Ink Chemist

Job Title: Ink Chemist

Department: Quality Control / R&D / Production - Ink

Location: [Factory/Plant Kotambi]

Reports To: QC Head / Plant Head / Technical Manager

Job Objective:
To manage and optimize ink formulations, color matching, ink performance testing, and troubleshooting to ensure high print quality, consistency, and cost-effectiveness across all printing processes (Offset, Flexo, Screen, Digital, etc.) in the packaging environment.

Key Responsibilities:
1. Ink Formulation & Development

Formulate and modify inks as per printing process and substrate (paper, duplex board, plastic, foil, etc.)

Develop inks compatible with offset, flexo, or screen printing as per production needs.

Customize colors based on Pantone or customer-specified shades.

2. Color Matching & Quality Assurance

Conduct color matching as per approved standards using spectrophotometers or densitometers.

Ensure batch-to-batch ink consistency.

Conduct rub tests, adhesion tests, drying tests, and printability evaluations.

3. Ink Troubleshooting

Resolve ink-related issues such as smudging, drying, flow, bleeding, or color shift on-press.

Recommend changes in viscosity, pH, temperature conditions, or additive usage.

4. Inventory & Raw Material Handling

Maintain inventory of pigments, solvents, additives, and other ink raw materials.

Evaluate new ink materials and vendors.

5. Collaboration with Production & QC Teams

Work closely with printing supervisors and press operators to provide ink guidance during production.

Provide technical support during machine trials or new product development.

6. Documentation & Compliance

Maintain ink batch records, test reports, MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets).

Ensure compliance with regulatory norms (ROHS, REACH, etc.) and customer safety requirements (food-grade inks, low VOCs, etc.).

7. Process Improvement

Participate in continuous improvement projects to reduce ink consumption and printing defects.

Recommend eco-friendly or cost-saving alternatives.

Key Skills & Competencies:
Strong knowledge of printing ink chemistry and formulation

Experience in Pantone and shade matching systems

Familiarity with printing machines (Offset, Flexo, Screen, etc.)

Problem-solving and analytical thinking

Good communication and teamwork

Qualifications & Experience:
Education: B.Sc. / M.Sc. in Chemistry / Industrial Chemistry / Printing Ink Technology

Experience: 3-10 years of hands-on experience as an Ink Chemist in a printing and packaging plant

Working Hours:
As per factory norms (may involve rotational shifts or extended hours during production peaks)

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: ₹13,000.00 - ₹15,000.00 per month

**Benefits**:

- Health insurance
- Provident Fund

Schedule:

- Day shift
- Evening shift
- Morning shift
- Night shift
- Rotational shift
- Weekend availability

Supplemental Pay:

- Performance bonus
- Yearly bonus

Work Location: In person