Product Designer & Prepress

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer & Prepress Specialist

Company: Thales

Location: Barcelona, Spain

Job Type: Full time

Category: Manufacturing & Operations / Creative & Media / Engineering

Date Posted: 2026-08-14

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for ensuring the successful production of MCS (likely Manufacturing Control Systems or similar) products by bridging the gap between design and manufacturing.

• The Product Designer & Prepress Specialist will be responsible for the end-to-end process of preparing graphic designs and production files, ensuring they meet stringent technical, quality, and operational requirements.

• This position requires a strong understanding of graphic design principles, advanced prepress techniques, and industrial printing standards to deliver flawless output ready for manufacturing.

• The role involves close collaboration with production, printing, and cross-functional teams to resolve technical issues and maintain high standards of product quality and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job title "Product Designer & Prepress" suggests a unique blend of creative design responsibilities with highly technical prepress execution for physical products, likely within a manufacturing context. The "MCS products" acronym is assumed to refer to specific internal product lines within Thales, necessitating a focus on their manufacturing and security requirements. This role is firmly rooted in operations, specifically within the manufacturing and production support functions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and Artwork Development: Create and adapt final artwork and layouts for MCS products, meticulously ensuring adherence to technical, manufacturing, and security specifications.

• Production File Preparation & Validation: Prepare and validate print-ready files, guaranteeing full compliance with established printing standards and precise client specifications.

• Prepress Operations: Generate imposition layouts, color separations, and CTP (Computer-to-Plate) files essential for the preparation of printing plates.

• Approval Workflow Management: Oversee and manage the artwork approval cycles, efficiently implementing necessary changes and maintaining rigorous version control for all design assets.

• Color Proofing and Validation: Validate both digital and physical color proofs to ensure consistent alignment with client expectations and brand guidelines.

• Technical Support for Production: Provide expert technical assistance to Production and Printing departments concerning layouts, color separations, and any deviations encountered during the manufacturing process.

• Technical Documentation: Develop and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including artwork records and detailed specifications, to support manufacturing processes and client approvals.

• Continuous Improvement: Actively contribute to process improvement initiatives, focusing on enhancing efficiency, quality, and consistency in design and prepress workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on, execution-focused role within a manufacturing environment. The emphasis on "validation," "compliance," and "technical support" points to a need for meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of production constraints. The inclusion of CTP files and plate preparation indicates a direct involvement in the physical printing process.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Graphic Arts, Production Engineering, or a closely related technical field. Experience:

• Proven experience in design for manufacturing, prepress operations, or industrial printing environments.

• A minimum of 2-5 years of relevant professional experience is expected for this mid-level position. Required Skills:

• Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: Advanced expertise in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign for creating and manipulating complex design assets.

• Prepress Software Knowledge: Familiarity with imposition software (e.g., Prinergy) and CTP workflow management tools.

• Printing Standards Expertise: Solid understanding of industry printing standards such as ISO 12647 and G7 calibration.

• Color Management: Practical knowledge of color management principles and their application in print production.

• Technical Documentation: Ability to create and maintain clear, accurate technical specifications and artwork records.

• Language Proficiency: Fluent in Spanish and advanced proficiency in English (both technical and communicative).

• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical capabilities with a keen eye for detail and a commitment to quality control.

• Continuous Improvement Mindset: Demonstrated orientation towards identifying and implementing process improvements.

Preferred Skills:

• Regulated Industry Experience: Familiarity with quality management systems in regulated industrial environments (e.g., IATF 16949, APQP, PPAP).

• Advanced Color Tools: Experience with advanced color management tools like X-Rite or Pantone systems.

• Data Analysis Tools: Exposure to data analysis and reporting tools such as Power BI or Minitab.

• Project Management: Experience in New Product Introduction (NPI) project management and working effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize a blend of creative software proficiency and technical knowledge specific to print production and manufacturing. The language requirements are critical for a global company like Thales operating in Spain. Preferred skills indicate a pathway for candidates with broader manufacturing process experience to stand out.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design & Production Files: Showcase examples of artwork and layout designs specifically created for manufacturing or industrial printing applications.

• Prepress Workflow Examples: Include case studies or examples demonstrating your process for preparing production-ready files, including imposition, color separation, and CTP file generation.

• Color Accuracy Demonstrations: Present examples where you successfully managed color accuracy across digital proofs and physical prints, adhering to specific standards (ISO 12647, G7).

