Colour Lab Technician

CANPACK Group; Olyphant (Lackawanna County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

CANPACK Group is seeking a Color Lab Technician to drive color development and ensure ink quality across lithographic projects. You will oversee ink formulation approvals and manage electronic color databases, collaborating with cross-functional teams to maintain consistency and regulatory compliance.

The role requires extensive hands-on testing, documentation, and training of staff, with a focus on cost optimization, safety, and process improvements within a dynamic production environment.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or technical diploma in Printing Technology, Graphic Communications, Color Science.
• Minimum 5 years as Color Lab Specialist, with proven ink formulation, testing, and color management experience in production or lab environments—ideally inks, coatings, or printing technologies.
• Knowledge of ink approval processes and electronic color databases; ability to maintain accuracy in reporting and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Developing color schemes for new lithographs and producing trial prints.
• Modifying colors and approving lithographs during the printing process.
• Creating color atlases with wet ink samples for CANPACK Group factories.
• Inspecting ink formulas and approving them in the WBC system, and updating the electronic color measurement database in X-RITE.

Skills

Ink lab equipment

Trial ink samples

Modify ink formulas

Reporting accuracy

Leading testing

Mentoring

Process optimization

Safety protocols

Ink approvals

Color databases

Color consistency

Education

Associate Degree or Technical Diploma in Printing Technology, Graphic Communications, Color Science

Tools

X-RITE measurement equipment

Job description

Job Title : Color Lab Technician

Job Purpose

The Senior Color Lab Specialist drives innovation and quality in lithographic color development by overseeing ink formula approvals and managing electronic color databases.

Duties and Tasks

(To be performed in full alignment with CANPACK Core Values: Respect, Safety, Teamwork, Integrity, Quality, and Innovation)

Developing color schemes for new lithographs. Producing trial prints of lithographs Modifying colors (approving lithographs during the printing process). Creating color atlases with wet ink samples for new factories within the CP Group. Inspecting newly created ink formulas and approving them in the WBC system. Updating and supervising the electronic color measurement database in the internal X-RITE measurement library across the CANPACK Group. Reporting design errors and providing feedback to the graphic coordinator regarding new graphic designs. Training newly hired employees in tasks and responsibilities, as well as cross‑training existing staff to increase flexibility. Complying with DPG regulations and procedures. Actively participating in implementation tests of new types of rubber blankets, plates, inks, and varnishes. Actively participating in implementation tests of new types of rubber blankets, plates, inks, and varnishes. Modifying ink formulas to reduce ink cost contributions in the printing process. Operating machines and equipment used for color printing, ink testing, trial lithograph printing, and measuring equipment. Taking care of assigned machines, devices, measuring and computer equipment, and other tools at the workstation. Carrying out assigned duties in accordance with the company’s Integrated Quality Management Systems. Performing other tasks and assignments as instructed by the supervisor. Observing occupational health and safety (OHS) and fire safety regulations, as well as company rules, procedures, and policies.

Required Qualifications

Indicate the minimum recruitment specification, the ideal person specification, the preferred minimum qualifications and skills required for full satisfactory job performance and to meet expectations

Qualifications and Education

Include any specialized education and qualifications needed to be able to do the job.

Work Experience

Clarify the minimum years of total work experience and other relevant work experience required to be able to perform the job

• Associate Degree or Technical Diploma in Printing Technology, Graphic Communications, Color Science
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Color Lab Specialist, with proven expertise in ink formulation, testing, and color management within a production or laboratory environment—ideally involving inks, coatings, or printing technologies.

Skills

Knowledge

• Operating ink lab equipment
• Preparing trial ink samples
• Modifying ink formulas
• Reporting and documentation accuracy
• Leading testing
• Mentoring and team development
• Process optimization
• Safety protocols and chemical handling
• Expert-level knowledge of ink approval processes
• Supervising electronic color databases
• Strategic color consistency across sites

Training

Include any specific training (both internal and external) needed to do the job.

Language

Include the level of required language needed to do the job.

• Health & Safety (Occupational Safety Training).
• Company Policies and Code of Conduct.
• The employee may be required to complete additional training as directed by the Company, in response to operational, quality and/or safety needs, or to meet other business requirements.
• Ability to communicate in business language – country specific.

Work Independence / Supervision Level

Moderate /General: The employee performs a variety of routine work within established policies and procedures and receives detailed instructions on new tasks. Limited Work Independence. Consultative Decision Making.

Communication and Working Relationships

Include the communications that are within the position’s holder responsibilities. (e.g., Internally can communicate with all departments, externally can communicate with suppliers’ service providers, customers, governmental entities)

• Regular communication with team members.
• The employee may be required to engage in additional forms of communication as directed by the Company in alignment with operational requirements and based on business needs.
• May communicate with external service providers, auditors, or inspectors during visits, audits, or compliance checks.

Decisions Impacted by This Position

• Approve or modify ink formulas to ensure compliance with quality standards and cost optimization, including halting production if formulas fail to meet specifications.
• Make decisions on color consistency and lithograph quality during printing, including adjusting color schemes or approving modifications in real time.
• Manage electronic color database updates and ensure accurate measurement data for designated CANPACK facilities, maintaining consistency with global color standards.
• The employee may be required to make additional decisions as directed by the Company and/or in consideration of operational, quality and safety requirements.

CANPACK Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or not related to job requirements, unless such distinction is required by law.