Production Technology Chemist

The Ink/Dye Production Technology Chemist is responsible for carrying out the assignments required by the Production Technology group to meet the needs of Manufacturing, Quality, and Commercial teams, as well other Fujifilm divisions as needed.  It requires technical support & development, as well as data management and communication as it relates to the overall Production Support activities at the New Castle Site.  Assessment and improvement of technical and operational performance of aqueous inks, purified dyes, and conductive inks will be an important role of the position.

About the Global Business: Celebrating our 90-year anniversary in 2024, Japan’s pioneering photographic film maker, Fujifilm has leveraged its imaging and information technology to become a global presence known for innovation in healthcare, graphic arts, optical devices, highly functional materials and other high technology products. We use leading-edge, proprietary technologies to provide top-quality products and services that contribute to the advancement of culture, science, technology and industry, as well as improved health and environmental protection in society. Anchored by an open, fair and clear corporate culture and with leading-edge, proprietary technologies, Fujifilm is determined to remain a leading company by boldly taking up the challenge of developing new products and creating new value.

About FUJIFILM Ink Solutions Group: Comprised of 3 manufacturing sites FUJIFILM Ink Solutions Group, is an experienced inkjet technology partner to equipment manufacturers, integrators and ink formulators. We support our customers with full-service inkjet ink development and manufacturing, contract ink manufacturing services and supply of high quality pigment dispersion technology.  For over 50 years we have driven technology changes in screen, narrow web, textile and inkjet, building expertise across multiple market segments with a deep understanding of application and market requirements.

Our global team of six hundred experts in ink is supported by a network of dedicated technology development facilities and specialized manufacturing centers. Our infrastructure enables us to support projects of all sizes, including the largest OEMs and integrators with next generation machine developments for advanced applications, and we have the manufacturing capacity to meet the highest volume demands.

If you’re ready to “think ink,” FUJIFILM Imaging Colorants is the place for you! As part of Fujifilm’s global Ink Solutions Group, we develop state-of-the-art aqueous dyes, pigment dispersions, and innovative inks for digital printing applications like packaging, commercial printing, and displays. We’re driven by creativity and a dedication to quality, and we’re looking for passionate problem-solvers to join the team.

We believe in investing in our people, offering a collaborative culture and a flexible environment to help you thrive. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and help create solutions that make an impact, let’s make a splash together!

Our manufacturing facility is in New Castle, Delaware, a lively town with rich history, open parks, museums, and a vibrant community that offers recreation and culture at every turn.

Fujifilm is globally headquartered in Tokyo with over 70,000 employees across four key business segments of healthcare, electronics, business innovation, and imaging. We are guided and united by our Group Purpose of “giving our world more smiles.” Visit: https://www.fujifilm.com/us/en/about/region/careers

Working under the general direction of the Ink/Dye Production Technology Manager, the Ink/Dye PT Chemist is responsible for projects involving a multitude of operations ranging from small scale <20L ink/dye preparation, proto scale 50-200L ink/dye preparation, customer sample & validation preparations, manufacturing support/troubleshooting, and external Fujifilm aqueous R&D support.  Projects and activities will generally be focused on either existing toll ink manufacturing support, or new business development projects for Fujifilm branded aqueous inks.  Within the lab scale assets under the purview of the Ink/Dye PT group, some ink batch preparations may also fall within commercial saleable quantities to support the business, which must adhere to all quality system and standards applicable for routine manufacturing processes.

As the function of the Ink/Dye PT group is linked to the manufacturing unit in a supportive role, the incumbent is required to keep abreast of the daily production issues and responds as needed in a troubleshooting capacity, as well as support longer term development projects/issues, or continuous improvement activities.  Coordination is expected with the Quality Control Department to alert them of incoming new materials or ink testing requirements.

Guidance for the training of Production Support Technicians will be expected within the Ink/Dye laboratory assets as relates to the development of new processes or techniques.

The Ink/Dye PT Group is a cross functional team which interacts with most if not all COUS departments. Incumbent works on projects with close collaboration with the Production Support Team, Commercial Product Manager, QA, QC, Supply chain, Regulatory, EHS, Purchasing and the Manufacturing group.  Organizing communication between the groups and communicating resource requirements and project timelines will be a key role.  Scheduling and leading meetings between multiple groups is expected.  The incumbent is required to schedule planned activities for the Production Support Technician pool in Ink/Dye PT Manager’s absence, or upon delegation so group can achieve uninterrupted activities.

This position has an EHS requirement. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring that a safe workplace is maintained, will participate in regular safety audits and inspections, and will also periodically participate in EHS Committee lab tours. Position also requires a pro-active participation in the 5S and other Continuous Improvements program.

Under the general direction of the Ink/Dye PT Manager, the Ink/Dye PT Chemist will be expected to manage the initiation, execution and completion of all Ink/Dye PT group related Production Support requests.  Planned work will be carried out by a technician pool which is shared with the RxD Production Technology branch of the overall Production Support Team.

Production Technology Operation: The Ink/Dye PT Chemist is responsible to carry out work assignments on development projects in a safe, accurate and reliable manner in a time frame to meet project deadlines. Following New Product Introduction (NPI) guidelines from initial development phase to commercialization on plant through Design of Experiments (DOE’s), margin, boundary and stability testing is critical.  It involves small scale ink manufacture 5-200L and sample shipment for ink testing or printing trials globally for aqueous inks. The Ink/Dye PT Chemist is accountable for maintaining RFT (right first time) and conducting product verification processes.  Guide and interact with PS Technicians in their work assignments and safe daily operation of PT Lab, Wet lab, and bring attention or recommendations for EHS improvements. Precise inventory and proper accountability through SAP is necessary for an accurate cycle count. Improve and maintain department 5S excellence standards and participation in site audits are a few of essential activities that are required. The Ink/Dye PT Chemist is responsible to stay on top of regulatory requirements, maintain inventory on regulated chemicals, and proper chemical disposal in accordance of site EHS policy.

• →Manufacturing Support: The Ink/Dye PT Chemist is responsible ensuring the group supports lab preparations for raw material and or batch issues, technical guidance for in-process batches/process deviations, and small batch manufacturing <200L. Support is expected for aqueous inks, aqueous dyes, and conductive inks as relates to new product introduction and routine manufacturing support.

• →QA Support: Technical support for batch reviews (internal quality issues) & raw material issues (deviations).  Participate in troubleshooting activities to support challenges in the manufacturing of inks at scale.

• →Customer Support: Lab/sample preps, sample shipping, troubleshooting/technical lead for customer issues, provide technical assistance, stability testing for raw material changes.

• →New Product Introduction: Develop initial process logs, confirm process flow, support manufacturing during initial batches/alignment runs, data driven scalability assessment.

Incumbent must have a good basic knowledge of chemistry as relates to aqueous ink formulation and evaluation.  Requires good working knowledge in laboratory information management and quality management systems/statistical quality control (SQC).  On-the-job experience provides familiarity with laboratory & wet lab process development, multitude of operations including Dye Purification, Ink formulation and filtration techniques. Must have strong PC computer skills with knowledge of Windows and Windows applications programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and other project management tools.

Minimum:  BS Degree in Chemistry along with 3-5 years of related experience in quality control, research or process development laboratory.

Specific Skills/Knowledge includes the following:

• Follows current procedures and methods proficiently and independently.
• Demonstrates Problem Solving Skills
• Champion lab improvement and safety improvement projects.
• Planning and guiding of routine activities, including completion of projects in a timely, safe, and accurate manner.
• Demonstrates expertise in method development and analysis. Demonstrates data interpretation and explaining skills. Summarizes data using charts, graphs and spreadsheets.  Writes reports to document projects.  Manages overall projects at a high level.
• Participates in Special Projects involving new product method development, continuous method evaluation and improvement, and solving customer problems.
• Interacts with other Fujifilm divisions to support the business as needed.
• Interacts with vendors concerning laboratory issues, instrumentation, and methodology improvements.
• Communicates effectively with all site departments personnel to support projects as they relate to the Ink/Dye PT group. Serves as a good example for responsiveness in technical, analytical and EHS areas.

Requires the resolving of a variety of technical problems in the ink & dye process flow and troubleshooting support.  Evaluates workload schedules to fully utilize lab and wet lab equipments and resources versus required project deadlines.  The job consists of management of the execution of detailed laboratory ink/fluid preparations and collecting process and test data.  It also includes tabulation and correlation of data, calculations involving raw data, preparation of charts and graphs, and making precise technical recommendations to various stakeholders.

• Position functions in a technical capacity, advising project team of recommended future action based on results of experimental work. Incumbent is accountable for efficiency with which problems are solved and timing in which deadlines are met to meet specific customer requirements.

• Individual PT batches can be used by customer as validation or qualification for future sales product hence process accuracy with quality is sole importance for this group.

• Attendance of yearly TSCA training as well as other Site/Business required training. Is responsible for the appropriate handling of any hazardous/nonhazardous waste generated in the lab. Make at least one safety improvement suggestion per year.  Participate in Site EHS tours whenever requested.  

• Compliance with all Corporate Governance Guidelines within personal activities. Overall compliance with Corporate and Government EHS Regulations with pro-active leadership of the COUS EHS program.

In addition to the tasks and responsibilities listed, the jobholder may be required to perform other duties assigned from time to time. This Description is not therefore intended to be exhaustive and is subject to periodic review and amendment.

Fujifilm is committed to providing equal opportunities in hiring, promotion and advancement, compensation, benefits, and training regardless of nationality, age, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion, political creed, ideology, national, or social origin, disability, veteran status, etc.

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to our HR Department (cous-usjobs@fujifilm.com).