Senior Heidelberg Pressman

Schedule: 1st Shift with flexibility to help cover other shifts as needed
Compensation: $45000-$60000/year or more DOE
Benefits: Medical dental vision 401(k)

Relocation: Id have to sell it; right now we just want to send locals/relocating at own expense.

KEY: Must have personally operated an 8-color Heidelberg UV sheetfed press. We dont want graphics or prepress backgrounds; we want someone who can hit the ground running a Heidelberg with zero instructions needed.

Recruit for:

• Heidelberg Speedmaster (XL 105 XL 75 CD102 SM102)
• 8-color or larger sheetfed presses
• UV printing / UV curing
• Lead Pressman / First Pressman
• Sheetfed Offset Press Operator
• Make-ready and color matching experience

Avoid:

• Prepress only
• Graphics/design only
• Digital printing only
• Flexo-only operators
• Plate-making only

Job Summary

We are seeking a Prepress & Plate Making Lead for a high-quality packaging manufacturing environment. This role supports production by preparing press-ready color-accurate files and producing lithographic printing plates and flexographic coating plates used in packaging production.

This is a hands-on technical role ON THE MANUFACURTING FLOOR for someone who understands print production packaging graphics color accuracy file preparation plate imaging and the discipline required to keep production moving without quality issues.

Responsibilities

• Prepare press-ready color-accurate packaging files using graphic/prepress software
• Build manipulate review and correct electronic files according to job specifications
• Review job specs fonts artwork files and production requirements before release
• Use content management tools to retrieve reference and manage images/files
• Image digital lithography printing plates
• Manufacture flexographic coating plates
• Review job updates and production changes to maintain quality and accuracy
• Troubleshoot file plate color and production-related issues before they affect output
• Monitor and maintain inventory of plates and plate-processing supplies
• Train department personnel on proper processes and procedures
• Maintain clean safe and organized work areas
• Support other production/prepress needs as assigned

Requirements

• Experience in prepress plate making print production packaging graphics or a closely related printing environment
• Working knowledge of electronic file preparation fonts artwork color accuracy and job specifications
• Experience with lithographic plate imaging flexographic plates packaging graphics or commercial print production preferred
• Ability to review technical job specs and catch issues before production
• Strong troubleshooting skills and attention to detail
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing/production environment
• Ability to train others and follow established processes
• Shift flexibility when needed

Preferred

• Folding carton packaging label commercial printing or offset printing background
• Experience with packaging graphics dielines trapping proofs color correction or plate output
• Bilingual English/Spanish
• While this is NOT a leadership position now Prior lead trainer or senior operator experience is desired due to future plans for this hire

Internal Notes / Non-Posting Bio

This is a premium packaging manufacturer not a low-end commodity print shop. Best candidates will likely come from folding carton label commercial printing offset/litho flexo packaging prepress plate making or print production environments.

Target profile:

• Prepress Technician
• Prepress Operator
• Plate Maker
• CTP Operator
• Litho Plate Maker
• Flexo Plate Maker
• Packaging Prepress Specialist
• Print Production Specialist
• Offset/Flexo Pressroom Lead with prepress/plate exposure
• Senior Graphic Production Artist from packaging/print manufacturing

Possible Companies to Recruit From

Local / Virginia targets:

• Double Envelope Company - Roanoke VA
• Carter Printing Company - Richmond VA
• Navistar Direct Marketing - Richmond VA
• Dominion Packaging - Sandston VA
• Graphic Packaging International - Staunton VA
• Quad - Winchester VA
• BPG-USA - Berryville VA
• Progress Printing Plus - Lynchburg VA
• Professional Printing Center - Chesapeake VA
• Digital Image Printing - Daleville VA
• Sir Speedy / local commercial print shops - Roanoke VA
• Curry Copy Center - Roanoke VA

Regional / broader packaging-print targets:

• WestRock / Smurfit WestRock
• International Paper
• Graphic Packaging International
• RRD / RR Donnelley
• Multi-Color Corporation
• Fortis Solutions Group
• Inovar Packaging
• C-P Flexible Packaging
• American Packaging Corporation
• Printpack
• Amcor
• Sonoco
• Packaging Corporation of America
• Menasha Packaging
• Southern Champion Tray
• Oliver Inc.
• MM Packaging
• Hub Labels
• Nosco
• Resource Label Group
• Taylor Corporation
• Vomela
• Cenveo
• Brook Whittle
• WS Packaging
• MCC Label

Boolean Strings/Buzzwords to Try

prepress OR pre press OR plate maker OR plate making OR CTP OR computer to plate OR litho OR lithography OR flexo OR flexographic OR packaging OR folding carton

prepress technician OR prepress operator OR production artist OR graphic production OR plate technician OR CTP operator OR packaging graphics

offset printing OR litho OR lithography OR flexo OR flexographic OR printing plates OR plate imaging OR folding carton OR label printing

packaging prepress OR commercial printing OR print production OR color correction OR proofs OR dielines OR trapping OR press ready