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Prepress Automation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TMI ACQUISITION LLC

Pre-press Specialist

Tucson, AZ · On-site

... prepress software and workflow automation tools used in file preparation and production workflows. Requirements: Required Skills/Abilities: • Strong understanding of print production processes ...

PPC Flex

Graphic Systems Administrator

Kansas City, KS · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Our graphics and prepress operations run on Esko's WebCenter and Automation Engine -- an enterprise-grade workflow automation and digital asset management environment that sits at the center of how ...

MasterTech

Field Service Technician

Milwaukee, WI

$30 - $45/hr

Previous printing, corrugated, prepress, postpress, flexo presses, folding and other printing ... Knowledge of SPS Programming, automation technology and drive technologies. * Ability to conduct ...

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How much do prepress automation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for prepress automation in the United States is $23.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $32.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is prepress automation?

Prepress automation refers to the use of software and technology to streamline and automate tasks involved in preparing digital files for printing. This includes processes like file checking, color management, imposition, trapping, and proofing. By automating these steps, print shops can reduce errors, save time, and ensure consistent, high-quality print production. Prepress automation is widely used in commercial printing operations to improve efficiency and productivity.

What are some common challenges faced in a Prepress Automation role, and how can they be effectively managed?

In a Prepress Automation role, common challenges include handling complex file formats, ensuring color consistency across different devices, and integrating new automation software with existing workflows. These challenges can be effectively managed by staying updated on the latest industry standards, working closely with IT and design teams to troubleshoot issues, and participating in ongoing training for new automation tools. Clear communication with team members and clients is also crucial to ensure that automated processes meet quality and deadline expectations.

What is the difference between Prepress Automation vs Prepress Technician?

AspectPrepress AutomationPrepress Technician
CredentialsTypically requires knowledge of software, automation tools, and industry standardsRequires technical training, certifications in graphic arts or printing technology
Work EnvironmentMostly software-driven, working with digital files and automation systemsHands-on with printing presses, preparing files manually or semi-automatically
Industry UsageUsed across printing companies to streamline workflowsCommonly employed in print shops for file preparation and quality control
Search & Comparison IntentFocuses on automation tools and process efficiencyFocuses on manual skills and technical expertise

Prepress Automation involves using software and systems to streamline the printing workflow, reducing manual tasks. Prepress Technicians handle the manual preparation of files and quality checks. Both roles are essential in the printing industry but differ mainly in their focus on automation versus manual processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Prepress Automation Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive in Prepress Automation, you need expertise in graphic design principles, color management, and print production workflows, typically with a background in printing technology or related fields. Familiarity with prepress automation software like Esko, Enfocus Switch, and Adobe Creative Suite, as well as scripting or workflow automation tools, is highly valuable. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication enable you to optimize processes and collaborate with cross-functional teams. These skills are crucial for ensuring efficient, error-free print production and meeting tight deadlines in a competitive industry.
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Prepress Automation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prepress Automation job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Part Time, and 60% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,333 per year, or $23.7 per hour.
ESKO Prepress Technician Level 3 (WHITE BLUFF)

ESKO Prepress Technician Level 3 (WHITE BLUFF)

Interstate Packaging Company

White Bluff, TN

$16.25 - $21.75/hr

Part-time

Posted yesterday

Job description


Position Title: ESKO Prepress Technician Level 3
Location: WHITE BLUFF, TN 37187
Position type: Full Time
Job Shift: 1st Shift
Description:

Summary & Responsibilities


Job Summary: The ESKO Flexo Prepress Operator prepares, optimizes, and manages electronic files for flexographic and digital printing environments. This role uses advanced ESKO software to manage color consistency, automate platemaking workflows, and calibrate external proofing devices. The ideal candidate possesses deep technical expertise in flexographic standards, G7 methodology, press fingerprinting, color profile mapping.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • File Preparation: Review, trap, and manipulate customer digital artwork to meet specific flexographic and digital printing requirements.
  • G7 Color Correction: Implement G7 colorimetric methodologies to ensure precise tonality and gray balance. Adjust tone reproduction curves to match standardized target print specifications.
  • Press Fingerprinting & Characterization: Evaluate printed flexographic press fingerprint test charts. Analyze ink density, dot gain (TVI), and minimum dot breakout to establish exact baseline printing conditions.
  • ESKO Color Profile Mapping: Map, build, and maintain centralized ICC and device profiles within ESKO Color Pilot / Color Engine. Configure custom color strategies to accurately map spot colors and process builds across varying substrates and press types.
  • HP Digital Workflow Management: Configure jobs utilizing ESKO AE for HP Indigo. Preflight and analyze spot-to-CMYK conversions to optimize LAB match to Pantone LIVE. Coordinate digital variable data printing (VDP) assets.
  • Epson Proofer Calibration: Calibrate and profile Epson contract proofing devices using ESKO Pack Proof or Color Engine. Perform regular spectrophotometer linearization and media checks to verify color-accurate contract proofs.
  • Step and Repeat Automation: Build efficient layouts using ESKO's automated step-and-repeat tools, integrating required distortion factors and cylinder metadata.
  • Assist manager, supervisor and administrator as needed with customer conference calls.
  • Follow established procedures, quality control steps and complete all required documentation.
  • Provide backup to Administrator for QA of LEN files.
  • Maintain consistent communications of project details and scheduled job status with graphics supervisor and administrator.
  • Maintain electronic file hierarchy and production file integrity.
  • Maintain a courteous and professional atmosphere.
  • Responsible for compliance with all regulatory, facility food safety, and quality policies and procedures including product safety (GMPs) policies and procedures.

    • Qualification:

    Qualifications & Physical Requirments


    Qualifications and Skills:
    Education: BS in Graphic Design or related field preferred
    Experience: Minimum 5-7 years of color separation / job engineering experience in flexographic and digital flexible packaging / label manufacturing.
    Software Expertise: Advanced proficiency in ESKO software suite (Automation Engine, ArtPro+, Color Engine, Pack Proof) and Adobe Creative Suite.
    Crystal Platemaking Workflow: Experience is a plus.
    Proofing Accuracy: Proven experience using spectrophotometers (e.g., X-Rite) for press matching and color verification.
    Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of ICC profiling, delta-E tolerances, UV LED plate exposure mechanics, and Digital Front End (DFE) architectures.
    Advanced Color Evaluation: Proven experience using spectrophotometers (e.g., X-Rite) to read color targets, audit ink profiles, and diagnose press shift issues.
    Problem Solving: Ability to catch structural, font, or color gaps in complex multi-layer customer artwork prior to imaging.
    Color Management Certifications: Idealliance G7 Professional or G7 Expert certification is highly preferred.
    Physical Requirements:
    Prolonged periods sitting or standing at a high-resolution graphics workstation.
    Ability to pass a standard Munsell Hue/color blindness test.
    Occasional handling and inspection of physical flexo plates and contract proofs

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