Quality Assurance Specialist

BCM Inks; Loveland (OH); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

BCM Inks in Loveland, Ohio, is seeking a Quality Assurance Specialist for IPQC color window operations. You will conduct quality inspections on production ink batches, evaluate color accuracy, viscosity, and pH, and ensure compliance with customer specifications before release.

The role works closely with Production and Color Lab teams, supporting color matching and testing activities while maintaining thorough documentation in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with printing inks, preferably water-based inks used in corrugated packaging or printing.
• Understanding of ink properties and testing methods for color, viscosity, pH, and performance.
• Experience evaluating ink color against established standards, including visual/instrumental assessment.
• Familiarity with laboratory testing equipment and quality inspection procedures in ink manufacturing/printing.
• Ability to identify deviations and communicate findings clearly.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple batch inspections in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate IPQC Color Window and conduct quality inspections and testing of production ink batches.
• Evaluate color accuracy, viscosity, pH, and other properties against standards.
• Verify inks meet customer requirements before release.
• Perform visual and instrumental color evaluations and document results.
• Maintain records of inspection results, data, and nonconformities.
• Collaborate with Production and Color Lab to address quality issues and retest batches.
• Support Color Lab functions and color matching efforts as needed.

Skills

Ink properties

Color evaluation

Quality inspection

Documentation

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

Associate or bachelor's degree in technical/scientific discipline

Tools

Spectrophotometer

Color measurement software

Laboratory testing equipment

Job description

Quality Assurance Specialist – Ink Quality Control (IPQC)

BCM Inks | Loveland, OH | Full-Time | On-Site

Company Description

BCM Inks, founded in the United States in 1988, focuses on advancing the corrugated industry's direct print capabilities through innovative and environmentally conscious ink solutions. The company collaborates closely with educators and industry partners to support value-added corrugated postprint.

BCM Inks maintains ISO 9001:2015 certification, demonstrating a strong commitment to quality management standards. As a Sony "Green Partner," the organization emphasizes sustainable practices while driving technological advancement in ink blending and color management systems.

Team members join a company that values technical excellence, continuous improvement, and responsible manufacturing.

Role Description

BCM Inks is seeking an experienced Quality Assurance Specialist to join our Color Lab team in Loveland, Ohio.

The primary responsibility of this position is to operate the In-Process Quality Control (IPQC) Color Window, conducting quality inspections and testing on production ink batches to ensure they meet established color, performance, and customer specifications before release.

This is a hands-on, production-focused quality role requiring prior experience working with inks and a strong understanding of ink properties, color evaluation, and quality testing methods.

The Quality Assurance Specialist will work closely with Production and Color Lab personnel to identify and address quality concerns, maintain production flow, and ensure consistent product quality.

In addition to primary IPQC responsibilities, this position will provide support to other Color Lab functions as needed. Experience in color matching and color adjustments is highly desirable and will provide opportunities for expanded responsibilities within the laboratory.

Primary Responsibilities

In-Process Quality Control (IPQC)

• Serve as the primary operator of the IPQC Color Window, conducting quality inspections and testing of production ink batches.
• Evaluate production batches for color accuracy, viscosity, pH, and other applicable physical and performance properties.
• Verify that inks meet established quality standards, approved color references, and customer-specific requirements prior to release.
• Perform visual and instrumental color evaluations, identifying deviations from established color standards.
• Utilize laboratory testing equipment and established procedures to evaluate ink consistency and performance.
• Identify, document, and communicate nonconforming batches to Production and Color Lab leadership.
• Coordinate with Production and Color Lab personnel to facilitate timely corrections, adjustments, and retesting of batches.
• Maintain accurate records of inspection results, test data, batch approvals, and nonconformities.
• Prioritize IPQC activities to support production schedules while maintaining established quality requirements.
• Ensure that testing equipment and work areas are properly maintained, organized, and ready for use.

Color Lab Support

• Assist with additional laboratory activities as production and business needs require.
• Support color matching, color adjustments, and formulation troubleshooting when qualified and assigned.
• Assist with evaluating ink performance characteristics and investigating quality concerns.
• Collaborate with Color Lab, R&D, and Production personnel to identify opportunities for improved product consistency and quality.
• Support laboratory testing of raw materials, finished products, and customer samples as needed.

Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement

• Follow established quality procedures and support compliance with BCM Inks' ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System.
• Assist in the investigation and documentation of nonconforming products and recurring quality concerns.
• Support corrective and preventive actions aimed at reducing quality defects and improving first-pass acceptance.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives related to ink quality, testing consistency, and production efficiency.
• Support quality audits, process reviews, and documentation activities as required.
• Maintain clear communication with Production, Color Lab, and management regarding quality concerns that could impact customer requirements or production schedules.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Previous hands-on experience working with printing inks, preferably water-based inks used in the corrugated packaging or printing industry.
• Demonstrated understanding of ink properties and the testing methods used to evaluate color, viscosity, pH, and other performance characteristics.
• Experience evaluating ink color against established standards, including visual color assessment and/or instrumental measurement.
• Familiarity with laboratory testing equipment and quality inspection procedures used in ink manufacturing or printing applications.
• Ability to identify deviations from quality specifications and communicate findings accurately and effectively.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and commitment to consistent quality standards.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while managing multiple production batch inspections.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills when working with Production, Color Lab, and technical personnel.
• Proficiency with basic computer applications, data entry, and maintaining accurate quality records.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ink color matching, color correction, or formulation adjustments.
• Previous experience in an ink manufacturing Color Lab, quality control laboratory, or printing environment.
• Familiarity with water-based flexographic inks, particularly those used in corrugated postprint applications.
• Experience using spectrophotometers, color measurement software, and other ink testing equipment.
• Knowledge of ink performance testing, including print quality, adhesion, drying characteristics, and other application-specific requirements.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001:2015 or similar quality management systems.
• Previous experience with quality investigations, nonconforming material, or continuous improvement activities.
• Associate or bachelor's degree in a technical or scientific discipline, or equivalent relevant industry experience.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate has a strong background in the ink industry and understands the importance of maintaining consistent color and performance properties throughout the manufacturing process.

This individual is comfortable working directly with production personnel, can efficiently evaluate multiple ink batches throughout the day, and recognizes the importance of balancing production demands with quality requirements.

While the primary focus is IPQC testing and batch verification, candidates with color matching capabilities will have the opportunity to contribute more broadly to the Color Lab and support additional technical activities as needed.