Pre-Production Technical Specialist

JOB POSTING PRE-PRODUCTION TECHNICAL SPECIALIST

Location: Onsite - Napa, California

Hourly Rate: $25.00-$30.00 per hour (Based on Experience)

Employment Type: Full-Time, 8 AM - 5 PM Monday-Friday and Rotating Shifts

1st week: 7:00am – 4:00pm, 2nd & 3rd week: 8:00am – 5:00pm and 4th week: 10:00am – 7:00pm

Department: Technical

Reports To: Technical Manager

Join our Team as Pre-Production Technical Specialist!

The Pre-Production Technical Specialist supports both Customer Service and Production Departments. They are responsible for ensuring that all technical aspects of print jobs are properly prepared and ready for production. This role involves working closely with the production team, clients, and designers to ensure that files, materials, and specifications meet all requirements before printing begins. The Pre-Production Technical Specialist ensures that the print process is streamlined, preventing errors and maximizing efficiency.

The role requires a strong technical background in printing, a keen eye for detail, and excellent communication skills. This role is critical in maintaining the highest quality standards for all printed materials.

• Operate PC computers, running Esko programs to review artwork files for print, ensuring they meet technical specifications and printing standards.
• Maintain accurate records of file versions in accordance with naming conventions and follow Standard Operating Procedures and training standards.
• Make project layouts for all plate types including Web, Die-cutting, Flexo, and Digital.
• Preflight files to check for errors, including resolution, color accuracy, and bleed requirements.
• Ensure all materials, including substrates and inks, are properly specified before production.
• Coordinate with the production team to ensure all technical requirements are met before the job enters the press.
• Remain current on the latest technologies and software tools.
• Must work well with others in a team environment.
• Ability to meet daily standards.
• Maintains a clean and organized work area.
• Observe company work rules and safety regulations.
• Contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
• Assist Customer Service as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• A degree in graphic communication, printing technology, or a related field is a plus.
• Experience in pre-press or pre-production roles within the printing industry is a plus.

• Mathematical
  
  Competency:
  
  Ability to interpret numbers and make calculations.
• Reading
  
  Competency:
  
  Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical information and procedures.
• Operating Knowledge of:
  • Adobe CS Illustrator, Photoshop, Esko, and HP Indigo experience a plus.
  • How to trap files using different substrates and a variety of multiple colors.
  • Offset and pressure-sensitive label printing methods.
• Confidentiality: Ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the job.
• Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of pre-production processes, print file preparation, and printing standards.
• Attention to Detail: Ability to spot errors and potential issues in files, ensuring all technical specifications are met.
• Problem-Solving: Capable of troubleshooting file and pre-production issues quickly and effectively.
• Communication
  
  Skills:
  
  Able to communicate technical details clearly to clients, designers, and production staff, and able to work effectively and cooperatively with all production personnel.
• Organizational
  
  Skills:
  
  Ability to manage and organize job files, ensuring efficient workflow.
• Time Management: Strong ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Ability to manage multiple tasks with frequent interruptions.

• Lift/Carry – 5% of shift
• Sit – 80% of shift
• Walk – 15% of shift
• Must have the ability to distinguish and differentiate between colors for printing labels.

This role requires the ability to sit for extended periods (up to 90% of the shift) and perform computer work.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential…