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Pre-Press Technician

Printpack · Rhinelander, WI · Full time

Posted Sep 16, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a job where accuracy mattered more than speed.

What they are checking: Whether they have the patience and detail focus that prepress work requires.

Tell me about a time you learned a technical skill on the job.

What they are checking: Whether they can grow into a technical role with training.

What would you do

A press operator says the color is drifting during a run. How do you help?

What they are checking: Whether they can troubleshoot ink issues quickly with the press crew to keep production moving.

This role does both platemaking and ink work. How would you manage both when both areas need you?

What they are checking: Whether they can prioritize between duties based on what press needs first.

Why do you think food packaging needs extra care in printing?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that packaging quality affects consumer safety and brand trust.

About the work

Walk me through how you would mount a photopolymer plate on a sleeve or cylinder so it registers correctly.

What they are checking: Whether they understand plate mounting precision, since small errors show up as print defects.

How do you match an ink color to a customer standard?

What they are checking: Whether they can adjust ink formulas methodically using a standard and good measurement.

What do you look for when inspecting a new plate before mounting it?

What they are checking: Whether they catch damage, debris, or defects before they cause print problems.

How do you handle inks and solvents safely?

What they are checking: Whether they understand chemical safety and proper handling in a print environment.

Have you used a spectrophotometer or other color tools?

What they are checking: Whether they can use instruments rather than relying only on their eye for color.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Printpack.

Job Profile Summary A Prepress Technician is responsible for the preparation and mounting of digital photopolymer printing plates, as well as ink formulation and color matching. This dual-role position supports plate making, mounting and ink adjustment operations to ensure optimal print quality and production efficiency. This position requires a combination of technical expertise, physical capability, and attention to detail to ensure high-quality printing results while maintaining safety and efficiency standards. WE’RE HIRING! We are hosting an Open Interview Event and would love to meet you! Come learn about the exciting career opportunities we have available. Event Details: • Date: Wednesday, October 7 • Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. • Location: 3500 Highway 17, Rhinelander, WI Why Join Us? • $2,000 Sign-On Bonus • Year-Round Incentive Programs , including Perfect Attendance Rewards and a Christmas Bonus • Competitive Pay with the opportunity for a pay increase after 6 months • Comprehensive Benefits Package , including Medical, Dental, and 401(k), with benefits effective on your first day of employment • Excellent Career Growth Opportunities with clear paths for advancement Before You Arrive: • Apply online in advance, if possible. • Check in at the front desk upon arrival. • Bring a copy of your resume, if available. Whether you're actively seeking a new opportunity or simply exploring career options, we encourage you to stop by and meet our team. We look forward to meeting you! As a Prepress Technician, your key responsibilities Include: • Perform multiple processes including a combination of Plate Making, Plate Mounting and Ink Toning • Mount, repair and adjust digital photopolymer printing plates and continuous print sleeves, including quality screening and defect inspection • Manage ink formulation, blending, and color matching to digital standards, including handling of primers and adhesives • Maintain accurate inventory systems for both plates and inks, ensuring proper storage and organization • Perform troubleshooting of print issues related to plates, sleeves, and inks to maintain quality standards • Operate and maintain equipment including all prepress machinery • Process and handle Hazardous materials according to safety protocols • Read and interpret production schedules and job specifications to ensure timely completion of tasks • *Complete required documentation and computer-based reports for quality control and tracking • *Monitor and maintain quality control throughout the prepress process, including color accuracy and plate integrity • *Clean, strip, and process plate components following established procedures • Other duties as assigned Education & Experience: • High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent preferred • Must be 18 years of age or older • Stable Work history Required Skills: • Demonstrated mechanical aptitude • Strong attention to detail • Proficiency in basic mathematics • Computer literacy for reports, emails, and calculations • Ability to use deductive reasoning for decision-making • Ability to read and interpret technical specifications • Fork truck operation certification (or ability to obtain) • Possess Fine discrimination color vision (must pass Farnsworth-Munsell 100 HueColor Vision Test) Additional Requirements: • Must be 18 years of age • Must pass pre-employment assessment • Drug screening required • Background check required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: • Knowledge of printing processes and materials • Familiarity with safety protocols and hazardous material handling • Precision measuring and geometric measurement • Equipment operation and maintenance • Problem-solving and troubleshooting • Time management and organization • Color discrimination and matching • Must pass Farnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue Color Vision Test • Basic math skills and the ability to accurately use 1/32" tape measure • Ability to read and apply information found in a design spec and job jacket • Mechanical Inclination Physical Demands: The associate will primarily work in an manufacturing environment with exposure may include, but are not limited to: • Must be able to lift and handle objects weighing up to 50 pounds • Capacity to stand and walk for extended periods • Ability to climb, kneel, bend, stoop, reach and squat • Use of ladders and other equipment • Forklift certification or ability to obtain forklift and pallet jack certification • Capability to handle drums weighing up to 500 lbs using appropriate equipment • Ability to wear required PPE (hearing protection, steel-toe shoes, safety glasses) Work Conditions: The majority of tasks will be performed in a manufacturing setting with exposure to: • Noise levels above 85 dB • Operation of complex machinery • Solvents, fumes and inks • Variable Temperatures • Must be able to work flexible shifts • May require nights, weekends, and holidays. • An additional $2.50/hr premium for hours worked on NIGHT Shift only (qualifying hours vary by location). Printpack is proudly an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment. Embracing diversity enhances our work culture and is vital to our success. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/parental status, genetic information, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, marital status, military or veteran status or affiliation, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. To view your rights and government notices, please see the links below: Know Your Rights - Conozca sus Derechos - Your Rights Under USERRA (dol.gov) - FMLA - FMLA (Spanish) - Polygraph Protection - Right to Work - Right to Work (Spanish) Printpack is committed to helping individuals with disabilities participate in the workforce and ensure equal opportunity to compete for jobs. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist you with your application for employment or job search, please get in touch with us by sending an email to CorpRecruiting@Printpack.com . Please include in your email a brief description of the accommodation you are requesting and the position for which you are interested in applying.

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