Printing Plate Maker

Standard Printing Company of Canton; Canton (OH); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

$2,000 hiring bonus

Benefits from day one (Medical, Dental

401(k) with company match

Job summary

Standard Printing Company in Canton, OH is seeking a detail-oriented Plate Maker to operate the Magnus VLF CTP imaging system and Kodak plate processor, ensuring precise plates that meet customer specs.

This full-time role includes a 3:00 PM–11:00 PM second shift, with a potential third shift of 10:00 PM–6:00 AM. A $2,000 hiring bonus is offered along with benefits from day one and growth opportunities within Prepress and production.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1–2 years of recent, dependable work experience; printing/prepress a plus.
• Understanding of CTP imaging workflows and thermal plate technology.
• Computer proficiency for operating CTP imaging software and workflow systems.
• Precision measurement and quality-inspection skills.
• Basic mechanical aptitude for routine equipment maintenance.
• Ability to read and interpret job tickets and prepress specifications.
• Strong attention to detail under deadline pressure.
• Ability to prioritize work and adapt to changing production demands.

Responsibilities

• Read and interpret job tickets to determine plate specs and requirements.
• Set up and operate the Magnus VLF CTP imaging system to expose plates.
• Run plates through the Kodak plate processor and monitor conditions.
• Measure and verify plate specs against ticket requirements.
• Inspect plates for image quality and reimage or reject as needed.
• Ensure correct plate material and consumables are available for each job.
• Perform preventive maintenance on the imaging system and processor.
• Maintain inventory and production records; keep area clean and safe.
• Perform other prepress duties as assigned.

Skills

CTP imaging workflows

Quality inspection

Reading job tickets

Mechanical aptitude

Computer proficiency

Detail-oriented

Production scheduling

Attention to deadlines

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Every great press run starts with a perfect plate.

Standard Printing Company is seeking a detail-oriented Plate Maker to join our Prepress team and keep our presses running at peak quality.

$2,000 HIRING BONUS

Position Summary

The Plate Maker operates the Magnus VLF computer-to-plate (CTP) imaging system and Kodak automatic plate processor to produce printing plates according to customer and job specifications. This role is critical to pressroom quality — every plate that hits the press has to be right the first time. You will be responsible for maintaining production schedules, upholding strict quality standards, and keeping your equipment properly maintained and supplied.

This is a full-time, 2nd shift position. Schedule: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM.

About Standard Printing Company

Standard Printing Company has operated since 1923, utilizing a combination of trained personnel, equipment, and technology. As an established offset and digital commercial printer, the company is seeking individuals interested in long-term careers with a reputable and expanding business. Our pursuit of success is guided by our fundamental values: serving as Customer Advocates, maintaining Operational Excellence, demonstrating Integrity, fostering Trust through Transparency, and remaining grounded in Tradition while dedicated to Progress.

Learn more about us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5wHadiWauow

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Read and interpret job ticket instructions to determine plate specifications and job requirements.
• Set up and operate the Magnus VLF CTP imaging system to expose plates according to job specifications.
• Run exposed plates through the Kodak automatic plate processor, monitoring developer and dryer conditions per manufacturer specifications.
• Measure and verify plate specifications (registration, punch, dimensions) against job ticket requirements.
• Inspect processed plates for image quality and exposure accuracy; reimage or reject plates that do not meet quality standards.
• Ensure correct plate material and consumables (developer, gum, punch templates) are available for each job.
• Perform daily, weekly, and monthly preventive maintenance on the VLF imager and plate processor per manufacturer schedules.
• Maintain adequate inventory of plates and processing consumables; reorder as needed.
• Maintain accurate production records, including plate counts, job tickets, and processor chemistry logs.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, including proper handling and disposal of plate-processing chemistry.
• Perform other prepress duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 1-2 years of recent, dependable work experience; printing or prepress experience a plus.
• Understanding of CTP imaging workflows and thermal plate technology preferred.
• Computer proficiency for operating CTP imaging software and workflow systems.
• Precision measurement and quality-inspection skills.
• Basic mechanical aptitude for routine equipment maintenance.
• Ability to read and interpret job tickets and prepress specifications.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain quality standards under deadline pressure.
• Ability to prioritize work and adapt to rapidly changing production demands.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Occasional exposure to plate-processing chemistry; PPE required (gloves, safety glasses).

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Prepress/plate room environment; may involve exposure to plate-processing chemical odors.
• Third shift position: 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM.
• PPE required when handling processor chemistry per current SDS requirements.

WHY SHOULD YOU APPLY?

Compensation:

Competitive wages based on experience, plus a $2,000 hiring bonus.

Benefits on Day One:

Medical, Dental, Vision, and 401(k) with company match — available from your first day of employment.

Growth & Development:

We invest in our people. You will have access to ongoing training and real opportunities for career advancement within our Prepress and production teams.

Technology:

Operate industry-leading Magnus VLF CTP and Kodak plate processing equipment in a well-maintained, modern facility.

Culture:

Join a family-oriented team that has been serving customers since 1923 — stable, growing, and genuinely invested in the people who do the work.

Standard Printing Company — Canton, Ohio | In business since 1923