Prepress/Digital Front End Specialist

The Prepress / Digital Front End (DFE) Specialist is responsible for preparing, optimizing, and managing customer artwork for production across digital flexible packaging and label platforms. The primary focus will be supporting the HP Indigo 200K, with additional support for Domino N Series digital presses. This role does not operate press equipment. The position ensures all incoming files are compliant with press specifications, color-managed accurately, properly constructed for flexible packaging and label applications, and fully optimized for digital production workflows. This position serves as the technical bridge between customer artwork, prepress standards, and manufacturing output. •This position will be located onsite at our facility in Neenah, WI•Key Responsibilities & Success Metrics Preflight and evaluate customer-supplied artwork for flexible packaging and label production Ensure correct setup of dielines, step-and-repeat layouts, bleeds, safety margins, and technical layers Prepare press-ready PDFs according to HP Indigo and Domino specifications Apply appropriate color management and spot color handling for digital output Manage imposition and layout within DFE workflow systems Submit, monitor, and troubleshoot jobs within HP and Domino front-end environments Identify and correct file issues prior to production release Support variable data printing (VDP), serialization, and barcode workflows where required Maintain documentation standards, file naming conventions, and version control Collaborate with production, quality, and customer service teams to resolve technical artwork issues Assist in workflow standardization as HP becomes the primary digital packaging platform Ideal Background & Experience Experience 3-5+ years of commercial prepress experience in a label or flexible packaging environment Experience preparing files for digital press production Direct experience supporting HP Indigo workflows strongly preferred Experience with Domino digital inkjet platforms considered an asset Technical Expertise Advanced proficiency in: Adobe Illustrator (critical for packaging and labels) Adobe InDesign Adobe Photoshop Adobe Acrobat Pro (including advanced preflight tools) Advanced trapping software (Esko, Hybrid) Strong working knowledge of: PDF/X standards Dieline construction and management Technical layers and spot color plates Overprint, knockout, and transparency behavior Image resolution standards for digital packaging Font management and packaging compliance requirements Step-and-repeat principles for label production Digital Front End (DFE) Knowledge Experience with HP SmartStream Production Pro preferred Familiarity with HP PrintOS Understanding of Domino DFE environments or similar inkjet workflow systems Knowledge of RIP processing, queue management, and job parameter configuration Ability to troubleshoot file-processing and RIP errors Experience in Esko Automation Engine or similar structured workflows is transferable. Color Management Requirements Strong understanding of ICC profile management for digital presses Experience managing CMYK, RGB, and spot color conversion strategies Familiarity with Pantone simulation in digital flexible packaging Understanding of total area coverage (TAC) and ink limitations Awareness of substrate impact on color reproduction Familiarity with G7, GRACoL, and digital press calibration practices preferred Variable Data & Compliance Experience preparing serialized labels and packaging Familiarity with CSV/XML data merging Ability to generate and validate barcodes and QR codes Understanding of regulatory labeling requirements (food, pharma, consumer goods) considered a plus Education High school diploma or equivalent required Formal training in graphic arts, printing technology, or packaging production preferred HP Indigo workflow training considered a strong advantage If this sounds like the opportunity you've been looking for, apply today! Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.