Prepress Specialist

Job Description - Prepress Operator

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced and detail-driven Prepress Operator to support high-volume, high-quality print production. This role is critical to ensuring files are production-ready, compliant with specifications, and optimized for efficient, error-free output across print, finishing, and mailing workflows. The ideal candidate brings deep prepress expertise, strong technical judgment, and a proactive approach to quality control.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, analyze, and finalize print-ready files for a wide range of marketing and communication materials, including brochures, flyers, direct mail, posters, and packaging.
• Perform comprehensive preflight checks to validate layout, fonts, images, bleeds, trims, color space, and variable data integrity.
• Review and correct digital proofs to ensure accuracy, compliance with client requirements, postal regulations, and internal production standards.
• Collaborate with internal teams (design, production, operations, data) and external clients to clarify specifications and resolve file-related issues.
• Apply advanced knowledge of prepress and print production processes, including imposition, color management, file formats, and press specifications.
• Troubleshoot prepress and print production issues to minimize rework, delays, and quality defects.
• Ensure prepress layouts support downstream finishing and mailing processes.
• Maintain documentation and adhere to established workflows to support consistency, scalability, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure all final output meets quality, compliance, and security standards prior to release to production.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• 7+ years of hands-on experience in prepress, print production, or a related role.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat); working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Strong understanding of commercial print production, color theory, ICC color management, and press requirements.
• Exceptional attention to detail with a demonstrated commitment to quality and accuracy.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a deadline-driven environment.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to clearly explain technical issues and solutions.
• High School diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree or technical certificate a plus.

Preferred / Beneficial Experience

• Finishing & Bindery Awareness:
• Knowledge of finishing equipment such as high-speed folders, inserters, and stitchers to ensure prepress layouts properly support downstream bindery and mailing operations.
• Variable Data & Composition Tools:
• Proficiency with GMC Inspire (Quadient), XMPie, FusionPro, and/or PlanetPress. Experience within EFI or FreeFlow environments.
• Output & Print Streams:
• Experience generating and validating PDF/VT, AFP, and PostScript output formats.
• Data-Driven Production:
• Comfort working with complex data structures, rules-based logic, and variable content formatting.
• Postal Compliance:
• Familiarity with USPS Postcard, Folded Self-Mailer (FSM) and letter-size regulations and requirements.
• Security & Compliance:
• Understanding of data privacy and compliance standards such as SOC 2, HIPAA, and/or GDPR, particularly as they relate to print and mail production.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Exposure to complex, high-impact print and mail production projects.
• A collaborative, quality-focused environment with opportunities to contribute to process and operational improvements.

XBP Americas is a proud sponsor of the 100,000 jobs Mission to employ America's veterans. We believe that hiring veterans is not only the right thing to do for veterans, but it's a great thing to do for our business. Our Nation's military veterans represent the best this country has to offer and they bring meaningful skills to the workplace. Additionally, we are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identification, disability or veteran status.

EOE/Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled