Digital Prepress Specialist

At Imagine we go beyond print to help our clients deliver game-changing visual communications from concept to delivery that set the standard for our industry. The first step in this process is hiring great employees! Our innovative teams are the most committed, highly experienced artisans in the business. We are committed to delivering high-quality marketing solutions, in every environment and campaign, helping our clients capture the heart, minds, and loyalty of their customers. For more than 30 years, The Imagine Group has established itself as one of the most influential and innovative visual communications companies in the industry. Join us and let's Imagine a better way together.

The Prepress Operator ensures all art/files for offset and digital printing are in the accurate format, content, and color in accordance with the client's technical specifications. The position requires an intermediate or higher understanding of media variable data, great communication skills, keen attention to detail, and a strong understanding of the offset and digital printing process.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Utilize media variable data skills to execute client projects with quality and to scope.
• Communicate effectively with Sales and Account Management team members.
• Prepare customer's files for: size, image resolution, bleeds, overprints, font issues, and color breaks.
• Maintain quality control during all prepress processes, reading and understanding work instructions, proper documentation, and procedures Verify provided artwork will reproduce to customer expectations.
• Maintain a workflow schedule and communicate status regularly to internal customers.
• Process and build files for production.
• Determine and create page layouts, while accounting for folds, trims, and die cuts as necessary.
• Work with various graphic design and layout software applications commonly used on Mac OS.
• Perform quality checks on finished hard and PDF proofs before releasing to manufacturing.
• Output digital files to various output devices.
• Responds to concerns from sales and production personnel regarding client expectations, alterations, or suggestions.
• Contribute to safety goals by maintaining a clean, clutter-free workplace, report potentially unsafe conditions and ensure that the department meets and exceeds safety requirements.
• Communicate with production to understand our printing capabilities.
• Meet productivity and quality standards by completing work in timely and accurate manner.
• May operate CTP plate making equipment to prepare plates for press.
• May perform maintenance to department equipment.
• Work overtime as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Mandatory Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent experience.
• Intermediate or above knowledge of media variable data processes.
• Five plus years of experience in an electronic prepress environment.
• Basic computer skills including email, basic mouse, keyboard, and menu navigation.
• Basic math skills including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and measurement.
• Basic color management skills with the ability to work in different digital file formats.
• Extensive skills with Adobe Creative Suite applications used for print production.
• Ability to communicate/understand basic written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to use problem solving skills in producing jobs effectively.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Vocational/technical school or college degree in electronic pre-press.

• Five plus years of experience working in printing or manufacturing.

• Five plus years of experience with color management.

• Image retouching and color correction knowledge.
• Bilingual or multilingual in any language (including ASL) preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Frequent reaching, bending, climbing, kneeling, crouching, and stooping.

• Sitting for prolonged periods of time

• Ability to lift, pull, push up to 40 pounds.

• Ability to visually inspect all work for defects.

• Manual dexterity for repetitive work
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The national pay range for this role is $21.77-$24.32 an hour. The pay range may be slightly lower or higher based on the geographic location. The actual pay offered may vary based upon, but not limited to education, skills, experience, proficiency, performance, shift, and location. In addition to base salary, depending on the role, the total compensation package may also include participation in a bonus, commission, or incentive program. Imagine offers benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, disability insurance, 401(k) with match, life insurance and other voluntary supplemental insurance coverages, plus tuition assistance, caregiver leave, adoption assistance, and employer/partner discounts.

We participate in E-Verify.

Imagine is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Diversity and Inclusion are not just a checked box, it is a critical part of our commitment to deliver innovative solutions to our clients and provide a great place to work for our entire Imagine family. We are focused on building a diverse and inclusive workforce. If you are excited about this role but do not meet 100% of the qualifications listed above, we encourage you to apply.