Colour Lab Technician

CANPACK Group; Olyphant (Lackawanna County); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

CANPACK Group is seeking a Color Lab Technician to drive innovation in lithographic color development. You will oversee ink formulation approvals, manage electronic color databases, and ensure color consistency across sites.

The role requires extensive experience with ink testing, color management, and data handling within a production or lab environment. You will collaborate with multiple teams to maintain quality and safety while supporting cost-efficient manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or diploma in printing/Color Science is required
• 5+ years as Color Lab Specialist with ink formulation/testing expertise
• Strong knowledge of color management, ink approval, and database handling

Responsibilities

• Develop color schemes for new lithographs and produce trial prints.
• Modify ink colors and approve lithographs during printing.
• Create color atlases with wet ink samples for new factories.
• Inspect and approve ink formulas in the WBC system.
• Update and supervise electronic color measurement databases across CANPACK.
• Report design errors and provide feedback to graphic coordination.
• Train new hires and cross-train staff to improve flexibility.
• Comply with health, safety, and quality procedures and tests.
• Lead cost optimization by modifying ink formulas to reduce expenses.
• Operate lithography and ink testing equipment and maintain work area.

Skills

Ink formulation

Color management

Data analysis

Equipment operation

Mentoring

Safety procedures

Education

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

Tools

X-RITE measurement library

Electronic color databases

Ink lab 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.If you are a current CANPACK employee, please apply through your Workday account.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.