Graphic Designer / Pre-Press Specialist at AlphaGraphics in CA-Irvine-92618

Job description

• AlphaGraphics Irvine is a fast-paced print and sign shop serving both walk-in customers and established business accounts. We’re looking for a detail-oriented Graphic Designer / Pre-Press Specialist who understands that good design is only half the job — clean, accurate, print-ready files are what keep production moving.
• This role is ideal for someone who enjoys both the creative and technical sides of print and wants to be part of a small, hands-on team where their work directly impacts the final product. This is not a screen-only role — you should be comfortable stepping away from the desk to help with production and finishing when the shop is busy.
• Small team environment where your work matters
• True mix of design plus hands-on production and finishing — not just sitting behind a screen all day
• Consistent workflow with a variety of projects
• Opportunity to grow within a production-focused environment

Responsibilities

• Preparing customer-supplied files for print (preflight, setup, bleed, resolution, color correction)
• Creating and modifying designs for print (flyers, business cards, signage, large format, etc.)
• Setting up files for digital and wide-format production
• Communicating with customers to clarify specs and ensure accuracy
• Managing proofs and revisions
• Working closely with production to ensure jobs run correctly
• Supporting hands-on production and finishing work — cutting, laminating, mounting, folding, bindery, and pack-out — as the schedule demands
• Jumping in alongside the production team during high-volume runs to help operate print and finishing equipment

Requirements

• Experience in a print shop, sign shop, or production environment strongly preferred
• Strong working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign
• Solid understanding of print production (bleeds, margins, color modes, file setup)
• High attention to detail — catching issues before they become problems
• Ability to manage multiple jobs and deadlines at once
• Clear, professional communication with both customers and team members
• Willingness to roll up your sleeves and move between the design desk and hands-on production — comfortable with both sides of the shop
• Experience with wide-format graphics or signage
• Familiarity with PrintSmith or similar MIS systems
• Experience preparing files for cut-sheet printing, vinyl cutting, or large format output

Skills

Required

• Adobe Illustrator
• Photoshop
• InDesign
• Attention to detail
• Time management
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Willingness to work hands-on

Preferred

• Wide-format graphics
• Signage
• PrintSmith or similar MIS systems
• Cut-sheet printing
• Vinyl cutting
• Large format output

Benefits

• Compensation: $25.00 per hour