ESKO Graphic Production Artist- 1st Shift

About the role

The ESKO Flexo Graphic Production Artist prepares, optimizes, and manages electronic files for flexographic and digital printing environments. This role uses advanced ESKO software to manage color consistency, automate platemaking workflows, and calibrate external proofing devices. The ideal candidate possesses deep technical expertise in flexographic standards, G7 methodology, press fingerprinting, and color profile mapping.

Responsibilities

• Review, trap, and manipulate customer digital artwork to meet specific flexographic and digital printing requirements.
• Implement G7 colorimetric methodologies to ensure precise tonality and gray balance.
• Adjust tone reproduction curves to match standardized target print specifications.
• Calibrate and profile Epson contract proofing devices using ESKO Pack Proof or Color Engine.
• Perform regular spectrophotometer linearization and media checks to verify color-accurate contract proofs.
• Build efficient layouts using ESKO's automated step-and-repeat tools, integrating required distortion factors and cylinder metadata.
• Follow established procedures, quality control steps and complete all required documentation.
• Provide backup to Administrator for QA of LEN files.
• Maintain consistent communications of project details and scheduled job status with graphics supervisor and administrator.
• Maintain electronic file hierarchy and production file integrity.
• Maintain a courteous and professional atmosphere.
• Occasionally handle and inspect physical flexo plates and contract proofs.

Qualifications

• Experience with color separation / job engineering experience in flexographic and digital flexible packaging / label manufacturing (preferably 5+ years).
• Proficiency in ESKO software suite (Automation Engine, ArtPro+, Color Engine, Pack Proof) and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Strong understanding of ICC profiling, delta-E tolerances, and Digital Front End (DFE) architectures.
• Proven experience using spectrophotometers (e.g., X-Rite) to read color targets, audit ink profiles, and diagnose press shift issues.
• Ability to catch structural, font, or color gaps in complex multi-layer customer artwork prior to imaging.
• Ability to pass a standard Munsell Hue/color blindness test.
• Ability to sit or stand at a high-resolution graphics workstation for long periods of time.

Preferred Qualifications

• BS in Graphic Design or related field.
• Experience with Crystal Platemaking workflows.
• Idealliance G7 Professional or G7 Expert certification is highly preferred.
• Experience with press fingerprinting & characterization.
• Experience with ESKO color profile mapping.
• Experience with HP Digital workflow management.

Essential Functions

• Must follow all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), including escorting visitors and ensuring compliance with food safety protocols.
• Must have reading skills necessary to understand orders, material labels, reports, and warning signs.
• Must be able to distinguish subtle shades of color accurately to match samples and color designations.
• Must be able to lift 25 – 60 lbs.
• Must be able to comprehend and follow detailed instructions without constant supervision.
• Must be able to communicate operating problems to supervisor.
• Must be able to logically deduce the source of problems in a design, propose solutions, and carry them out.
• Must have eyesight (corrected or not) sufficient to distinguish hairlines, registration, and color accuracy.
• Must operate with safety awareness at all times and understand emergency procedures.
• Must have the physical stamina to stand for lengthy periods.
• Must be able to interact with and follow instructions from quality control and management to maintain specified quality standards.
• Must possess typing and PostScript computer skills.
• Must be able to work with personnel both within and outside the department under high-pressure situations.
• Must be able to work under the stress of tight deadlines.