Color Matcher
Location:
Walton, Kentucky Employment Type: Full-Time | Onsite Shift: Day / Night / Weekends / Rotating (must be flexible) This is NOT a Graphic Design position The Color Matcher is responsible for accurate formulation, matching, and documentation of water-based inks to meet customer color specifications. This role supports high-volume production demands and ensures consistency, quality, and timely turnaround for artwork and press requirements.
Key Responsibilities:- Receive color requests from the Art Department and determine substrate, OPV, and production location
- Review existing color databases to identify prior matches and formulas
- Perform color formulation and matching using X-Rite database (all matches must be under ?E = 1 )
- Pull colors from Pantone Live when no prior match exists
- Re-match and update legacy formulas (including older Sun Chemical formulas)
- Save physical samples for future reference
- Update and maintain formula and LAB value databases
- Assign new color/formula numbers for first-time matches
- Roll out 3 sheets of matched color on correct substrate for Art Department approval
- Label rollouts with PMS number and formula number
- Ensure turnaround within 3-day SLA for receive–match–return cycle
- Distribute updated formula databases to all plant locations monthly
- Support press-side troubleshooting and ink adjustments as needed
- Maintain accurate production, QC, and documentation records
Required Qualifications
Education:- High School Diploma or equivalent (Some college preferred) Experience
- Minimum 1+ year of water-based ink mixing and color matching experience (required)
- Press toning and flexographic printing experience (required)
- Experience using color measurement tools (X-Rite preferred) Technical Skills
- Color formulation and color matching
- Water-based ink systems
- Flexographic printing processes
- Press-side color adjustments
- Basic computer skills (Excel, Word, Email, Zoom)
Preferred Qualifications:- 2–5 years of manufacturing color matching experience
- Experience working in high-volume packaging or film environments
- Familiarity with Pantone Live and formulation databases Physical & Work Requirements
- Ability to work 12-hour rotating shifts
- Ability to stand for extended periods
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs
- Comfortable working with chemicals in a manufacturing environment
- Must pass drug screen, physical, and background check
