Print Production Specialist/Prepress Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Print Production Specialist/Prepress Graphic Designer

Company: SpeedPro Greater San Diego

Location: San Diego, California, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Visual Branding & Large Format Print Production

Date Posted: June 14, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years inferred)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is a hybrid position blending graphic design expertise with hands-on print production and prepress operations within a large format printing environment.

• It requires a strong technical understanding of preparing customer-supplied artwork for various large-scale applications, ensuring print-readiness and quality.

• The position involves direct support of production workflow, including operating and maintaining equipment, and contributing to finishing and installation processes.

• Candidates will leverage their graphic design skills to create, adjust, and optimize artwork, ensuring adherence to strict production standards and client specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job title and description indicate a mid-level position, likely requiring 2-5 years of relevant experience in print production or a closely related field. The emphasis on "real projects" and "contribute right away" suggests a need for immediate impact and a solid foundational skill set, rather than an entry-level candidate.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Prepare, adjust, and optimize customer-supplied artwork for large format printing, meticulously checking for sizing, bleed, resolution, and overall accuracy.

• Conduct thorough preflight checks and file setup to ensure artwork is production-ready for various output devices and materials.

• Create, review, and manage client proofs, identifying and rectifying potential issues before the production phase to minimize errors and waste.

• Operate and maintain essential production equipment, including printers, laminators, and CNC machines, adhering to safety and operational best practices.

• Assist with hands-on production tasks, including material finishing, assembly, and potentially simple on-site installations, contributing to the team's overall output efficiency.

• Maintain organized job folders and project documentation, ensuring smooth workflow progression and timely delivery of client projects.

• Collaborate effectively with sales, design, and production teams to ensure clear communication and successful project execution from concept to completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are heavily weighted towards technical prepress and production support, with a secondary focus on graphic design adjustments. The expectation to "support real shop workflow when needed" and "help with hands on production, finishing, simple installations" highlights the practical, operational nature of this role, differentiating it from a purely creative design position.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Print Production Technology, or a related field is advantageous but not strictly required if equivalent experience is demonstrated. Experience:

• Minimum of 2-5 years of direct experience in a print production, sign shop, wrap shop, or similar production environment.

• Demonstrated experience in preparing files for large format output is essential. Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop, including mastery of layers, color modes, and file optimization techniques.

• Solid understanding of print production principles, including color theory, resolution requirements, and material substrates relevant to large format printing.

• Expertise in preflighting software and processes to identify and resolve potential print issues before production.

• Proficiency in file setup and management for various large format printing technologies and finishing methods.

• Experience in reviewing and preparing print proofs for client approval, with a keen eye for detail and accuracy.

• Ability to work reliably and efficiently in a fast-paced production environment, managing multiple projects simultaneously.

• Strong problem-solving skills and a detail-oriented approach to ensure high-quality output. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with CNC equipment operation, including setup and basic troubleshooting.

• Experience with large format printers, plotters, and finishing equipment such as laminators.

• Basic understanding of vinyl application, vehicle wrap preparation, or signage installation processes.

• Experience with project management or workflow tracking systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "real print production experience" and "technical sides of print production" strongly suggests that practical, hands-on experience in a production setting is more critical than formal education alone. The required skills are geared towards operational readiness and technical execution within a large-format print context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A portfolio showcasing a range of prepared artwork for large format applications (e.g., banners, vehicle wraps, signage, murals), demonstrating technical prepress skills and attention to detail.

• Examples of artwork adjustments and optimizations, illustrating the ability to troubleshoot and enhance client files for production.

• Case studies or project examples that highlight your role in the preflight, proofing, and file setup process, emphasizing accuracy and efficiency.

• Visual documentation of projects where you were involved in the physical production or finishing stages, showcasing practical shop floor experience. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate understanding of workflow design for print production, from initial file receipt to final output and finishing.

• Provide examples of how you have implemented or improved processes related to file preparation, proofing, and quality control in previous roles.

• Showcase an ability to document production steps, material specifications, and output settings for consistent and repeatable results.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio is crucial not just for design aesthetics but for demonstrating technical proficiency in prepress, file preparation, and an understanding of the print production lifecycle. Candidates should showcase their ability to translate creative concepts into technically sound, production-ready files for large-format output.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $21.00 - $28.00 per hour

• This range is competitive for skilled Print Production Specialists/Prepress Graphic Designers in the San Diego, California area, reflecting the blend of technical design and hands-on production requirements. The specific rate will be determined by the candidate's experience level, demonstrated skills, and proven ability to contribute to workflow efficiency and quality. Benefits:

• Flexible Scheduling: Opportunity to arrange work hours to accommodate personal needs while ensuring operational coverage.

• Overtime Pay: Additional compensation for hours worked beyond the standard work week, providing earning potential for high-demand periods.

• Paid Holidays: Recognized holidays are compensated, offering time off for rest and celebration.

• Creative & Collaborative Environment: Work within a supportive team that values innovation and teamwork.

• Growth Opportunities: Potential for advancement as the company expands and takes on new projects.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically involving approximately 40 hours per week. The flexible scheduling benefit allows for some adjustment, but core hours will be determined to ensure operational continuity and support for production demand.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided ($21-$28/hour) is based on the input data and is consistent with mid-level production and design roles in the San Diego metropolitan area. Benefits are specific to the company's offerings. The "flexible scheduling" likely refers to potential for adjusted start/end times rather than remote work, given the on-site nature of the role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Large Format Printing, Visual Branding, Signage & Graphics Production

Company Size: Small, hands-on team. (Inferred from "Our team is small, hands on, and quality driven.")

Founded: SpeedPro has a long history, with the Greater San Diego franchise operating within this established framework, likely benefiting from corporate support and brand recognition. (Company Founded: Not specified, but SpeedPro Imaging was founded in 1991).

Team Structure:

• The operations team is described as small and hands-on, implying a close-knit environment where individuals wear multiple hats and collaborate closely.

• Reporting structure is likely direct, with the Print Production Specialist reporting to a Production Manager or Owner.

• Cross-functional collaboration will be essential, working closely with sales to understand client needs and with other production staff to manage workflow and ensure timely project completion. Methodology:

• Emphasis on quality-driven production and turning creative ideas into tangible, real-world installations.

• A pragmatic approach to problem-solving, focusing on practical solutions for print production challenges.

• Commitment to supporting the entire workflow, from initial file preparation to final finishing and installation.

Company Website: https://www.speedpro.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is characterized by a practical, results-oriented approach. The "small, hands-on" nature suggests a dynamic environment where employees are expected to be adaptable and contribute across various functions. The focus is on tangible output and client satisfaction through high-quality visual branding solutions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Specialist

• This role is positioned as a key contributor within the production team, requiring a blend of technical design skills and practical shop floor experience. It’s a step beyond entry-level design and offers a pathway to more specialized roles within large format printing or broader operations management. Reporting Structure:

• Likely reports to a Production Manager, Shop Manager, or directly to the owner of the franchise. The small team structure implies direct access to leadership and decision-makers. Operations Impact:

• The role directly impacts the company's ability to deliver high-quality visual branding solutions to clients. Accurate file preparation, efficient production, and quality finishing are critical for client satisfaction, repeat business, and the company's reputation. The role bridges the gap between creative client requests and the physical realization of those concepts. Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of large format printing, such as advanced vehicle wrap design, complex signage production, or specialized finishing techniques.

• Equipment Mastery: Become a go-to expert for operating and maintaining specific production machinery, potentially leading to a senior technician role.

• Production Management: With demonstrated leadership and organizational skills, there's potential to move into a Production Supervisor or Manager role, overseeing workflow and team coordination.

• Client Interaction: Develop stronger client-facing skills by assisting with proof reviews and providing technical input on project feasibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth opportunities in this role are tied to developing specialized technical skills within the large format print industry and demonstrating reliability and problem-solving capabilities. The potential for advancement is linked to the company's growth and the individual's willingness to take on more responsibility and expand their practical expertise.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Production Shop & Design Studio Environment

Office Location(s): San Diego, California (Specific address not provided, but implied to be a physical production facility).

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will be a combination of a design area with computers and software, and a production floor equipped with large format printers, laminators, CNC machines, and finishing tools.

• Expect a dynamic environment with varying noise levels and the presence of industrial equipment.

• Collaboration will be frequent, requiring clear communication with colleagues across design, sales, and production functions.

• Access to modern design software and production hardware is expected. Work Schedule:

• Full-time, typically 40 hours per week. While flexible scheduling is mentioned, the on-site nature and production demands mean a consistent presence during core business hours is necessary to support the shop's workflow and client deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: This is an on-site role requiring physical presence in a production facility. The environment is hands-on and dynamic, combining creative design tasks with the practical realities of operating industrial printing and finishing equipment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess technical skills and relevant experience.

• Technical Assessment: Potential for a practical test or skills demonstration using Adobe Creative Suite and potentially a discussion about file preparation scenarios.

• In-Person Interview: Discussion with hiring manager/owner to assess work ethic, problem-solving abilities, cultural fit, and understanding of print production processes. This may involve a tour of the facility.

• Portfolio Review: In-depth discussion of past work samples, focusing on technical execution, problem-solving in production, and project outcomes.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Technical Prep: Showcase examples of files you've prepared for large format printing, specifically demonstrating your understanding of bleed, resolution, color profiles (CMYK), and vector vs. raster elements.

• Detail Your Process: For each project, briefly explain your role, the challenges encountered (e.g., low-resolution images, complex die-lines, color matching), and how you technically resolved them.

• Showcase Software Proficiency: Include examples that demonstrate your advanced skills in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, such as complex vector illustrations, photo retouching for print, or intricate layout adjustments.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If you can, mention how your prepress work led to reduced errors, faster turnaround times, or improved print quality.

• Organize Logically: Present your portfolio in a clear, easy-to-navigate format, perhaps categorized by project type (e.g., vehicle wraps, banners, signage).

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to common prepress challenges, such as handling pixelated images, converting RGB to CMYK effectively, setting up files with correct bleeds for large formats, and understanding different file output formats (e.g., PDF/X-1a, EPS, AI).

• Think about how you would troubleshoot an issue where a client's file doesn't meet production requirements.

• Brush up on industry-standard terminology related to large format printing and finishing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize practical skills and problem-solving abilities. The portfolio is key to demonstrating technical competence, and candidates should be ready to articulate their process and decision-making for each piece.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Illustrator: Core tool for vector graphic creation, layout, and file preparation for large format printing.

• Adobe Photoshop: Essential for image retouching, manipulation, and raster graphic preparation.

• Preflight Software: Tools like Adobe Acrobat Pro's preflight capabilities, or specialized prepress software for automated file checking.

• Large Format Printers: Experience operating or understanding the output requirements of printers from brands like HP, Epson, Mimaki, Roland, or similar.

• Laminators: Familiarity with operating and maintaining large format laminators for protective or finishing purposes.

• CNC Equipment: Operation of CNC routers or cutters for materials like vinyl, foam board, or acrylic.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus, understanding job tracking systems or basic production reporting to monitor workflow efficiency might be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Likely limited direct use, but understanding how client orders are processed and managed within a CRM or order management system would be helpful for workflow integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop) is non-negotiable. Familiarity with the operational aspects of large format printers, laminators, and CNC equipment is a significant advantage. The role is tool-centric, focusing on the practical application of design software and production machinery.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality Focus: High standards for output, ensuring client satisfaction through precise execution and attention to detail.

• Efficiency & Productivity: A drive to keep jobs moving smoothly through the shop, meeting deadlines and optimizing resource utilization.

• Reliability & Dependability: Being a trustworthy member of the team who can be counted on to complete tasks accurately and on time.

• Problem-Solving: A proactive approach to identifying and resolving technical challenges in design and production.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Willingness to support colleagues and contribute to a positive, productive work environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Close-knit, hands-on, and communicative. Expect frequent verbal communication regarding job status, technical requirements, and potential issues.

• Emphasis on mutual support, where team members assist each other to meet collective deadlines.

• Feedback is likely direct and practical, aimed at improving workflow and output quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture values practical skills, a strong work ethic, and a collaborative spirit. The ideal candidate is someone who is not only technically proficient but also a reliable team player willing to contribute to the overall success of the production facility.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse File Types: Constantly adapting to various customer file formats, software versions, and quality levels, requiring robust troubleshooting skills.

• Technical Troubleshooting: Diagnosing and resolving issues related to print output, material compatibility, or equipment malfunction.

• Balancing Design & Production: Juggling creative design tasks with the demanding, time-sensitive nature of production workflow.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Maintaining accuracy and quality under pressure to meet tight deadlines for client projects.

• Physical Demands: Potential for standing for long periods, handling materials, and working with industrial equipment.

  **Learning & Development Opportunities