Wide Format Prepress/Color Management Specialist bei Thysse

Description

Thysse (tie • see) is a third-generation, family-owned commercial printer and brand experience provider. Our state-of-the-art facility is located in Oregon, WI, 15 minutes south of Madison. Team Thysse is composed of over 100 individuals who help deliver exceptional service and project outcomes to some of the most valuable brands in the nation. Our culture seeks solutions, not blame; welcomes open, thoughtful communication; embraces innovation; and values the critical role each member of Team Thysse plays in delivering truly exceptional client results.

As a brand experience provider, we believe the story a brand tells is as important as the materials it's printed on. Grounded in innovative thought, exceptional design, and the physical production of ideas, we get to work on the 'fun stuff' our partners use to promote their brands. From printed campaigns to branded spaces—and everything in between – Thysse is where you go with your brand.

Position Summary

This position is responsible for optimizing wide format production workflows through advanced RIP configuration, imposition layout, color management, and process standardization. Working closely with the Preflight/Color Science Manager and collaborating directly with the Wide Format Job Planning Manager, this role ensures production efficiency, color accuracy, and quality consistency across all wide format output while serving as a technical resource for file preparation, proofing, and troubleshooting. Based in the production area, this position provides flexible production support across departments during non-peak prepress periods.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

RIP Management & Job Planning

• Configure and maintain Caldera RIP system, including media profiles, print modes, quality settings, and spot color verification
• Review jobs holistically and organize for production based on MIS job tickets
• Work closely with Wide Format Job Planning Manager to verify all job specifications, technical requirements, and production parameters before manufacturing begins
• Apply specifications including scaling, tiling, and nesting to optimize material usage
• Assign files to printers strategically, balancing workload distribution and printer capabilities
• Maintain organized RIP environments with current profiles, spot colors, presets, and job histories
• Audit RIP settings and color databases to ensure synchronization across multiple RIP stations

Imposition & Layout Optimization (Esko Phoenix)

• Create optimized print layouts to maximize substrate utilization while ensuring proper bleeds, gutters, die lines, and registration marks
• Generate Zünd/Graphtec-ready cut paths with accurate registration marks and tool assignments for finishing operations
• Build detailed imposition reports, press run summaries, and cutting/print information for production and QC reference
• Validate all imposition output against MIS specifications (sheet size, quantity, finishing requirements, shipping constraints)
• Collaborate with Wide Format Job Planning Manager to ensure accurate job setup and identify potential production issues before handoff to manufacturing
• Troubleshoot imposition conflicts before RIP processing
• Coordinate with Preflight, Client Services, and Production teams to ensure layouts meet downstream requirements for finishing, kitting, and shipping

Color Management & Quality Control

• Select and apply correct ICC profiles consistently across all devices and substrates
• Create, calibrate, and maintain ICC profiles for new and existing substrates
• Monitor and ensure spot color alignment with Pantone and brand standards
• Collaborate with Preflight/Color Management team on color compliance standards (G7, ?E00, brand-specific requirements)
• Troubleshoot and correct profile or RIP setting discrepancies
• Monitor print output for consistency issues including color drift and banding
• Serve as escalation point for complex file or color-related issues

Hard-Copy Proofing

• Set up and confirm proof details in MIS and Caldera (device, media, print mode, spot colors)
• Prepare and set up print-ready files for proofing on the target device and substrate, noting white ink, laminate, or special finishing options for the press operator
• Obtain internal QA and client approvals with proper documentation (approver name, date, time)
• Create proof labels with complete job details, version information, and RIP settings
• Archive proofs with version control; manage snipe proof inventory
• Require new proof or client waiver for any job changes after approval

Process Optimization & Documentation

• Build and maintain SOPs for file intake, proofing, RIP workflows, and output quality checks
• Standardize RIP queue setup processes across nesting, tiling, and scaling operations
• Recommend software and hardware improvements to enhance production efficiency
• Collaborate with Planning Manager and Wide Format Job Planning Manager to identify and flag potential production issues early in the workflow
• Identify process improvements and work with manager and automation team to develop enhanced workflows
• Create and maintain documentation for wide format prepress tasks

Technical Support & Troubleshooting

• Troubleshoot RIP errors and optimize settings per material type
• Provide technical guidance to Production and Client Success teams on file preparation and output requirements
• Work with native files when necessary to resolve production challenges
• Oversee imposition for HP workflow while coordinating with designated color management lead
• Support both standard and specialized workflow processes

Production Support & Cross-Departmental Assistance

• Assist in pack out area during non-peak prepress periods to support finishing and shipping operations
• Provide backup support for wide format printer operation when needed
• Operate Zünd cutting equipment as required to maintain production flow
• Support Offset and Digital production departments when workload demands additional assistance
• Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to assist across departments as business needs require

The duties and responsibilities described are not an all-inclusive list and tasks may change or new ones may be assigned at any time.

Requirements

Education/Experience

• High school diploma or GED required
• 3-5 years of experience in wide format print production or prepress operations
• Advanced experience with RIP software (Caldera required)
• Proficiency with imposition software (Esko Phoenix preferred)
• Experience with color management principles, ICC profiles, and calibration processes
• Knowledge of wide format substrates, print processes, and finishing requirements
• Familiarity with preflight software (e.g., Enfocus PitStop) and Adobe Creative Suite is a plus
• Experience with Zünd or Graphtec cutting systems preferred
• Print production experience across multiple platforms (wide format, offset, digital) a plus
• Additional years of education and experience may be substituted for each other, as determined by Human Resources

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Expert knowledge of RIP configuration, media profiles, and print mode optimization
• Strong understanding of color science, including G7 methodology and ?E00 standards
• Excellent problem-solving skills with ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues
• Strong attention to detail with focus on quality and accuracy
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments (Preflight, Production, Client Services, Planning)
• Strong collaborative skills with ability to partner effectively with job planning team to ensure job      accuracy
• Proven organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with calm demeanor
• Self-motivated with ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Adaptable to changing priorities and evolving production requirements
• Flexible and willing to support various production areas as needed
• Technical aptitude with willingness to learn new software and systems