Senior Process Engineer/Chemist

Vibrant Ingredients; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Vibrant Ingredients invites applications for a Senior Process Engineer/Chemist to optimize production processes, improve yield and quality, and drive operational efficiency across multiple product lines.

The role requires extensive experience in fermentation and natural extraction, including spinning cone and vacuum drying technologies, with strong project leadership and cross-functional collaboration across the plant and corporate teams.

Qualifications

• Science degree or higher in Food Science, Chemistry, or Engineering.
• Proven track record of process optimization in the food industry.
• Knowledge of fermentation, extraction, and drying of ingredients.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong communication across all levels of the organization.

Responsibilities

• Analyze existing manufacturing lines to identify process inefficiencies and redefine processing parameters.
• Utilize Design of Experiments and Statistical Process Control to model variables and optimize operational windows.
• Partner with continuous improvement teams to minimize product loss, improve quality and energy use.
• Lead complex troubleshooting and CAPA to eliminate process variability.
• Oversee optimization of new product introductions from pilot to commercial scale and define KPIs.
• Collaborate with operations to update SOPs and ensure seamless adoption by plant staff.
• Manage and drive projects to successful outcomes.

Skills

Process optimization

Project management

Statistical Process Control

Design of Experiments

Fermentation

Spinning Cone

Drying technologies

Communication skills

Education

Science degree or higher in Food Science/Chemistry/Engineering

Job description

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 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%

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