Graphic Production Artist - Flexographic Packaging; 1st Shift

Interstate Packaging Company seeks a first shift Esko Graphic Production Artist to prepare and optimize artwork for flexographic printing in a fast paced manufacturing environment. Responsibilities include building and adjusting packaging files, preflighting PDFs, setting up dielines and step and repeat layouts, managing color, trapping, and overprints, and generating accurate proofs and plate files using Esko tools. You'll collaborate with design, printing, and quality teams, support continuous improvement, and help ensure safe, efficient, on time production for major food and beverage brands.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and optimize packaging artwork files for flexographic printing using Esko software.
• Preflight PDFs, correct file issues, and ensure compliance with print and dieline specifications.
• Set up step and repeat layouts, plates, and impositions for production efficiency.
• Manage color, trapping, and overprints to meet quality and brand standards.
• Generate accurate digital and hard proofs for customer and internal approval.
• Collaborate with design, printing, and quality teams to resolve prepress and print challenges.
• Maintain organized digital files, job tickets, and production documentation.
• Support continuous improvement, safety, and quality initiatives on the first shift production floor.

Required Skills

• Esko Automation Engine
• Esko Art
• Pro+ or Pack
• Edge
• Esko Desk
• Pack for Adobe Illustrator
• Flexographic prepress and plate layout
• Color management and proofing
• PDF preflight and file repair
• Trapping and overprint control
• Print quality control and inspection
• Packaging dieline and step and repeat setup
• Production workflow and job ticketing