Graphic Artist 1st Shift

Airlite Plastics is a premier, privately held, family-owned manufacturer headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. Our family style and personal culture is what makes Airlite an amazing place to grow and build a successful career. Airlite's company values of unquestionable integrity and respect and appreciation for each other are at the core of our success! These values set a strong foundation to build on where we can 'wow' our customers with innovative products and sustainable solutions, and continuously improve our processes and efficiencies.

Our product lines include rigid plastic containers and lids for food packaging and cosmetics, dry powder scoops, plastic drink cups, shipping containers, industrial strength insulated concrete forms (ICF) and sustainable permeable paving systems. As pioneers in our industry, focused on sustainable solutions, we strive to provide our customers with top-notch service and quality, which aligns with our award-winning products.

How would you contribute?

This role is a contributing member of our Airlite Plastics team, located in Omaha, NE. As a Graphic Artistyou are a key to continued growth and success of Airlite. The Graphic Artist is responsible for creating or modifying digital files for printing using specialized print software on Mac computers. This role ensures all designs meet technical specifications, production requirements, and customer expectations. The Graphic Artist collaborates with internal teams and customers to deliver high-quality, print-ready artwork.

Essential Duties:

• Receive verbal and written instructions on specifications from the Graphic Coordinators and internal or external customers.
• Study layouts, sketches and related materials to become familiar with assignment and proof-read artwork for print readiness.
• Determine the best style, technique, and medium to produce desired effects while considering reproduction limitations or specific instructions.
• Create pre-press artwork, considering customer and production suggestions, print limitations and optimal results.
• Develop concepts and render illustrations based on models, sketches, memory and imagination.
• Verify artwork related information on customer orders and assist or advise customers by recommending alternatives or changes for optimal print quality.
• Serve as liaison between the customer and print production regarding colors and other art specifications.
• Create the necessary proofs to show the customer how the product will look after printing using digital files, paper printed proofs, digital and/or physical mockups or ink drawdowns.
• Upon completion of approved artwork, send it to the CDI for plate layout.
• Compare the signed proof to the black & white separations.
• Collaborate with production personnel to develop optimal designs that meet both internal and external customer expectations.
• Complete necessary adjustments for a closer match to the paper proof and quick set-up on press.
• Assist in ensuring color quality and consistency on production runs.
• Support in-person and online press-proofs with the customer, as well as internal press-proofs.
• Approve target laminations to be used as standards for production runs.
• Communicate project updates, feedback of projects, timing, and approvals with the customer and project coordinators.
• Create digital and/or physical mockups using customer supplied artwork.
• Share knowledge and experience with peers to be used on future jobs.
• Continuously learn and adapt to new technology.
• Serve as a backup for other roles within the department when possible.
• Report food safety concerns to management.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Do you have what it takes? Airlite Plastics is a versatile employer; complacency is not one of our strengths! We work hard each day to ensure that equipment efficiency and customer satisfaction never leave our line of sight. Successful candidates for the role will possess the following:

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

• Associate degree or equivalent from two-year college or technical school
• Six (6) months related work experience and/or training;
• An equivalent combination of education and experience
• Must complete a screening skills test.
• Passing of the Munsel Hue Color Assessment.
• Strong knowledge of prepress processes and workflow.
• Understanding of color theory, printing, and graphics.
• Capability to utilize problem solving skills.
• Must be able to work well with others, build partnerships and support team members.
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos and ability to write simple correspondence in English.
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization in English.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent.
• Ability to accurately carry out tasks based on written, oral, or diagram instructions; handle problems with multiple variables in standardized situations.
• Ability to work on a Mac computer and intranet server browsing, as well as working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop software with ongoing training as needed.
• Basic knowledge of Windows, Microsoft Word, Outlook, Teams, and other relevant applications with ongoing training as needed.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Able to utilize interpersonal and communication skills in daily work.
• Must be self-motivated and positive.
• Flexible and adaptable; able to work in ambiguous situations.
• Display highest ethical standards.
• Maintain the utmost level of confidentiality in dealing with sensitive information.
• Detail oriented, with the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Upholds and supports organizational goals and Core values.
• Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Takes initiative and asks for help when needed.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This role does not have personnel supervisory responsibilities; however, this role includes working with cross-functional teams in a matrixed organization.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; stand; walk; use hand dexterity to operate office equipment including computer keyboards; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the office work environment is typically quiet; when visiting the production floor the noise level may be loud.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

JOB HAZARD ANALYSIS:

All positions must have a current Job Hazard Analysis attached to the job description. See the JHA for Office Staff, located on the Company Intranet: Corporate Services> Safety> Job Hazard Analysis.

Our Core Values Drive Us!

• Do you conduct yourself withunquestionable integrity?
• Do you demonstraterespect and appreciationfor those around you?
• Are youinnovativeand strive to challenge the status quo?
• Do you strive for continuous improvement and to deliver the"wow"factor?
• Do you care aboutenvironmentally sustainablesolutions?
• Do you takemeaning and pridein a job well done?

What's in it for you? As a Full-Time employee, you will be eligible for the following benefits:

• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Company paid life insurance
• Company paid short term disability
• Generous 401k match
• Generous Time Off
• Annual company activities