Pre-Press Assistant

Job Title: Pre-Press Assistant - This is a 2nd shift opportunity (Must Train on 1st for 2 weeks) $21-22 an hour

Job Description

The Pre-Press Assistant supports print production by overseeing ink and plate preparation, managing prepress inventory, and ensuring all materials are properly staged and ready for printing runs. This role combines hands-on work with dies, plates, and inks, inventory coordination, and basic system entry to keep the production schedule running smoothly in a highly automated environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee ordering of all inks, bases, and additives to ensure adequate supply for upcoming production runs.
• Order and maintain die mounting parts and related components needed for prepress operations.
• Clean and prepare dies, plates, and parts so they are ready for use in production.
• Mount and repair printing plates to support and maintain the established production schedule.
• Stage printing plates and samples for delivery to production lines prior to print runs.
• Change, stage, and prepare printing plates for machinery, including incoming print plates (new and transferred), and enter relevant information into the system.
• Operate a forklift to safely retrieve materials from inventory and transport them to the appropriate areas.
• Pick items from inventory as needed to support prepress and production activities.
• Prepare FO jackets with load tags, print cards, and FO documentation to support accurate tracking and production.
• Conduct regular ink inventories and prepare ink orders for upcoming runs to prevent shortages or delays.
• Maintain colors and support the color matching process to ensure print quality and consistency.
• Maintain control over all systems, procedures, and handling of internal print plates, cutting dies, and inks to ensure accuracy and organization.
• Oversee all activities related to inventory and maintenance of the prepress area, keeping it clean, organized, and production-ready.
• Work independently, remain productive throughout the shift, and demonstrate a strong understanding of prepress workflows and expectations.

Essential Skills

• Experience operating machines in a production or manufacturing environment.
• Inventory experience, including tracking, staging, and picking materials.
• Computer experience for entering data and managing basic system transactions.
• Hands-on experience with ink, printing processes, and laser imaging.
• Ability to operate a forklift safely to move materials within the facility.
• Capability to work independently and stay busy without constant supervision.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Comfort working in an automated production environment.
• Attention to detail when handling printing plates, dies, and inks.
• Strong organizational skills to maintain a well-managed prepress area.
• Reliability in following established systems and procedures for material handling and documentation.

Why Work Here?

Employees work in a highly automated, laid-back environment that prioritizes quality above all else. The culture supports independent work, trust, and responsibility, offering a setting where individuals can take ownership of their tasks while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere focused on doing the job right.

Work Environment

This role is based in an extremely automated production environment with a laid-back culture that emphasizes quality over speed. The position is on 2nd shift from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with initial training on 1st shift. Team members typically wear jeans or work pants and a shirt, and steel toe boots are required. Safety glasses are provided. The environment supports independent work and expects employees to stay engaged and productive throughout their shift.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chicago, IL.

The pay range for this position is $15.00 - $15.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Chicago,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 7, 2026.

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.