Production & Pre-Press Associate

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Bonus based on performance
• Competitive salary
• Employee discounts
• Free food & snacks
• Paid time off
• Training & development

Production & Pre-Press AssociateFull-Time | On-Site | Chicago (South Loop)
SpeedPro Imaging Chicago Loop
2028 S. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
Core Hours: 8:30am5:30pm
(With occasional events exist and deadlines are not theoretical hours)

IMPORTANT PLEASE READ THIS PART. REALLY.


This role is not remote.
This role is not entry-level.
This role is not your vibe-check, side hustle, or for career exploration.

If you have not already worked in a large-format print production environment, please do not apply. This isnt arrogance its efficiency. Yours and ours.

Recruiters, staffing agencies, headhunters or talent whisperers who just want to hop on a quick call:
Please dont contact us. We wont respond.
This is not a challenge. Its a boundary.

Now that we've got that out of the way....

ABOUT SPEEDPRO CHICAGO LOOP


Were entering our 11th year, and we run a studio that performs at a level most print shops talk about and very few actually hit.

A few facts (because vibes are nice, but results pay the rent):

• Top-10 performing studio nationally
• IFA's Franchisee of the Year
• Inc. 5000 Regional honoree
• Top 150 Largest 'Large Format Printers in North America'
• Perfect 5-star reviews

We dont list awards to impress you we list them so you understand our standard.

We produce big, complex, time-sensitive graphics for brands, agencies, events, and tradeshows where failure is not an option. Our work is large, fast, unforgiving, and highly visible. We like it that way.

THE ROLE (WHO THIS GIG IS ACTUALLY FOR)


This job is for someone who already knows production and wants to do it at a higher level, with better tools, and fewer self-inflicted problems.

Youll be hands-on across pre-press, production, finishing, and delivery. This is not push button and pray it prints. This is craftsmanship under pressure the kind that feels good when you nail it.

Think of this job posting as a Bumble compatibility filter. Swipe right if you:

• Get mildly offended by sloppy files
• Treat deadlines with the seriousness of a court date
• Feel pride when something comes off the table looking perfect
• Prefer solving problems versus explaining why something didnt happen
  
  

HOWEVER, you should swipe left if yeah, it's good enough is an attractive personality trait; because if so, we can promise this job will be one of your shortest relationships.

___
WHAT YOULL BE DOING

• Running printers, cutters, laminators, and finishing equipment with an obsessive focus
• Catching file issues before they turn into uncomfortable meetings
• Making smart decisions on color, materials, and finishing
• Laminating, trimming, weeding, sewing, packing, loading, unloading--whatever is required
• Managing multiple jobs without drama, panic or disappearing mid-shift
• Occasionally leaving the building to deliver something important (fresh air included with compensation package)
  
  

Equipment Youll Work With


EFI Pro 30H Hybrid Flatbed
Canon Oc Colorado M5
Mutoh XpertJet 661 (ADA signage)
Esko CNC Cutter/Router
Kala Mistral Laminator
Juki Sewing Machine
Acrylic Heat Bender

(If that list makes you nod confidently with understanding instead of Googling in complete bewilderment excellent.)

NON-NEGOTIABLE REQUIREMENTS


Lets keep this efficient:

• 4+ years in a large-format print or sign shop
• Fluent in Illustrator, Photoshop, In-Design (Adobe Creative Suite), as well as RIP software like Onyx or Fiery
• Solid grasp of file prep, bleed, color, substrates, finishing
• Comfortable moving fast without cutting corners
• Organized, reliable, and capable of working independently
• Able to lift 60 lb rolls of vinyl and heavy substrates
• Willing to flex hours occasionally when reality shows up unannounced
  
  

Nice-to-Haves (Career Accelerators):

• AI Image generation (any platform)
• CNC routing
• 3D packaging or CAD
• Sewing or specialty finishing
• ADA sign making protocols
  
  

WHO THRIVES HERE


People who do well here are usually:

• Calm when others spiral
• Detail-obsessed, but not paralyzed by perfection
• Team-oriented without needing hand-holding, constant reassurance or ceremonial praise
• Comfortable being accountable
• Intolerant of mediocrity

We joke. We help each other. We move fast. We dont babysit.

ABOUT THE OWNERS


SpeedPro Chicago Loop is partner-owned by Eric Lazar (former media & mobile tech executive, Marine Corps veteran) and Rebecca Considine (broadcast TV sales leader).

They run the studio the same way theyve built every successful team:
clear expectations, real accountability, zero B.S. and humor where it belongs.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• $21$26/hour, based on experience
• Full-time (40 hrs/week + overtime as needed and available)
• Monthly & annual performance bonuses
• 401(k) with employer contribution after 1 year of service
• Healthcare stipend
• Transportation stipend
  
  

FINAL WORDS (YES, READ THESE TOO)

• Integrity, Judgment, Initiative and Dependability are mandatory traits
• Military veterans encouraged to apply
• Valid drivers license preferred
• Equal Opportunity Employer
  
  

HOW TO APPLY:
Provide a short cover letter, resume, and portfolio (if applicable):

No phone calls
No walk-ins
No recruiters

If you want to work in a high-performing shop that actually delivers, with people who take the work seriously (but not themselves), and you meet the requirements wed genuinely like to hear from you.