Design, Pre-Press & Wide Format Technician

Overview

Perform basic design and pre-press duties for digital and offset printing, including proof generation, electronic file preparation, file imposition and platemaking. Manage operation of wide format printing equipment to produce posters, signs and banners and the finishing duties associated with such products.

Responsibilities

• Receive electronic print files; import them into specialized pre-press software
• Pre-flight files to ensure all fonts and images are present and are at an acceptable resolution for reproduction
• Verify that crop marks and bleeds are present and that files are setup correctly for folding or other bindery
• Use native design software to make minor type or color correction to files with designer permission.
• Perform basic design duties for business units
• Operate and maintain color laser printer to produce hard copy proofs for all jobs. Send electronic "soft" proofs to clients when requested
• Obtain client proof approval on all jobs before starting production
• Use imposition software to complete final imposition layout of the files to optimize print production
• Process jobs that require variable data set up
• Ensure customers specifications are followed and track jobs through the Raster Image Processor (RIP) system
• Use specifications on job jacket to determine if electronic files will be sent to digital equipment or plates will be created for offset press
• Send electronic files for offset press to CTP device
• Visually inspect exposed plates for image defects and developer or gum issues and make appropriate corrections
• Turn job over to pressman once the plates are deemed press ready
• Manage weekly production of enterprise-wide business card program
• Maintain pre-press equipment and manage a working inventory of materials and supplies
• Manage workflow of wide format devices to ensure customer expectations are met while maximizing equipment efficiency
• Produce roll signs, posters and banners and custom finishing to include mounting, lamination and trimming and vinyl lettering
• Perform daily/weekly equipment maintenance of wide format printers required to ensure quality performance
• Operate and maintain wide format cutting solution
• Maintain working inventory of substrates, ink and related finishing supplies
• Prepare finished large format posters and banners for delivery
• Responsible for housekeeping of general work area
• Perform other duties within the print shop as assigned

• Work experience in a printing environment involving full color offset and digital printing
• Demonstrated ability to interpret printing specifications
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite software, Impostrip imposition software and HP SmartStream software
• Experience with various RIP systems and CTP device operation and the maintenance associated with it
• Knowledge of offset and digital printing
• Experience creating rule-up press sheets to ensure correct trim and fold margins are present
• Experience with large format printing and precision finishing
• Experience printing on a variety of substrates
• Experience and understanding of RIP software and basic color management
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 40lbs.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Effective time management and ability to meet deadlines
• Effective organizational and problem-solving skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to use good judgement

• 5+ years pre-press / wide format experience and/or 4 year degree in related field