• Technical Documentation Samples: Provide samples of technical documentation created for manufacturing, such as artwork specifications or production readiness reports.

• Problem-Solving Case Studies: Highlight instances where you identified and resolved technical issues related to design or prepress that impacted production quality or efficiency.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate understanding of how to document, analyze, and optimize design-to-print workflows for efficiency and quality.

• Implementation & Automation: Show experience in implementing new processes or utilizing tools for automation within the prepress or design-to-production pipeline.

• Measurement & Analysis: Illustrate your approach to measuring the effectiveness of prepress processes and design outputs, using relevant metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for this role. Candidates should be prepared to showcase not just aesthetic design but also the technical execution and problem-solving capabilities required for industrial production. Emphasis should be placed on demonstrating an understanding of the entire design-to-print lifecycle and the ability to adhere to strict manufacturing and quality standards.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for mid-level Product Designers and Prepress Specialists in Barcelona, Spain, with experience between 2-5 years, the estimated annual gross salary range is €30,000 - €45,000. This estimate accounts for the specific technical skills required, the role's responsibilities within a global technology company, and the local cost of living. Benefits:

• Flexible Remuneration: Options for customizable benefits packages.

• Restaurant Tickets: Meal vouchers to support daily expenses.

• Childcare Benefits: Support for employees with childcare responsibilities.

• Training Opportunities: Access to professional development and training programs.

• Life Insurance: Comprehensive life insurance coverage.

• Subsidized Health Insurance: Partially subsidized health insurance plan.

• Conciliation Services: Services designed to help employees balance work and personal life.

• Savings Club: Opportunities to participate in savings and investment schemes.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically around 40 hours per week, with potential for some flexibility depending on operational needs and company policy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on typical compensation for similar roles in the Barcelona region and the specified experience level. Actual compensation will be determined by Thales based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and internal salary structures. The provided benefits are extensive, reflecting Thales' commitment to employee well-being and work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (Cybersecurity, Digital Identity, Aerospace, Defense, Transportation, Space). Thales operates at the forefront of technological innovation, providing critical security solutions.

Company Size: Large (80,000+ employees globally). This indicates a structured environment with established processes and significant career development potential.

Founded: 2000 (Thales Group). Thales has a long history of technological expertise and global presence.

Team Structure:

• Operations Focus: The role is embedded within the Thales Cybersecurity & Digital Identity division, likely supporting manufacturing operations for physical security products or identity solutions.

• Reporting: The specialist will report to a Production Manager or a Head of Operations, working closely with individuals in production, printing, engineering, and quality assurance.

• Collaboration: Expect frequent collaboration with cross-functional teams, including product development, manufacturing engineering, quality control, and potentially client-facing teams for approvals.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decisions: Operations within Thales likely emphasize data analysis for process optimization, quality control, and efficiency improvements.

• Process Excellence: A strong focus on adhering to and improving standardized workflows, quality management systems (like IATF 16949), and production methodologies.

• Security & Sustainability: A company-wide commitment to robust security practices and sustainable operations is expected.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Thales' broad technological portfolio means that while this role is in Cybersecurity & Digital Identity, it operates within a larger, highly regulated industrial conglomerate. This implies a culture that values precision, security, quality, and adherence to global standards. The size of the company offers significant opportunities for growth and exposure to diverse operational challenges.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is a mid-level specialist role, requiring demonstrable expertise in graphic design and prepress for industrial applications. It's a hands-on position focused on execution and problem-solving within the production lifecycle.

Reporting Structure: The role typically reports to a Production Supervisor, Prepress Manager, or Operations Lead. This provides a direct line of communication for technical guidance and performance feedback.

Operations Impact: The specialist's work directly impacts the quality, cost, and timeline of physical product manufacturing. Ensuring accurate prepress files is fundamental to avoiding production errors, material waste, and delays, thereby contributing to overall operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced prepress techniques, color management, or specific printing technologies relevant to Thales' product lines.

• Process Improvement Leadership: Transition into roles focused on optimizing design-to-production workflows, potentially leading small teams or projects related to process enhancement.

• Cross-Functional Roles: Move into roles within manufacturing engineering, quality assurance, or product development where a strong understanding of production processes is beneficial.

• Project Management: Develop skills in managing NPI projects, coordinating multidisciplinary teams for new product launches, or overseeing specific production phases.

