Pre-Press Technician

Summary/Objective
The Prepress Technician – Offset Plate Production is responsible for preparing, reviewing, and processing digital files for offset printing and producing high-quality printing plates that meet customer specifications and production requirements. This role serves as a critical link between design, prepress, and pressroom operations, ensuring accurate file preparation, color management, plate output, and workflow efficiency to support on-time production and exceptional print quality.

Essential Functions
Coordinate with production, sales and design teams to produce and prioritize jobs and, when necessary, reorganize to meet deadline changes and updates.
Brainstorm and ideate projects individually and as part of a team.
Receive and manipulate files electronically from email.
Troubleshoot customer files, load fonts, inspect graphics and make color separations.
Prepare file for output.
Layout/impose files on template and output.
Ensure files are maintained and organized for easy retrieval.
Provide training and advice to customers on the preparation of digital files.
Discuss and implement internal and client feedback in a timely and professional manner.
Stay up to date with emerging technology and design trends.
Collaborate with art director and other creative team members.
Competencies
· Expert knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite including InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator and Acrobat.
· Strong design and illustration skills (adaptable to various design styles).
· Strong oral and written communication skills (personable and professional).
· Critical thinking.
· Research skills and resourcefulness (ability to “Google it” and self-educate).
· Willingness to share knowledge with other team members.
· Ability to represent data visually (charts, graphs and infographics).
· Strong attention to detail.
· Ability to adhere to rigid deadlines and multi-task.
· Some knowledge of Adobe Premiere or After Effects (videography and photography) is a plus.
Experience in automation tools, variable PDF processing & layout programming highly preferred.

Work Environment
This job generally operates in a professional office environment but may frequently need to work with employees in a production environment where he/she may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts, vibration and moderate to loud noise level. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, smartphones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and digital cameras.

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to talk or hear; frequently required to stand and walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include color and close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time position with a standard schedule of 40 hours per week. Overtime on evenings and weekends may be required dependent upon business necessity.

Required Education and Experience
High school diploma or equivalent
1 year pre-press experience

Preferred Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, visual communication or related field from an accredited institution or an equivalent level of professional design experience
Photography experience is a plus
3-5 years of agency experience a plus

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Benefits
Graphic Village offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Life insurance and company-paid disability
401(k) plan with company match
A collaborative and innovative work environment