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Inks Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Produce and quality control inks to ensure inks meet or exceed the customer's specifications. Maintain detailed production and QC records * Perform color matching and formulation * Identifies rework ...

Produce and quality control inks to ensure inks meet or exceed the customer's specifications. Maintain detailed production and QC records * Perform color matching and formulation * Identifies rework ...

Mix inks to exact specifications for production * Create and adjust color formulations * Support press setups and troubleshoot color issues * Use tools (spectrophotometer) to verify color accuracy

Technical Service Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$119K - $120K/yr

Specializing in water-based and solvent-based inks and coatings, this role oversees technical support, manages customer relationships, and ensures successful product implementation and performance.

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How much do inks jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for inks in the United States is $16.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working with inks in manufacturing or printing industries?

Professionals working with inks in manufacturing or printing often encounter challenges such as maintaining color consistency across large print runs, ensuring proper ink adhesion to various substrates, and managing the environmental impact of ink waste. They must also stay updated on the latest regulatory requirements for ink safety and composition. Collaboration with quality control teams, press operators, and suppliers is essential to troubleshoot issues and implement process improvements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an ink technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Ink Technician, you need a solid understanding of color theory, chemistry, and ink formulation, usually supported by experience in print production or a relevant technical background. Familiarity with color matching systems, spectrophotometers, mixing equipment, and industry-standard software like Pantone is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication help ensure consistency and address production challenges. These skills are essential for maintaining color quality, meeting client specifications, and supporting efficient printing operations.

What is an ink?

Inks are colored liquids or pastes used for writing, printing, drawing, or decorative purposes. They typically consist of pigments or dyes suspended in a liquid base, along with other additives to improve flow, adhesion, and durability. Inks are essential in industries like publishing, packaging, textiles, and art. Different types of inks are formulated for specific uses, such as printer ink, tattoo ink, or industrial marking. The choice of ink depends on the application and the surface being printed or marked.

What is the difference between Inks vs Graphic Designers?

AspectInksGraphic Designers
Required CredentialsBasic knowledge of design software, certifications optionalFormal education in graphic design or related fields often required
Work EnvironmentPrint shops, advertising agencies, digital mediaAdvertising agencies, corporate offices, freelance
Industry UsageUsed in printing, branding, digital mediaUsed in marketing, branding, digital content creation

Inks are primarily involved in the printing and digital media industries, focusing on applying color and design elements, often with less formal education. Graphic designers create visual content for various media, typically requiring formal education and a broader skill set. While both roles work within creative industries, Inks are more specialized in printing processes, whereas graphic designers handle a wider range of visual communication tasks.

More about Inks jobs
What cities are hiring for Inks jobs? Cities with the most Inks job openings:
What states have the most Inks jobs? States with the most job openings for Inks jobs include:
Infographic showing various Inks job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,178 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Inside Sales Representative - Inks & Coatings

Penn Color, Inc.

Hatfield, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Penn Color rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 100 rated chemical manufacturers


Job description

Job Description:
As an Inside Sales Representative for our Coatings & Inks business, you will be responsible for driving revenue growth by selling pigment dispersions and colorant technologies to customers in the paints, coatings, and printing inks markets. This role combines consultative selling with technical understanding to support customers in selecting high-performance color solutions for industrial and commercial applications.
Key Responsibilities
  • Identify, develop, and qualify sales opportunities within coatings and inks manufacturers, formulators, and converters
  • Conduct outbound prospecting and manage inbound inquiries
  • Provide technical product recommendations based on customer formulation needs (e.g., opacity, dispersion, lightfastness, durability, viscosity)
  • Support customers with technical requests, sample coordination, and product trials
  • Collaborate closely with lab, technical service, and R&D teams to deliver customized solutions
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with purchasing, R&D, and operations stakeholders
  • Prepare pricing, quotes, and proposals aligned with margin targets
  • Manage pipeline and customer interactions using CRM tools
  • Drive cross-selling and upselling of complementary products (e.g., additives, resins, dispersions)
  • Stay informed on industry trends such as sustainability (low VOC, waterborne systems), regulatory compliance, and raw material changes
  • Support product launches, promotions, and marketing campaigns within coatings and inks segments

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience)
  • 2+ years of inside sales or technical sales experience (coatings, inks, or specialty chemicals experience preferred)
  • Strong communication skills with ability to engage both technical and commercial stakeholders
  • Understanding of B2B sales processes and customer relationship management
  • Ability to quickly learn technical product portfolios and application requirements
  • Proficiency with CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce, Dynamics, HubSpot)

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with pigments, dispersions, resins, or additives used in coatings and inks
  • Familiarity with formulation parameters such as gloss, opacity, rheology, and curing systems
  • Knowledge of coating types (industrial, architectural, automotive, packaging) and printing processes (flexo, gravure, digital, offset)
  • Understanding of regulatory requirements (e.g., VOC regulations, REACH, FDA for packaging inks)
  • Proven success achieving or exceeding sales targets in a technical environment

Key Competencies
  • Consultative Selling: Ability to translate technical needs into value-driven solutions
  • Technical Aptitude: Comfortable discussing formulation challenges and performance attributes
  • Customer Focus: Builds trust with R&D, procurement, and production teams
  • Problem-Solving: Identifies and resolves performance or application issues
  • Attention to Detail: Critical when handling specifications, color standards, and test results
  • Resilience & Drive: Thrives in a target-driven, competitive environment

Work Environment
  • Primarily office-based or remote role with frequent virtual customer interaction
  • Cross-functional collaboration with technical, lab, supply chain, and marketing teams
  • Supports industrial B2B customers across coatings and inks markets
  • Performance measured by revenue growth, pipeline development, and customer retention

Penn Color offers many tangible and intangible benefits to our full-time employees:
Tangible benefits include:
  • Highly competitive compensation
  • A choice between outstanding medical plans
  • 401K with a strong company match
  • PTO to balance your life
  • Additional company perks
  • And More!

Our intangible benefits really set us apart:
  • Unmatched company stability
  • Long-term career opportunity
  • True open door, friendly environment
  • Ability to "own" your role
  • Company events that bring us all together

Penn Color, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We adhere to a policy of making employment decisions without regards to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability or any other protected categories. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given an equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.

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