Archived listing. The details below describe a past opening.
We're looking for a skilled, detail-oriented Pre-Press Operator to join our pre-production and creative services team. This role is central to the print production process - preparing, verifying, and optimizing digital files for both **digital and litho (offset) printing**, generating client proofs, performing imposition and press setup, making color corrections, and ensuring all print production specifications are met.
The ideal candidate has strong pre-press experience across **both digital and litho workflows**, solid design skills in Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop (MacOS), and a sharp eye for detail. Additional software skills are an asset.
Responsibilities
- Receive and review incoming digital files, ensuring they're complete and meet job specifications.
- Verify files are in the correct format, resolution, and color mode for the intended output - digital or litho.
- Perform pre-flight checks to catch and resolve issues before they affect print quality or production.
- Make necessary file adjustments: color correction, image retouching, resizing, and imposition for press.
- Set up and impose files correctly for litho (offset) presses, including plate and press-specific requirements.
- Maintain organized files per established naming conventions and file management systems.
- Calibrate and maintain pre-press equipment - color management systems, monitors, proofing devices - for consistent output.
- Collaborate with CSR and production teams to communicate specs, resolve file issues, and keep jobs on schedule.
- Troubleshoot technical or printing issues that arise during pre-press.
- Keep accurate records of job details, file versions, and modifications.
- Stay current on pre-press technologies, software, and industry trends.
- Apply light design/layout skills when needed (e.g., minor adjustments, template work, client file cleanup).
- Uphold quality control standards to meet specifications and customer expectations.
Qualifications
- Proven experience as a Pre-Press Operator, with hands-on work in **both digital and litho (offset) pre-press**.
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) on MacOS.
- Working knowledge of PDF workflows, imposition software, and RIP/proofing systems.
- Strong understanding of color management, CMYK/RGB color modes, image resolution, and file optimization.
- Familiarity with offset, digital, and (a plus) flexographic printing processes.
- Familiarity with computer-to-plate (CTP) technology.
- Design capability - comfortable making layout adjustments or minor design work, not just file prep.
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to catch issues before they hit press.
- Strong problem-solving skills; able to work effectively under deadline pressure.
- Good communication skills for working with CSR, production, and customers directly.
- High school diploma or equivalent; certification in graphic design or printing technology is a plus.
- Must be a legal resident of Canada.
Bonus Skills
Not required, but a plus: web design, video editing, or other creative/technical skills that add versatility to our team.
Schedule
Variable shifts (morning and afternoon), generally Monday to Friday; may occasionally include weekends.
