Process Engineer/Chemist

Vibrant Ingredients; Town of Florida, Northern (NY, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Vibrant Ingredients seeks a senior process engineer/chemist to optimize production processes, enhance efficiency, and ensure quality across Vibrant's product lines in the United States. The role focuses on transforming pilot-scale formulas to robust commercial-scale processes and defining key performance indicators.

The candidate will lead process improvements, collaborate with operations to update SOPs, and travel up to 25% to support multiple facilities.

Qualifications

• Science degree or higher in a relevant field from a reputable school.
• Proven track record of success in process optimization within the food industry.
• Strong understanding of diverse manufacturing processes such as fermentation, extraction, and drying.

Responsibilities

• Analyze existing manufacturing lines to identify process inefficiencies, redefine parameters to maximize yield and minimize cost.
• Use DOE and SPC to model variables and establish optimal windows for critical processes.
• Collaborate with CI teams to reduce losses, improve quality, and cut energy use.
• Lead troubleshooting for deviations and implement CAPAs to reduce variability.
• Oversee optimization of new product introductions from pilot to commercial scale.
• Update SOPs to reflect optimized methods and ensure operator adoption.
• Manage and drive projects to a successful outcome.

Skills

Process optimization

Project management

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Operational efficiency

Education

Science degree or higher (Food Science/Chemistry/Engineering)

Job description

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Full Time Professional Eustis, FL, US

4 days ago Requisition ID: 1531

Job Summary:

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

• Process Technology: > 10 years' experience in the Food Industry with a proven track record of improving process performance, product quality & operational outcomes.
• Experience and knowledge of a wide range of process technologies: Biological and Fermentation technologies, Natural Extraction including Spanning 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%

Key Duties and 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.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 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 variety of manufacturing processes such as fermentation, extraction, drying of ingredients
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.

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. Learn more at www.vibrantingredients.com.