Press Team - Ink Technician

Role: Ink Team

Reporting to: Press Team Supervisor

Role:

We are seeking a detail-oriented Ink Technician specializing in solvent-based flexography to lead our color management and ink preparation processes. In this role, you will be responsible for formulating, blending, and maintaining high-performance inks for use on various film and foil substrates. You will play a critical part in our production workflow by ensuring precise color matching to Pantone standards, managing solvent-driven viscosity levels, and troubleshooting press-side performance to minimize downtime. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of solvent chemistry and a commitment to maintaining a safe, high-quality printing environment.  

Key Responsibilities

• Stage and return pre-blended ink for print jobs.
• Read and understand the print travelers to make correct amount of color matched inks for the press.
• Complete understanding of the X-Rite system for mixing and matching all colors, PMS or custom.
• Understanding of safety requirements of solvent-based ink rooms.
• Ability to do ink draw downs on the K-Proofer.
• Control volumes of ink stored in the ink room to keep needed inventory to a minimum.
• Be able to run a strong work off program to keep ink waste to a minimum.
• Making sure all inventory is accurately labeled with ink type, color, and amount.
• Complies with established facility safety policies and procedures and other regulations (IE: GMP, HAACP, SQF)      as applicable.
• Operate solvent still and track still bottoms.
• Help maintain hazardous waste program.
• 5S and housekeeping
• Participate in continuous improvement projects.
• Expand knowledge of print lines  (and other equipment) through experience.
• Be able to operate in a team environment through proper communication and assisting each other during all steps of operation.
• Maintain all equipment, as required
• Other duties as assigned

Schedule

• Full-time with flexibility to support off-shifts as business needs require.
• Regular work schedule is typically Monday - Friday, 8 hour shifts 

Qualifications

• High school diploma or general      education degree (GED).
• Three to Five years working in      a solvent ink environment or pressroom related experience and/or training.
• Experience working with solvent      inks in a flexographic printing operation is a plus.
• Ability to read and interpret      documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and      procedure manuals.
• Mathematical ability is      necessary.
• Basic computer skills required. 
• Strong verbal and written communication
• Proven track record of working safely, reliability, and inventory management preferred 

Preferred Additional Qualifications

• Experience in converting/packaging/printing environments (e.g., presses, laminators, slitters, bagmaking/packaging manufacturing machines).
• Familiarity with blending inks and relevant training 
• Bilingual language skills, Spanish are a plus

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50lbs. Mechanical assist or team lift, as appropriate, should be used for any weight in excess of 50lbs
• Ability to stand for up to 8 hours per day, Five days per week.
• Ability to see and distinguish colors subject to a color vision test.