Prepress Technician - PCL Graphics
Markham, ON · Full-time · Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
About the Role
PCL Graphics is a large-format printing and graphics engineering company with over 40 years of production experience. We work on demanding commercial projects - architectural graphics, retail environments, fleet graphics, wayfinding systems, and specialty signage - and we're looking for a detail-oriented Prepress Technician to join our team.
This is a hands-on production role. You'll be responsible for preparing and optimizing artwork files for output across a wide range of substrates and print processes. If you have a strong eye for detail, thrive in a fast-moving production environment, and live in Adobe Illustrator, this role is for you.
What You'll Do
- Receive, review, and prepare client-supplied artwork for large-format digital output
- Set up files for production in Adobe Illustrator with correct bleed, trim, and colour profiles
- Perform colour management and output preparation, including soft-proofing
- Identify and correct common artwork issues: low resolution, RGB-to-CMYK conversion, font errors, overprints, and spot colour conflicts
- Communicate file issues and corrections with account managers and clients professionally
- Prepare cut contour paths and variable data layouts as needed
- Maintain organized file naming, job folders, and version control
- Support press operators with file handoff and output verification
- Adapt artwork for multi-panel installations, tiling, and seam alignment
What You Bring
- Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator - this is the core tool of the role
- Working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Acrobat / PDF preflight
- Strong understanding of colour theory, ICC profiles, and colour space management
- Experience with InDesign is an asset
- 2+ years of prepress, reprographics, or production design experience in a print environment
- Post-secondary training in Graphic Design, Print Technology, or equivalent hands-on experience
- Comfortable working to tight deadlines in a high-volume production environment
- High attention to detail - able to catch file issues before they reach the press
Why PCL Graphics
- Established company with 40+ years in the industry - stable, well-equipped facility
- Exposure to a wide variety of substrates, applications, and production methods
- Collaborative team environment with experienced operators and account staff
- Markham location - convenient for GTA east and York Region candidates
