Graphic Prepress Assistant

Position Overview

Pacific Southwest Container, LLC is a world-class manufacturer of innovative custom packaging solutions. Team PSC serves a diverse customer base and has earned a reputation as a market leader in innovation, service, design, printing, and converting across a wide variety of packaging products. The Graphic Prepress Assistant provides administrative, technical, and production support to the Prepress Team.

This position is responsible for pre-flighting incoming customer files, maintaining organized digital file structures, inspecting and logging incoming proofs, and assisting with the preparation and organization of files throughout the prepress process. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong attention to detail, organization, computer proficiency, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

This position provides an opportunity to develop additional technical prepress skills and advance within the department based on performance, demonstrated capabilities, and business needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: Pre-flight incoming customer artwork and production files to identify potential issues or missing information. Review files for basic technical requirements prior to moving them into the production workflow. Organize and maintain digital file folders and file structures according to established department procedures.

Quality-check digital PDFs and physical contract proofs against PSC quality standards. Log and track incoming proofs and other prepress materials. Assist Prepress Team Members with file preparation, organization, and production-related tasks. Maintain accurate records and documentation associated with customer files and proofs.

Assist with locating, retrieving, and archiving artwork and production files as needed. Follow established naming conventions, file-management procedures, and workflow requirements. Communicate file issues, missing information, or other concerns to the appropriate Prepress Team Member. Help prioritize and track multiple projects to support on-time completion of customer requirements.

Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient workstation and work area. Follow all company safety, quality, security, and operational procedures. Protect the confidentiality and integrity of customer artwork and proprietary information. Participate in ongoing training to develop knowledge of packaging prepress processes and technologies.

Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned. Performance Expectations Successful performance in this position includes the ability to: Accurately pre-flight and organize incoming files. Maintain an organized and reliable digital file structure. Identify and communicate basic file or proofing issues before they impact production.

Complete assigned tasks accurately and within established timelines. Effectively manage multiple projects and changing priorities. Demonstrate attention to detail and commitment to quality. Work collaboratively with Prepress, Sales, Customer Service, and Production Team Members. Demonstrate initiative and a willingness to learn advanced prepress processes.

Maintain a positive, professional, and team-oriented approach. Required Skills, Training, and Qualifications High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) preferred. Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop. Familiarity with MacOS. Strong organizational and time-management skills.

Strong attention to detail. Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously. Ability to learn technical processes and software applications. Basic understanding of digital artwork and graphic file formats. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to work effectively as part of a team. Ability to work independently with appropriate direction and follow-up.

Ability to read, write, and speak English.

Preferred Qualifications

Previous experience in graphic design, prepress, printing, packaging, or a related manufacturing environment. Familiarity with packaging artwork and structural layouts. Experience working with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop in a production environment. Basic understanding of color, resolution, image formats, and print-ready artwork.

Familiarity with PDF production files and proofing processes. Previous experience with Esko, DeskPack, or other packaging prepress software is a plus. Physical Requirements Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods. Ability to frequently use a keyboard, mouse, and other computer input devices. Ability to stand and walk throughout the workday as needed.

Ability to occasionally lift and move materials, files, proofs, or other items weighing up to 25 pounds. Ability to maintain sufficient visual acuity for detailed computer, artwork, and proof inspection. Ability to communicate effectively in an office and manufacturing environment. Work Environment This position primarily works in a professional prepress and manufacturing environment and requires regular interaction with Prepress, Sales, Customer Service, Quality, and Production Team Members.

The environment may include exposure to typical manufacturing noise, paper dust, and varying temperatures when entering production areas. The position requires the ability to work in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities and multiple projects. The successful candidate must demonstrate reliability, professionalism, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn and grow within the Prepress department.