Printing Plate Maker

Standard Printing Company is a long-standing offset and digital commercial printer seeking a detail-oriented Plate Maker to join our Prepress team. This role is critical to maintaining pressroom quality and production schedules.

About Standard Printing Company

Standard Printing Company has operated since 1923, combining trained personnel, equipment, and technology to deliver high-quality printing services. We are an established commercial printer focused on long-term careers, guided by values such as customer advocacy, operational excellence, integrity, trust, and tradition with a commitment to progress.

Responsibilities

• Read and interpret job ticket instructions to determine plate specifications and job requirements.
• Set up and operate the Magnus VLF computer-to-plate (CTP) imaging system to expose plates according to job specifications.
• Run exposed plates through the Kodak automatic plate processor, monitoring developer and dryer conditions per manufacturer specifications.
• Measure and verify plate specifications (registration, punch, dimensions) against job ticket requirements.
• Inspect processed plates for image quality and exposure accuracy; reimage or reject plates that do not meet quality standards.
• Ensure correct plate material and consumables (developer, gum, punch templates) are available for each job.
• Perform daily, weekly, and monthly preventive maintenance on the VLF imager and plate processor per manufacturer schedules.
• Maintain adequate inventory of plates and processing consumables; reorder as needed.
• Maintain accurate production records, including plate counts, job tickets, and processor chemistry logs.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, including proper handling and disposal of plate-processing chemistry.
• Perform other prepress duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 1-2 years of recent, dependable work experience; printing or prepress experience a plus.
• Understanding of CTP imaging workflows and thermal plate technology preferred.
• Computer proficiency for operating CTP imaging software and workflow systems.
• Precision measurement and quality-inspection skills.
• Basic mechanical aptitude for routine equipment maintenance.
• Ability to read and interpret job tickets and prepress specifications.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain quality standards under deadline pressure.
• Ability to prioritize work and adapt to rapidly changing production demands.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Occasional exposure to plate-processing chemistry; PPE required (gloves, safety glasses).

Work Environment

• Prepress/plate room environment; may involve exposure to plate-processing chemical odors.
• Third-shift position: 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM.
• PPE required when handling processor chemistry per current SDS requirements.

Benefits

• Competitive wages based on experience, plus a $2,000 hiring bonus.
• Medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) with company match available from your first day of employment.
• Ongoing training and opportunities for career advancement within Prepress and production teams.
• Access to industry-leading Magnus VLF CTP and Kodak plate processing equipment in a modern facility.

Schedule

Full-time, third-shift position: 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM.