Manufacturing ​/ Production Intern, Manufacturing & Industrial Operations

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 food service operators.

With vertically integrated capabilities and a proven track record of innovation and execution, Vibrant helps customers accelerate to market without compromise.

We are a trusted partner to our customers when it comes to innovation and an industry leader in clean‑label ingredients. We collaborate with our customers in ways that respect people and the environment. A commitment to Purely Better™ drives our teams to discover new, on‑trend solutions. As a Tea & Beverage Application Intern within our Beverage & Flavors Business, you will support the Site Creation & Innovation team in accurately compounding benchtop formulas and applications.

You will also be responsible for all assigned tasks related to successfully submitting customer sample requests and will be given 1‑3 of your own projects to lead. You have a passion for accuracy and attention to detail, as well as strong initiative.

• Maintain a safe and clean work environment by complying with procedures, rules, regulations, Good Manufacturing Practices, and Good Laboratory Practices
• Locate and gather all necessary ingredients/materials for compounding formulas
• Accurately weigh, measure and mix ingredients according to formula instructions
• Maintain awareness and report issues with formulations such as solubility, raw materials, sequencing, mixing instructions, etc.
• Perform organoleptic, physical analysis and testing of finished products, intermediates, raw materials and solutions
• Maintain sanitary conditions in all work areas (e.g., hand washing, hair nets, cleaning of lab equipment, glassware, waste disposal)
• Maintain and replenish laboratory supplies, including raw materials, ingredients, solutions, samples, glassware, general laboratory equipment, and sample shipping components
• Prepare laboratory‑scale tea systems, beverages and finished applications
• Run trials using benchtop equipment
• Perform material inspections/analysis of ingredients, work in progress, and finished products
• Work with other departments as required
• Attend in‑house workshops and training seminars when required to ensure job knowledge, safety practices and operational efficiencies are up to date with company expectations
• Complete tasks in an accurate and timely fashion
• Maintain clear and concise record keeping
• Flexible to work overtime to meet customer requirements when requested
• Perform other assigned duties as needed
• Learn the proper use and maintenance of laboratory equipment
• Learn and become proficient with the company’s various software systems

• 1 year of experience working in food, beverage, pharmaceutical or a related laboratory/academic institution
• 1 year of laboratory experience in research, development, innovation, quality, or related experience
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Ability to perform organoleptic (sensory) testing
• Proficient in basic math skills
• Must be able to properly wear all safety PPE’s (Personal Protective Equipment)
• Ability to learn internal computer systems for the execution of sample submissions to customers
• Must have essential people skills: communication, initiative, collaboration, active listening, curiosity, professionalism
• Ability to maintain a sustained posture in a seated position for prolonged periods of time and operate computer equipment
• Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time while working in the lab
• Ability to lift containers up to 50 lbs when required

• Familiarity with Microsoft 365, Windows OS, and basic Excel & PowerPoint functionality
• Ability to navigate various…