• Global Mobility: As a large international company, Thales offers opportunities for career development and international assignments within its various business units.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth in this role is likely to come from specialization within prepress and manufacturing operations, or by leveraging the technical foundation to move into broader operations management or project leadership roles. Thales' global presence is a significant factor for long-term career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, requiring the specialist to work from the Thales facility in Parets del Vallès, Barcelona. The environment will likely be a blend of office space for design work and administrative tasks, and closer proximity to or within the manufacturing/production floor for direct technical support and validation.

Office Location(s): Parets del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain. This location is an industrial hub, offering good connectivity within the region.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace will foster collaboration with production teams, engineers, and quality control personnel. Expect regular interactions to discuss design specifics, production challenges, and approval processes.

• Tools & Technology: Access to high-performance workstations equipped with the Adobe Creative Suite, prepress software, color calibration tools, and potentially specialized manufacturing software.

• Operations Integration: The role is deeply integrated into the manufacturing operations. Proximity to the production lines is essential for timely technical support and validation of printed materials.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule will be full-time, aligning with typical business hours in Spain (e.g., Monday to Friday). While operational needs may occasionally require flexibility, the role is primarily office-based during standard working hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is critical. This role is not remote and demands physical presence to effectively support production and validate physical outputs. The workspace will be a functional environment geared towards manufacturing and technical operations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications against the core requirements.

• Technical Interview: An in-depth discussion covering your experience with Adobe Creative Suite, prepress software, printing standards, and color management. Expect technical questions related to file preparation, troubleshooting, and production challenges.

• Portfolio Presentation: You will likely be asked to present and walk through selected projects from your portfolio, explaining your design process, technical execution, and problem-solving approaches for manufacturing contexts.

• Behavioral/Situational Interview: Questions assessing your problem-solving skills, attention to detail, ability to work under pressure, and collaboration style with production teams.

• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: A final conversation to assess cultural fit, discuss career aspirations, and confirm alignment with the team's objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Relevance: Prioritize projects that demonstrate experience in industrial printing, prepress, and manufacturing design. Highlight technical specifications, color accuracy, and production readiness.

• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate your workflow for preparing files from initial design to final print-ready output. Explain the steps you take for validation and quality control.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, quantify the results of your work – e.g., reduction in errors, improved color consistency, faster turnaround times.

• Technical Accuracy: Ensure all technical details, software names, and standards mentioned are accurate and clearly explained.

• Language Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your portfolio and technical concepts in both Spanish and English.

Challenge Preparation:

• Prepress Scenario: You might be presented with a flawed print file or a specific design brief and asked to outline your approach to making it production-ready, including identifying potential issues and proposing solutions.

• Color Matching Exercise: A discussion or hypothetical scenario involving achieving a specific color target for a printed product, detailing the steps and tools you would use.

• Process Improvement Idea: Be ready to discuss how you would approach improving a particular aspect of the design-to-print workflow within a manufacturing setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be rigorous, focusing heavily on technical skills and practical application. A well-curated portfolio that clearly demonstrates proficiency in the required technical areas is paramount. Be prepared to articulate your thought process and problem-solving methodologies in detail.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for graphic design and layout creation.

  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and complex illustrations.
  • Photoshop: For image editing, retouching, and raster graphics.
  • InDesign: For layout design, typography, and multi-page documents.

• Imposition Software: Tools like Kodak Prinergy, Heidelberg Signa Station, or similar for arranging pages and optimizing layout for printing.

• CTP Workflow Software: Systems for managing the Computer-to-Plate process, ensuring accurate plate creation.

• Color Management Tools: Software and hardware for calibration and profiling, such as X-Rite iProfiler, Gretag Macbeth, or similar.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Color Measurement Devices: Spectrophotometers (e.g., X-Rite i1Pro) for accurate color measurement and verification.

• Data Analysis Tools (Preferred): Basic familiarity with tools like Power BI or Minitab could be beneficial for analyzing production data or quality metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• Internal Workflow/ERP Systems: Likely use of Thales' internal systems for project tracking, order management, and documentation.

• Color Standards Databases: Access to Pantone, RAL, or other industry-specific color libraries.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with the Adobe Creative Suite is a baseline requirement. Expertise in prepress-specific software and color management tools is crucial. While not explicitly stated as required, familiarity with data analysis tools suggests an opportunity to contribute to process optimization through data insights.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Precision & Accuracy: A strong emphasis on meticulous detail and error-free execution, critical for manufacturing and security products.

• Quality First: A commitment to upholding the highest standards of quality in all design and prepress outputs, ensuring product integrity.

