Print Production Specialist

smartdept. inc. is searching for a Print Production Specialist for a Toy and Game client in Seattle, Washington. The ideal candidate will have a high-level understanding of prepress and print production processes, meticulous file management skills, and a good sense of color. This is a hybrid, contract-to-hire opportunity. The pay for this position is expected to be $30/hr - $50/hr depending on experience level.

We are looking for a hardworking Print Production and Quality Assurance Specialist with the creative ability to build and finalize files, coupled with an obsession for making sure all elements are completed beautifully and accurately. You will also be part of the internal proofing process to ensure file accuracy. This role works closely with our suppliers and the Technical Product Development team to develop products that exceed our vision and business needs.

What You’ll Do:

• Create print production-ready files for cards, packaging, and other assets, based on files developed by the Senior
  Graphic Designer and supply those to vendors.
• Review and approve proofs and materials from suppliers to verify content, placement, and color meet identified
  quality expectations. This could be via web portal or physical proof/prototype. Ensure appropriate collaborators
  are involved as needed.
• Perform thorough quality control checks on digital files, including verifying file integrity, color accuracy, and image
  resolution, to ensure optimal output and printability.
• Perform color manipulations, art/text manipulation, and printer-specific color corrections, as needed.
• Actively participate in product development meetings and discussions to determine the best ways to build or test
  new components, problem-solve challenges in development or vendor management, and continue to improve the
  product.
• Check print-ready files for cards and packaging for any print production or content deviations from expectation.
• Collaborate with the product development teams and graphic designers to resolve any issues or discrepancies
  identified during the quality control process.
• The successful candidate will proof both English and localized files, but only English language proficiency is
  needed.
• Help create detailed product specifications to ensure clarity for partners.
• Monitor and track print production workflow to ensure deadlines are met and production processes run smoothly.
• Continually help the team build, test, and improve our workflow and color management procedures, and
  review/approval process procedures.
• Track and archive final native files.
• Must be able to attend local and out-of-state press checks.

What You’ll Need:

• Highly proficient in InDesign, Illustrator, Acrobat, and Photoshop.
• 2+ years of prepress, print design, or print-production experience.
• 2+ years working on trading cards or collectible cards.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of graphic design, packaging, and page layout.
• Experience working in print, working with dielines, packaging build files, overprinting, and setting up press-ready
  PDFs.
• Experience with complex printing techniques such as white underprints, spot foils, etc.
• Exceptional eye for detail and color perception
• Color Management and Press check experience.
• Expert in print production standards.
• Passionate problem-solver dedicated to bringing amazing products to life through creative solutions.
• Detail-oriented and can self-manage the moving parts of an evolving creative pipeline.
• Effective at multi-tasking, meeting tight deadlines, and strong organizational skills.
• Independent, efficient, and proactive with a strong follow-through.
• Strong collaborator who actively shares knowledge and communicates effectively at all levels, both internally and externally.
• Ability to code in an AppleScript and/or JavaScript environment is a bonus.
• Familiar and comfortable using Excel-type formulas to manipulate text, including concatenation and nested
  IF/THEN statements (bonus)
• Knowledge of card automation, such as data merging or EasyCatalog (bonus)
• Localization typesetting (bonus)