Applications scientist, Manufacturing ​/ Production

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 includes natural flavors, botanical extracts, functional nutrition, cold brew coffee, tea essences, and food protection solutions that enhance 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 innovation team to discover new, on‑trend solutions.

We are seeking a talented and hands‑on Applications Scientist to join our Product Development team in Vista, CA. In this role, you will develop and optimize food and beverage formulations using Vibrant’s natural ingredient solutions while partnering with customers and internal teams to deliver innovative, high‑performing products.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. Essential job functions and duties include, but are not limited to:

• Develop and optimize formulations across food and beverage applications
• Conduct product testing, stability studies, and sensory evaluations
• Provide technical support to customers and internal commercial teams
• Troubleshoot ingredient functionality and processing challenges
• Prepare technical documentation, reports, and presentations
• Stay current on clean‑label trends, ingredient innovations, and industry developments
• Support product launches and continuous improvement initiatives

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, or related field
• 3+ years of applications, product development, or ingredient formulation experience
• Knowledge of food chemistry and ingredient functionality
• Strong analytical thinking and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple technical projects simultaneously

• Experience with natural, plant‑based, or clean‑label ingredients
• Exposure to customer‑facing technical support
• Manufacturing or ingredient solutions background

• May involve exposure to allergens such as Soy, Wheat, Fish, Shellfish, Milk, Egg, Tree Nuts and Sesame

• Generous time off for vacations
• Paid Holidays
• 401(k) with company match
• Tuition reimbursement
• Medical/Dental/Vision
• Health & Wellness programs

Vibrant Ingredients, headquartered in Lake Mary, FL, is one of the world's leading independent providers of natural ingredients. With a legacy spanning over 70 years, we deliver a diverse portfolio of clean‑label ingredients and innovative system solutions to the food and beverage industry. Our commitment to quality and performance is reflected in our American‑made products, which enhance both taste and functionality.

Backed by advanced manufacturing capabilities, we specialize in fermentation, patented cold brew extraction, custom flavor development, and a range of drying and blending technologies. Operating from four state‑of‑the‑art facilities strategically located across the U.S., we ensure the accessibility of real, high‑quality ingredients—helping our customers create better‑for‑you food and beverage for consumers.

“Improving the food and beverages consumed by providing real ingredients from nature that work.”

This position is currently classified as on‑site.

Employees are eligible to participate in Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401(k), Holidays, Vacation, Tuition Reimbursement Program.

The final salary offered for this position may take into account a number of factors including, but not limited to, location, skills, education, and experience.

The Company reserves the right to modify, update, change and/or make corrections to this job description, at the sole discretion of senior management, at any time during the employee’s employment term.

Vibrant Ingredients is an equal opportunity employer committed to employing a diverse workforce and providing accommodations for people with disabilities in all parts of the hiring process as required under its Employment Accommodation Policy. Vibrant Ingredients will work with applicants to meet accommodation needs that are made known to Vibrant Ingredients in advance.

• Please no external recruiters