pass a comprehensive criminal background investigation.

Seniority level

• Associate

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Marketing, Writing/Editing, and Advertising
• Industries: Advertising Services, Printing Services, and Graphic Design