Prepress Technician

Prepress Technician

Location: Sturgis, Michigan

HRforGrowth® is engaged as the talent acquisition partner to conduct this search on behalf of a client organization that is hiring for this role. HRforGrowth is not the employer for this position. HRforGrowth identifies, evaluates, and presents top-tier candidates through its global talent acquisition practice; all employment decisions — including final selection, offer terms, compensation, and conditions of employment — are made solely by the hiring organization.

Role Summary
The Prepress Technician is responsible for preparing customer artwork and production files to ensure accurate, efficient, high-quality print output in a specialty packaging environment. This role supports the production workflow through file preflight, retouching, layout preparation, plate-ready file setup, and close coordination with production, quality, and customer-facing teams to ensure packaging graphics meet specification, brand, and regulatory requirements.

Key Results Area

• Review customer artwork, specifications, and job tickets to confirm file readiness, dimensions, color builds, die lines, copy, barcode placement, and print compatibility
• Preflight digital files and identify issues related to resolution, fonts, trapping, bleeds, overprints, separations, and graphic integrity before production release
• Prepare press-ready files for carton, inserts, label, and other packaging applications produced within print environment
• Support computer-to-plate workflows and help maintain efficient file preparation processes that improve speed, reduce cost, and support production quality
• Perform image retouching, color correction, and page or layout adjustments to align artwork with customer requirements and manufacturing standards​
• Build and revise layouts, including CF2 page layout and related structural or graphics preparation tasks used in packaging production
• Verify that files align with color management expectations and G7-oriented print quality requirements
• Collaborate with press operators, structural design, quality, customer service, and other internal teams to resolve file issues and support successful job launches
• Generate proofs or file outputs for internal review and customer approval, ensuring version control and documentation accuracy
• Maintain organized electronic files, revision histories, templates, and production records in accordance with department procedures
• Troubleshoot prepress workflow problems and escalate recurring quality, artwork, or compatibility issues when needed
• Follow company safety, quality, housekeeping, and standard operating procedures at all times

Skills & Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; associate degree, certificate, or technical training in graphic communications, printing technology, prepress, or a related field preferred
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in prepress, graphic production, packaging graphics, or commercial print production preferred
• Working knowledge of print production concepts such as color separations, trapping, bleeds, resolution, imposition, proofing, and file preflight
• Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud applications, especially Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat, and InDesign
• Familiarity with packaging artwork, die lines, and production specifications in a manufacturing or converting environment
• Ability to manage multiple jobs, revisions, and deadlines with strong accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Basic understanding of color management, print quality standards, and plate output workflows

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in folding cartons, healthcare packaging, or regulated print environments
• Familiarity with CTP workflows, packaging layout software, CF2 file handling, and proofing systems
• Exposure to ISO-based quality systems, CGMP environments, or G7 print standards
• Experience supporting offset printing operations or working closely with pressroom and finishing teams.

Core Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and artwork accuracy
• Ability to interpret technical specifications and translate them into production-ready files
• Effective time management in a deadline-driven manufacturing setting
• Consistent quality mindset with a focus on error prevention and process discipline
• Team-oriented communication style and willingness to support continuous improvement

About HRforGrowth:
HRforGrowth is a full-service HR and talent partner built to support companies that are scaling, transforming, or navigating change. HRFG is globally recognized for delivering quality, speed, and cost-effective talent solutions across every level of the workforce. Through its global talent acquisition practice, HRforGrowth applies world class rigor and precision to identifying exceptional professional and executive talent on behalf of its clients — from temporary staffing to permanent hourly workers through to placing C-suite executives. HRforGrowth is presenting this opportunity in its capacity as the retained search partner and does not serve as the employer of record for this position.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
In its recruiting and search practices, HRforGrowth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, or gender identity, and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals. HRforGrowth evaluates and presents candidates to its clients without regard to any protected characteristic.

HRforGrowth endeavors to advise the hiring organization to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local equal employment opportunity laws — including those enforced by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) — in its hiring decisions, terms of employment, and workplace practices.