Prepress Technician/Platemaker 3rd Shift

JohnsByrne; Na-Au-Say Township, Niles (IL, IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

JohnsByrne is seeking a Prepress Technician / Platemaker in Illinois to prepare customer artwork and production files for printing, while supporting offset plate production for the pressroom.

The role requires reviewing files for quality, correcting issues, generating proofs, and ensuring alignment with press requirements. Training is provided for platemaking and aspiration to improve workflow efficiency.

Qualifications

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

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.
• Offset plate making on Fuji Film system. Will train.

Skills

Attention to detail

2+ years prepress experience

Communication and problem-solving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree in Graphic Communications/Printing Technology or related field preferred

Tools

Adobe Acrobat Pro

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe InDesign

KODAK PRINERGY

PREPS

Enfocus PitStop Pro

Imposition software

Color management tools

Job description

Job DetailsJob Location: JB-CHI Oakton - Niles, IL 60714Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: High SchoolSalary Range: $22.00 - $38.00 HourlyTravel Percentage: NoneJob Shift: 1st ShiftJob Category: Manufacturing

The Prepress Technician / Platemaker is a hybrid production role responsible for preparing customer artwork and production files for printing while also supporting offset plate production for the pressroom. This position ensures that files meet company, customer, and press requirements through file review, correction, color management, proof generation, imposition, workflow processing, and plate production. The successful candidate will work closely with other Prepress Technicians, and the Pressroom to maintain quality standards, maximize workflow efficiency, and meet production schedules. The ideal candidate will have experience in a prepress environment, strong technical and organizational skills, and a commitment to quality. Previous platemaking experience is preferred but not required, as training will be provided for candidates who demonstrate the aptitude and desire to learn this critical production function.

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.
• Offset plate making on Fuji Film system. Will train.

QualificationsRequired 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, and packaging artwork.
• Understanding of G7, GRACoL, SWOP, or other color standards.
• Experience working within ISO or quality-controlled manufacturing environments.
• Platemaking experience preferred but will train if needed.

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
• Platemaking

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