Color Engineer
BS-level Formulation / Compounding roles on Crosslinked list a median of $85k (37 that show pay).
Develop, measure, and control color formulations across building product lines from raw materials to production.
Worth knowing
Why it is interesting. End-to-end color ownership — from pigment formulation through inline production measurement across multiple product lines.
Might not be for you. Production-focused color QC and troubleshooting rather than open-ended materials R&D.
Core polymer roleExperience with pigments, iron oxides, dispersions, additives, and other color-specific raw materials; color formulation, matching, or color quality control
- Seniority
- Mid-level
- Work
- On-site
- Type
- Full-time
- Degree
- BS
- Experience
- 5+ yrs
- Industry
- Construction
- Role
- Formulation / Compounding
Role details
SUMMARY
The Color Engineer is responsible for the development, measurement, control, and optimization of color across multiple building products and their manufacturing processes. This role ensures color consistency from formulation through production to the final products, while balancing aesthetic targets, cost, and process capability.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
*May include, but are not limited to, the following*
- Lead color development and standardization across multiple product lines, including defining tolerances, standards, and best practices
- Employ advanced technologies for precise color application and matching
- Optimize color-related costs to maximize performance and value added
- Implement color standards across the manufacturing organization
- Integrate color science into product development, collaborating across the Roofing and Stone organization
- Troubleshoot color variation in production, identifying root causes (raw materials, mixing, application, curing conditions, etc.) and implementing corrective actions
- Design the testing equipment and procedures to optimize our color-related quality
- Stay informed of advancements in color science to foster innovation
- Support and improve digital tools and databases used for color formulation and tracking
- Evaluate, select, and implement color-related equipment (dispensing, mixing, and application systems) to improve consistency and efficienc
y
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfy each essential duty. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function s.
Education
- Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, Chemistry, materials science, or a color science-related field
- Experience: 5+ years' experience in color formulation, matching, or color quality control, ideally in building products
- ts.Deep understanding of color management and measurement too
- ls.Experience with pigments, iron oxides, dispersions, additives, and other color-specific raw materials
- Experience with spectrophotometers and color software
- Familiarity with lighting conditions and visual assessment standards
- Experience with automation or inline color measurement systems
- Hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment
Skills
- Proficiency in color measurement and techniques
- Analytical and problem-solving acumen
- Strong communication skills for interdisciplinary collaboration
- Creativity in solving color-related material challenges
- Ability to translate subjective visual requirements into objective metrics
- Practical, hands-on mindset
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
$97,000 - $126,000
Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US markets. The pay range is based on relevant market data in our lowest and highest geographic markets. Pay is based on several factors, including market location, and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, experience, and skill set. Westlake is a total compensation company. Depending on the position offered, sign-on payments and other forms of compensation may be offered as part of a total compensation package (also to include a full range of medical and other benefits).
This is not necessarily an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements, or working conditions. All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities or may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned.
This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” relationship. Westlake offers you the potential to enrich your work life and career experience in an entrepreneurial environment. We work together to enhance people's lives through our products and our presence in the communities where we operate. Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation
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