Indesign Automation Developer

Build and maintain InDesign automation using ExtendScript and/or UXP (.idjs) to generate print-ready layouts from structured content (IDML, data-merge, JSON). Debug and stabilize existing production scripts, working independently into a large, proprietary automation pipeline. Work with InDesign Server / headless rendering to run automation at production scale, not just through the desktop InDesign client.

Collaborate with design and engineering teams to reduce manual layout work and shrink reliance on outside scripting vendors. As you ramp up, pick up real backend tickets alongside engineering team, growing your skills in a modern backend stack. Communicate clearly and proactively in a fully remote, US-based team

Strong, hands-on Adobe InDesign scripting experience — ExtendScript and/or UXP (.idjs). Genuine coding aptitude and motivation to grow into backend development (Ruby, Python, Java, or similar — no specific framework required on day one). Comfortable with Git and PR-based code review today — not starting from zero on version control.

Demonstrated ability to debug and troubleshoot someone else's automation, not just build new scripts from scratch. Able to work independently and ramp into unfamiliar proprietary APIs/DOMs with limited documentation. Advanced to fluent English (C1–C2), written and spoken — client is US-based and communication is evaluated closely. Central Time zone overlap.

InDesign Server / headless production experience — SOAP job queues, automated rendering pipelines, running scripts at real print-shop scale rather than through the desktop client. This is the biggest differentiator we're screening for. Real automation/production experience at meaningful scale (IDML generation, data-merge) — not manual layout/design-only work.

Print production background (CMYK, bleed, PDF/X, preflight). Self-taught or career-changer path into code — bootcamp, side projects, non-traditional background is a strong positive signal here. Familiarity with background job queues (Sidekiq, SOLID Queue, or similar) for async rendering work.