Process Engineer/Chemist

Vibrant Ingredients seeks a highly skilled, detail-oriented Process Engineer/Chemist to optimize production processes, improve operational efficiency, and enhance the quality and consistency of Vibrant’s products.

About Vibrant Ingredients

Founded in 1954, Vibrant Ingredients is a leading provider of natural, clean label ingredients and systems that power extraordinary food and beverage experiences. The company’s broad portfolio — including natural flavors, botanical extracts, functional nutrition, cold brew coffee, tea essences, and food protection solutions — enhances taste, texture, color, shelf life, and performance across a wide range of applications. Vibrant operates four state-of-the-art facilities across the United States and works with leading brands, manufacturers, and foodservice operators. With vertically integrated capabilities and a proven track record of innovation and execution, Vibrant helps customers accelerate to market without compromise.

Responsibilities

• Analyze existing manufacturing lines to identify process inefficiencies.
• Redefine processing parameters to maximize raw material utilization, yield, and minimize cost.
• Utilize Design of Experiments and Statistical Process Control to model manufacturing variables and establish optimal operational windows for critical processes.
• Partner with continuous improvement teams to minimize product loss, improve quality and consistency, optimize sanitation cycles, and reduce energy consumption.
• Lead complex troubleshooting efforts for recurring process deviations, batch failures, or out-of-specification products.
• Implement robust Corrective and Preventive Actions to permanently eliminate process variability.
• Oversee the optimization phase of new product introductions, transforming pilot-scale formulas into highly efficient, repeatable commercial-scale processes.
• Define and validate key process indicators.
• Collaborate with operations team to update and refine Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to reflect optimized processing methods, ensuring seamless adoption by plant operators.
• Manage and drive projects to a successful outcome.

Requirements

• Science degree or higher (preferably in Food Science/Chemistry/Engineering) from a reputable school.
• Proven track record of success in the Food industry in process optimization.
• Good understanding of processes and related changes in food ingredients.
• Good knowledge of a variety of manufacturing processes such as fermentation, extraction, drying of ingredients.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Highly established project management skills including MS Office (Excel, PPT, Word, etc.).

Skills

• Process Technology: > 10 years’ experience in the Food Industry with a proven track record of improving process performance, product quality, and operational outcomes.
• Experience and knowledge of a wide range of process technologies: Biological and Fermentation technologies, Natural Extraction including Spinning Cone, Drying technologies including vacuum drying, Separation & Fractionation technologies.
• Excellent technical execution and project management skills.
• Highly developed organizational skills.
• Well-developed communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively throughout all levels of the organization.
• Ability to travel up to 25%.