The Prepress Operator handles customer supplied artwork files through the proofing process to final plate files for printing in both the offset and flexographic print environments.

This is NOT a design position.

The Prepress Operator is responsible for interpreting and following customers specifications, ensuring the supplied files meet the technical specification for printing, applying the required trapping and spreads for ink registration and producing error free proofs for customer approvals, flexo press platemaking, checking print plates for defect and managing the plate storage.

The Prepress Operator work with the prepress team and must be self-motivated and have the ability to set own pace to meet all scheduled press times and assigned tasks.

Experience with Apple Mac computers and Adobe Illustrator software is a must. Knowledge of ESKO workflow environments is a plus.

This position reports to Prepress Manager and is responsible for handling customer-supplied artwork files for the purpose of producing error-free files, proofs, and print plates. The Prepress Operator is responsible for ensuring that the printing department has all prepress components required to run the job (i.e. folded samples, artwork, etc.).

Responsibilities include:

50% Graphic Production Artist

• Interpreting and following customer specifications.
• Ensuring that customer-supplied electronic files are technically correct for press.
• Proofreading and verifying zero-defect content of files, proofs, film and plates.
• Creating and proofreading zero-defect electronic imposition files for creation of film and plates.

50% Prepress Flexo Platemaking

• Make Flexo print plates and checking for errors or plate defects
• Manage the Flexo plate storage and track plate issues
Other duties as assigned.

Customer Satisfaction Responsibility:

• Work independently and be responsible for one’s own work product.
• Assist other team members in monitoring and assuring that all departmental output remains error-free and on schedule.
• Follow established work instructions and job routines with the goal of zero defects.

Key Expectations:

• Think and act independently.
• Troubleshoot electronic art files and independently arrive at solutions to graphic arts problems.
• Read and understand customer specifications in order to deliver error-free product to the customer.
• Follow written work instructions and SOPs.
• Understand and process internal batch records.
• Possess a broad understanding of Current Good Manufacturing Practices as they relate to pharmaceutical printed components (or experience and understanding in ISO 9002 manufacturing and good documentation procedures.
• Be aware of and responsive to timelines.

III. Position Requirements:

Education or Equivalent: H.S. Diploma or equivalent; Degree in Graphic Arts or 3-5 years equivalent work experience.

Knowledge/Skills Requirements:

Electronics Skills :

• Advanced understanding of the Macintosh Operating System
• Basic understanding of the Windows Operating System
• Understanding of interoperability of Macintosh and Windows operating systems
• Knowledge of basic graphic file formats, including PDF, EPS, TIFF, DXF, CFF2, AI
• Advanced understanding of vector versus bitmap file formats; ability to distinguish and decide on which format is suitable for which purpose.
• Medium to Advanced knowledge of the following software: Adobe Creative Suite (Acrobat; Illustrator; Photoshop; InDesign); Additional skills in Esko Artpro and Pilot/AE workflows
• Familiarity with Microsoft Word; Microsoft Excel; Filemaker Pro; Microsoft Powerpoint
• Advanced understanding of font usage, including the ability to properly load fonts, identify incorrect font usage and troubleshoot font-handling errors.
• Familiarity with email and FTP software
• Familiarity with compression software and its proper use (Stuffit; WinZip)
• Understanding of the concept and execution of electronic comparator proofreading with working knowledge of either Global Vision or EyeC software.
• Advanced knowledge of Step and Repeat software such as Dynastrip
• Familiarity or working knowledge of integration of CAD file formats in the Step and Repeat workflow of Artpro
• Familiarity or working knowledge of integration of JDF templates into Automation Engine workflow
• Advanced knowledge of Esko Dynamic Barcode for creation of barcodes.
Knowledge and understanding of Esko Automation Engine.

Graphic Arts Skills/Knowledge:

• Advanced understanding of the principles of offset and flexographic print processes.
• Advanced understanding of the principles of printed color and color correction
• Ability to identify and provide solutions to on-press color problems
• Advanced understanding of proper plate distortion in the flexographic printing process.
• Advanced understanding of the principles of halftone screens and the ability to troubleshoot and provide solutions to on-press screen problems.
• Advanced understanding of ink-to-ink trapping with the ability to create, verify and troubleshoot on-press traps.
• Ability to verify content of files and proofs both visually and via the use of electronic comparators.
• Familiarity with a variety of bar code symbology, including UPC, Code 128, Interleaved 2 of 5, Data matrix, GS1/Reduced Space Symbology codes, Pharma code.
Understanding of the requirements of Braille creation and usage.

Physical Requirements:

• Position can require lifting up to 35 pounds.
• Ability to bend and reach into tight areas for processor cleaning.
• Requires manual dexterity to reach/handle items and work using fingers.