Printing Prepress Operator

Job Description

C2’s client, a Southeastern Wisconsin commercial, digital, and large format printing company with a rich history of quality and service since 1986, seeks a Prepress Operator to keep every job press-ready from file intake to plate. The company describes itself as a service organization with printing as the by-product, and its work spans variable data, direct mail, finishing, retail marketing support, and national distribution.

This role backfills an experienced operator retiring in April, so an early start buys more time to learn directly from them. Prepress handles a heavy load of digital jobs alongside large format and offset runs, and the client is really focused on prepress and booklets. For anyone with the interest, the seat also opens a door into its Structural Design department.

The right operator learns quickly and can identify issues like color problems before anything reaches press, whether they arrive with advanced skills or are still building them. The ideal candidate is a self-starter with initiative and a willingness to take on more responsibilities, ready to join a highly motivated and skilled production team.

Start Date: ASAP
Duration: Contract-to-hire, full-time, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., contract length TBD
Location: New Berlin, WI, onsite
Compensation: $22 to $26/hour
Benefits: C2 talent working 30+ hours/week for 30 consecutive business days are eligible for PTO accrual and 401(k) retirement plan enrollment after 90 days. Upon conversion, the company offers medical, dental, and vision coverage and a 401(k) program
Technology: TBD

Responsibilities

• Prepare and preflight customer files for offset, digital, and large format production across Mac and Windows platforms
• Build impositions in Preps, with a strong focus on booklet and book layouts
• Generate press-ready PDFs through Prinergy and route each job to the correct output device
• Edit artwork and die files, applying corrections and color adjustments as requested
• Identify color problems and other file issues before jobs reach press
• Partner with Project Managers to review and implement changes, flagging discrepancies between job tickets, quotes, and supplied files
• Operate proofing and digital platemaking systems
• Produce Epson proofs and folding mockups
• Retrieve incoming files from FTP sites
• Verify all work before it leaves the department
• Cross-train with the Structural Design department, covering CAD cutting and assembly of first-off designs, plus the Iridesse digital press

Requirements

• Bring prepress experience in a commercial printing environment, at any skill level, with a drive to keep growing
• Demonstrate proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop), PitStop, and MS Office
• Understand offset printing and lithography, including how press and bindery operations shape prepress setup
• Show working knowledge of booklet and book imposition, or the aptitude to master it early in the role
• Know Kodak workflow tools such as Prinergy and Preps, or be ready to learn them on the job
• Handle PDF processing plus edits to die files and supplied customer files with confidence
• Catch color problems and file issues independently
• Embrace cross-training in Structural Design, CAD cutting, and the Iridesse digital press

Nice to Have

• Structural design experience, a huge bonus for this role

Not your type of gig, but know someone who would be interested? Refer a qualified candidate and if they get the job, you get a referral bonus! Make sure they mention your name as their referral source so you get your well-deserved credit.

All candidates must be located and authorized to work in the United States. C2 does not sponsor work visas. No C2C.