The ALC Group, Modesto, CA has an immediate opening for a full time Prepress Production Artist. This person will work at least 40 hours a week with significant overtime during our peak seasons. The job entails setting up graphic files used to produce flexographic printing plates and associated documents for the flexographic corrugated printing industry. The applicant MUST have excellent proficiency in using Adobe Illustrator. A good working knowledge of Photoshop is desirable but not mandatory. Knowledge of other graphic programs such as preflight software, RIP software (ESKO experience strongly preferred), and file handling software, would get special consideration. As a Prepress Production Artist, you will be responsible for assembling graphics and text to create required components to produce our customers' flexographic printing plate jobs. A degree of design skills is also needed for this position because you will be asked to recreate art and add design elements to it. You will receive files from customers and work with our customer service people to resolve any issues. In addition, you may be assigned other duties as needed. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Use design software to assemble or revise required graphics and text components for the purpose of producing flexographic printing plates and subsequent color proofs. The operator will follow customer specifications as communicated on the job jacket by customer service, sales, or the customers to produce the work. Prepare final files to produce flexographic printing plates, making sure that the file is set up for the correct printing press, has the correct distortion, imposition, and trapping of colors, correct assignment of spot colors and CMYK builds, and is in every detail what the customer approved from the print card. Will review and quality check completed work you have done and sometimes the work of other artists, to ensure correctness of customer-supplied elements for accuracy of color, typesetting, grammar, design, etc. per customer specifications. Release final mechanical files to production/plate-making in accordance with press and job specifications. Work with customer service or sales as necessary regarding any graphic questions or concerns. Ensure projects are completed in a timely manner while still achieving quality objectives. Complete and maintain all paperwork and documentation as required. Field questions from customer service regarding specific jobs. Other Desirable Job Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Expert proficiency with Adobe Illustrator, Acrobat on a MAC-based operating system (Mandatory) and Very Proficient in Photoshop Working knowledge of color separations and spot color vs. CMYK color builds Working knowledge of trapping techniques as applied to flexographic corrugated printing Experience with/knowledge of RIP software (ESKO preferred) and preflight software (desirable) General proficiency with email and spreadsheet programs (Outlook, Excel) Strong communication skills The ability to prioritize and be proactive in the completion of job duties Strong problem-solving abilities Expert level attention to detail and proofreading skills in a fast-paced, demanding environment Understanding of flexographic printing requirements such as imposition, distortion, and trapping of files This is a position that can come with a degree of stress due to being on tight deadlines. You must be able to multi-task as well as shift priorities at a moment's notice, including during significant overtime periods in peak season

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$24.00 - $28.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Experience:

Graphic design: 3 years (Required)

Adobe Illustrator:

3 years (Preferred)

Adobe Creative Suite:

3 years (Required)

Work Location:

In person