Production & Pre-Press Associate

SpeedPro Chicago Loop; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 28,929 - 33,062; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k

Health stipend

Transportation stipend

Job summary

A leading graphic printing franchise in Chicago is seeking a Production & Pre-Press Associate. This role requires strong production experience in a large format print shop and proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. You'll be responsible for managing print jobs, file preparation, and working in a fast-paced team environment. The position offers a competitive hourly rate ranging from $21 to $24 based on experience, along with performance bonuses and other benefits.

Qualifications

• Must have production experience in a large format print shop.
• Competent in Adobe software and familiar with MS Office.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced production environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform operations on printers, cutters, and laminators.
• Design and prepare files for production.
• Manage multiple jobs efficiently while maintaining high quality.

Skills

Production experience in a large format print shop

Competency in Illustrator, Adobe CS, and Photoshop

Ability to handle time-sensitive production environment

Organizational skills

Ability to lift 60lb rolls of vinyl

Tools

EFI Pro30H hybrid flatbed

Canon Oce Colorado M5

Mutoh Xpertjet 661

Esko CNC Cutter-Router

Kala Mistral Laminator

Juki Sewing Machine

Job description

Company: SpeedPro Imaging – Chicago Loop

Office Location: 2028 S. Michigan Ave, Chicago IL

Office Hours: 8:30am – 5:30pm

About SpeedPro Chicago Loop

SpeedPro Chicago Loop is a best-in-class large format digital imaging franchise system that is all about Great. Big. Graphics. We are now in our 9th Year and have been in the Top 10 annual performing studios nationally in 2022, 2023 and 2024. We've been named The International Franchise Association's 'Franchisee of the Year' (2022), Inc 5000's List of Fastest Growing Companies-Midwest (2024 & 2025), Wide Format Magazine's list of Top 150 Largest Printers in North America (2023), 3 Best Printing Companies in Chicago (2018-2025), recipient of the Project of the Year (2018 and 2021), as well as countless other awards, and often featured in national trade magazines and podcasts for our leadership style and innovative projects. We maintain perfect 5 star ratings in Google and Facebook reviews.

Dedicated to delivering uncompromised premium quality graphic printing, innovative ideas and exceptional client satisfaction everyday; we specialize in production of retail/brand graphics, trade-show displays, event signage, banners, vehicle graphics and more. We partner with large brands, small businesses, marketing & ad agencies around Chicago and coast to coast. Our fast-growing studio needs a highly motivated team player to further increase our velocity and trajectory.

Located in the South Loop, our studio is on the famed Michigan Avenue three blocks from McCormick Place with both parking and easy access to public transportation.

Position Description Highlights

THIS IS NOT A REMOTE OPPORTUNITY

No slouches, no mediocrity, no average performers should even think of applying. We only want shooting stars that seek to shine brightly! This is a killer opportunity for the person who embraces creativity and thrives under pressure.

A hybrid role, blending a sophisticated creative eye, hands on production using the latest digital printing technology, as well as the intellect to make the machines deliver a mind-blowing final product. If you care about fabricating, designing & creating cool looking, superior quality products and are eager to learn and work as part of a collaborative team, this Production & Pre-Press Associate job might be right for you!

Production Responsibilities include:

• Printer, cutter and laminator operations
• Design
• File preparation and pre-press
• Proof preparation
• Mounting and laminating
• Packing and unloading
• Local deliveries as needed
• Efficient time management to deliver multiple jobs on-time and with the highest quality

Machines include: EFI Pro30H hybrid flatbed, Canon Oce Colorado M5, Mutoh Xpertjet 661 (ADA sign maker), Esko CNC Cutter-Router, Kala Mistral Laminator, Juki Sewing, and Acrylic Heat-bender

The ideal applicant:

• MUST HAVE PRODUCTION EXPERIENCE IN A LARGE FORMAT PRINT SHOP. NON-NEGOTIABLE.
• Must be competent in Illustrator, Adobe CS (latest versions) and Photoshop, as well as familiar with MS Office, and Excel. You will be trained in RIP software ONYX and Fiery
• Must thrive in a production/time sensitive environment, ability to multi-task and handle rigors of daily goals
• Must be a team player, that’s is extremely organized and able to act and follow through on projects independently
• Is motivated to learn and achieve in a small, fast-paced environment
• Must be flexible enough to address last minute changes and to work as part of a team in effort to grow the business. (PLEASE NOTE: This position may require occasional schedule flexibility with night and/or weekend work for rush and/or large jobs/projects)
• 3D packaging design/CAD is a major upside!
• Previous work experience in a sign or print shop is HIGHLY desired
• Must have the ability to lift 60lb rolls of vinyl and heavy substrates

Experience: Print Shop: 2-10 years

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate. Please send a short cover letter, resume and design portfolio if applicable. Hourly: $21.00-$24.00 per hour based on experience (40 hours per week + over-time as needed/available). Monthly and Annual Bonus (performance based), 401k, Health stipend, Transportation stipend.