Platemaker

About the role

Operate plate making equipment to produce lithographic and/or flexographic plates from digital files for a leading global provider of marketing, packaging, print, and supply chain solutions.

Responsibilities

• Impose images and operate plate making, bending/tabbing, and sheering equipment to prepare plates for press.
• Review images produced on plate for defects or errors.
• Maintain production documentation.
• Responsible for physical creation of flexographic and/or lithographic plates.
• Replenish materials necessary in automatic plate processors and perform routine light maintenance on equipment.
• Maintain inventory for plate making materials.
• Review electronic files received from clients and check them for thoroughness and completeness in advance of the plate making process.
• Use electronic page layout software (desktop publishing software) to manipulate the format of the print job to the dimensions of the paper.
• Determine page layout, accounting for folds, trims, bleeds and gripper, and add crop marks and color bars as necessary.
• Identify missing or problematic components and communicate them to the CSR, customer, and production personnel.
• Prepare color proofs for customer review.
• Perform quality checks on finished plates before releasing to manufacturing.
• Perform basic troubleshooting and maintenance on platemaking equipment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required; 2 year technical degree or certification preferred.
• 1+ years of print or graphic design experience.
• Ability to work with various graphic design and layout software applications commonly used on Macs and PCs.
• Thorough understanding of digital file formats (PDF, TIFF, EPS) from different operating systems (Mac and PC).
• Experience with imposition software (Mac) and Adobe Creative Suite software (PC) is preferred.
• Advanced color management skills preferred.
• Ability to output digital files to various output devices.
• Understanding of the printing process.
• Mechanical skills using small hand tools to make minor repairs and perform maintenance on platemaking equipment.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $18.50 - $24.50 per hour. Starting pay decisions are determined based on multiple factors including relevant education, qualifications, skills, experience, certifications, proficiency, performance, shift, location, and other business needs. Typically, roles follow step progressions to a target rate or set increments over time. Depending on the role, total compensation may also include overtime, shift differential, call-in, and/or stand-by pay.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid time off.
• Disability insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Life insurance and other voluntary supplemental insurance coverages.
• Parental leave.
• Adoption assistance.
• Tuition assistance.
• Employer/partner discounts.