• Efficiency & Optimization: A drive to streamline processes, reduce waste, and improve turnaround times without compromising quality.

• Collaboration & Support: A culture of teamwork where members actively support each other and cross-functional departments to achieve common goals.

• Innovation & Continuous Learning: Encouragement to stay abreast of industry advancements and to contribute to innovative solutions for design and production challenges.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: This role requires seamless collaboration with production, engineering, and quality teams to ensure designs are manufacturable and meet all requirements.

• Feedback-Driven Improvement: An open environment for constructive feedback on designs and processes, fostering continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing best practices, technical insights, and lessons learned among team members and departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: Thales, as a global leader in security and technology, likely fosters a culture that highly values reliability, accuracy, and adherence to standards. The operations teams will be driven by a focus on delivering high-quality, secure products efficiently.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design Aesthetics with Technical Constraints: Effectively translating creative concepts into designs that are technically feasible for industrial printing and meet strict manufacturing specifications.

• Maintaining Color Consistency: Achieving and maintaining precise color accuracy across different batches, materials, and printing runs, especially for security-sensitive products.

• Managing Tight Deadlines: Working under pressure to meet production schedules while ensuring all technical and quality checks are completed.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Keeping pace with advancements in printing technology, digital workflows, and design software.

• Troubleshooting Production Issues: Diagnosing and resolving complex technical issues that arise from design files impacting the manufacturing process.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Prepress & Color Management Certifications: Pursuing specialized training and certifications in areas like G7 Master Printer or advanced color science.

• New Product Introduction (NPI) Training: Developing skills in managing the design and production aspects of new product launches.

• Lean Manufacturing & Six Sigma: Opportunities to gain knowledge in process optimization methodologies applicable to manufacturing operations.

• Leadership Development Programs: For high performers, Thales offers programs to develop leadership and project management skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle complex technical challenges in a demanding industrial environment. Growth is facilitated by Thales' commitment to employee development and its vast operational scope.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for preparing a complex design file for industrial printing, from initial concept to final CTP output." (Focus on steps, software, and checks.)

• "How do you ensure color accuracy and consistency when working with multiple printers or materials?" (Discuss calibration, proofing, and standards.)

• "Walk me through a time you encountered a significant technical issue with a print file that impacted production. How did you identify the problem, and what was your solution?" (Use the STAR method - Situation, Task, Action, Result.)

• "How do you balance creative design requirements with strict manufacturing specifications and security protocols?" (Highlight your understanding of trade-offs and problem-solving.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Thales and its role in cybersecurity and digital identity?" (Demonstrate research into the company's mission and products.)

• "How do you contribute to a culture of quality and continuous improvement in a production environment?" (Connect your work ethic to operational excellence.)

• "Describe your experience working with cross-functional teams, such as production, engineering, and quality assurance." (Emphasize communication and collaboration skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Key Projects: Choose 3-4 projects that best showcase your skills in industrial design, prepress, color management, and problem-solving for manufacturing.

• Structure Each Project: For each project, explain:

  • The client/product context and objectives.
  • Your specific role and responsibilities.
  • The design and prepress process you followed.
  • The technical challenges encountered and how you overcame them.
  • The final output and its impact (e.g., quality, efficiency).

• Highlight Technical Details: Be prepared to discuss specific software settings, color profiles, printing techniques, and standards used.

• Practice Your Narrative: Ensure your explanations are clear, concise, and engaging, demonstrating your expertise and passion for the work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating both technical mastery and an understanding of how design and prepress contribute to broader manufacturing operations and business objectives. Be ready to speak fluently in both Spanish and English.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer & Prepress Specialist position:

• Submit Your Application: Utilize the provided link on the Thales Careers portal to submit your resume and any requested documents.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight specific experience with Adobe Creative Suite, prepress software (Prinergy), industrial printing standards (ISO 12647, G7), and color management. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Reduced print errors by X%," "Managed Y number of print jobs").

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, showcases relevant work (industrial design, prepress files, color validation examples), and is easily accessible (e.g., PDF, online link). Prepare a concise overview of each project.

• Prepare for Technical & Behavioral Interviews: Review common interview questions related to graphic design, prepress workflows, problem-solving, and teamwork. Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method.

• Research Thales: Understand Thales' mission, products (especially in Cybersecurity & Digital Identity), and company values. Be prepared to discuss how your skills align with their operational needs and culture.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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