Ink Technician​/Press Support Technician

Overview

As an Ink Technician / Press Support Technician
, you are the backbone of our color quality and pressroom efficiency. You will be responsible for the precise formulation, blending, and management of inks to ensure every label we produce meets our high aesthetic and technical standards. Additionally, you will provide critical support to our Press Operators to minimize downtime and keep production moving smoothly.

This position offers onsite training and the opportunity to learn a valuable skilled trade in the printing industry. Employees will have unlimited growth potential and the chance to continuously advance your career.

• Ink Management & Formulation
  • Color Matching:
    Accurately mix and match custom spot colors (Pantone/PMS) using digital scales and ink dispensing systems.
  • Quality Control:
    Use spectrophotometers (like X-Rite) to verify color accuracy (∆E values) against customer-approved masters.
  • Formula Maintenance:
    Update and maintain a digital database of ink formulas to ensure consistency on repeat orders.
  • Inventory Control:
    Monitor ink stock levels, order supplies, and manage "work-off" inks to minimize waste and reduce costs.
• Pressroom Support: following guidance and direction from Press Operator.
  • Setup Assistance:
    Prepare ink kits, cylinders, and tooling for upcoming jobs to ensure seamless changeovers.
  • Fills ink pans, screens and pumps with prescribed inks.
  • Cleans plates, print cylinders and dies as needed.
• Troubleshooting:
  Work alongside Press Operators to resolve on-press ink issues such as drying speed, adhesion, or foaming.
• Maintenance:
  Clean and maintain ink pumps, stations, and dispensing equipment to prevent contamination. Assists in the performance of daily, weekly and monthly maintenance as required. Supervisor must approve all maintenance.
• Safety & Compliance:
  Properly handle, store, and dispose of hazardous materials (UV inks, solvents, etc.) according to SDS and environmental regulations.
• Housekeeping:
  Keeps work areas clear and organized; maintains housekeeping standards.
  • Assist with keeping trim recycle/waste bins emptied.
• Steps in on high volume or as needed to be a rewinder or an additional operator.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Experience:
  
  1–3 years of experience in a printing environment (Flexographic, Digital, or Offset).
• One year of experience in a manufacturing environment, printing or packaging industry experience strongly preferred
• Color Vision:
  Must pass a standard color blindness test (Munsell-Farnsworth 100 Hue Test) with superior results.
• Technical
  
  Skills:
  
  Proficiency with ink-mixing software and precision measurement tools.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals
• Ability to read and interpret ruler, scales and other measurement devices.
• Education:
  
  High School Diploma or equivalent; specialized training in Graphic Communications or Ink Chemistry is a plus.

• Strong mathematical skills for calculating ink yields and ratios.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines.
• Knowledge of UV-curable, water-based, or solvent-based ink systems.

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs (ink buckets, rollers) without mechanical assistance.
• Standing or walking for the duration of an 8–12 hour shift.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus