What are the responsibilities and job description for the Graphic Designer / Pre-Press Specialist position at AlphaGraphics?
Benefits:
AlphaGraphics Irvine is a fast-paced print and sign shop serving both walk-in customers and established business accounts. We’re looking for a detail-oriented Graphic Designer / Pre-Press Specialist who understands that good design is only half the job — clean, accurate, print-ready files are what keep production moving.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys both the creative and technical sides of print and wants to be part of a small, hands-on team where their work directly impacts the final product. This is not a screen-only role — you should be comfortable stepping away from the desk to help with production and finishing when the shop is busy.
What You’ll Be Doing
Please include:
- 401(k)
- Paid time off
- Training & development
AlphaGraphics Irvine is a fast-paced print and sign shop serving both walk-in customers and established business accounts. We’re looking for a detail-oriented Graphic Designer / Pre-Press Specialist who understands that good design is only half the job — clean, accurate, print-ready files are what keep production moving.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys both the creative and technical sides of print and wants to be part of a small, hands-on team where their work directly impacts the final product. This is not a screen-only role — you should be comfortable stepping away from the desk to help with production and finishing when the shop is busy.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Preparing customer-supplied files for print (preflight, setup, bleed, resolution, color correction)
- Creating and modifying designs for print (flyers, business cards, signage, large format, etc.)
- Setting up files for digital and wide-format production
- Communicating with customers to clarify specs and ensure accuracy
- Managing proofs and revisions
- Working closely with production to ensure jobs run correctly
- Supporting hands-on production and finishing work — cutting, laminating, mounting, folding, bindery, and pack-out — as the schedule demands
- Jumping in alongside the production team during high-volume runs to help operate print and finishing equipment
- Experience in a print shop, sign shop, or production environment strongly preferred
- Strong working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign
- Solid understanding of print production (bleeds, margins, color modes, file setup)
- High attention to detail — catching issues before they become problems
- Ability to manage multiple jobs and deadlines at once
- Clear, professional communication with both customers and team members
- Willingness to roll up your sleeves and move between the design desk and hands-on production — comfortable with both sides of the shop
- Experience with wide-format graphics or signage
- Familiarity with PrintSmith or similar MIS systems
- Experience preparing files for cut-sheet printing, vinyl cutting, or large format output
- Small team environment where your work matters
- True mix of design plus hands-on production and finishing — not just sitting behind a screen all day
- Consistent workflow with a variety of projects
- Opportunity to grow within a production-focused environment
- Full-time, Monday–Friday
- On-site in Irvine
Please include:
- Resume
- Portfolio (print-focused work preferred)
- AlphaGraphics centers (locations) are independently owned and operated. The posted positions are offered by individual franchisees who interview, hire, manage and pay the employees hired for positions in a specific local location (center) through their specific business.