
Ink Chemist
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Full timeOn-site
Job description
Key Responsibilities
Ink Formulation & Color Matching
- Develop, formulate, and adjust solvent-based, water-based, and specialty inks for flexible packaging applications.
- Perform accurate color matching according to customer standards, Pantone references, and approved samples.
- Maintain color consistency across production batches.
- Optimize ink formulations to achieve desired print performance and cost efficiency.
Quality Control & Testing
- Conduct laboratory testing of inks for viscosity, shade, adhesion, gloss, rub resistance, and other quality parameters.
- Analyze and resolve ink-related quality issues during printing and conversion processes.
- Approve ink batches before release to production.
- Maintain records of test results, formulations, and quality reports.
Production Support
- Provide technical support to Printing, Lamination, and Quality departments regarding ink performance.
- Investigate print defects such as color variation, poor adhesion, mottling, pinholes, and drying issues.
- Recommend corrective and preventive actions for ink-related problems.
- Monitor ink consumption and wastage and suggest improvements.
Research & Development
- Support the development of new ink formulations and products.
- Evaluate new raw materials, pigments, resins, and additives.
- Participate in product trials and customer qualification processes.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to ink quality and productivity.
Safety & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with safety regulations related to handling inks, solvents, pigments, and chemicals.
- Follow GMP, ISO, food packaging, and customer-specific requirements.
- Maintain proper storage and inventory control of ink raw materials.
- Ensure laboratory equipment is calibrated and maintained.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a related field.
- Additional certifications in printing inks, coatings, or color technology are advantageous.
Experience
- 3–7 years of experience in ink formulation, color matching, or ink quality control within the flexible packaging, printing, or converting industry.
- Experience with rotogravure and/or flexographic printing processes preferred.
- Knowledge of solvent-based, water-based, and PU-based ink systems.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong knowledge of ink chemistry, pigments, resins, and solvents.
- Expertise in color matching and color measurement systems.
- Understanding of flexible packaging substrates such as BOPP, PET, PE, CPP, and Foil.
- Knowledge of printing and converting processes.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Laboratory testing and documentation skills.
- Attention to detail and quality-focused mindset.
- Proficiency in MS Office and laboratory reporting systems.