Fermentation Operator

WE ARE VIBRANT.

We’re one dynamic company. The world’s largest private equity owned natural ingredients supplier. We do so much, so well, and in so many places across the United States, that we’re now united—together under one name: Vibrant.

VIBRANT IS WHO WE ARE.

A group of dedicated, passionate people. About what we do, who we work with, and why we’re doing it. Our mission connects people with real. Real, honest-to-goodness ingredients that are PURELY BETTER. Real ingredients from around the world that are the foundation for extraordinary food and beverage experiences—for our customers and their consumers. 

 We do all this because we’ve learned it’s the only way to be and stay PURELY BETTER. We’re driven to create superior products using proprietary methods that are clearly better. We’re energetic and enthusiastic, staying ahead of trends and leveraging our decades of leadership in the industry to innovate.

 We offer a vast integrated portfolio of best-in-class ingredients and beverages that our customers trust. They are unbeatable. That’s not hype. It’s what we hear from our customers over and over again. And we deliver at scale, on time, and with exceptional service.
 
Vibrant is more than a name. It’s who we are. It’s what we do. And it’s how we do it.

About the Role:

The Fermentation Operator plays a critical role in the manufacturing process by overseeing and managing fermentation operations to ensure the production of high-quality products. This position involves operating and maintaining fermentation equipment, monitoring process parameters, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. The operator will be responsible for preparing media, conducting sampling, and performing filtration and sanitization tasks within a clean room environment. Collaboration with cross-functional teams is essential to optimize production efficiency and troubleshoot any process deviations. Ultimately, the role ensures that fermentation processes run smoothly, safely, and in alignment with production schedules and regulatory requirements.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in fermentation processes within a manufacturing or food production environment.
• Knowledge of clean room protocols and sanitization procedures.
• Ability to perform media preparation, sampling, and filtration tasks accurately.
• Familiarity with operating production machinery and packaging lines.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate degree or certification in biotechnology, microbiology, food science, or a related field.
• Previous experience working in a regulated manufacturing environment (e.g., cGMP).
• Training in safety standards and quality control procedures.
• Experience with computerized batch record systems or manufacturing execution systems (MES).
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills related to fermentation equipment.

Responsibilities:

• Operate and monitor fermentation vessels and associated equipment to maintain optimal conditions for microbial growth and product yield.
• Prepare fermentation media and perform sampling at designated intervals to assess process performance and product quality.
• Conduct filtration and sanitization procedures to maintain a sterile and contamination-free environment.
• Work within clean room protocols to ensure compliance with hygiene and safety standards.
• Collaborate with production and quality teams to troubleshoot equipment issues and process deviations.
• Maintain accurate production records and documentation in accordance with regulatory and company standards.
• Assist with packaging line operations as needed to support overall production flow.
• Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of production machinery to ensure operational readiness.

Skills:

The required skills such as fermentation, filtration, and media preparation are essential for managing the core biological processes and ensuring product quality. Clean room expertise and sanitization skills are critical to maintaining a contamination-free environment, which is vital in food and manufacturing settings. Sampling skills enable the operator to monitor and verify process parameters, ensuring consistent production outcomes. Familiarity with production machinery and packaging lines allows the operator to support end-to-end manufacturing workflows efficiently. Preferred skills like troubleshooting and experience with regulatory standards enhance the operator's ability to maintain compliance and quickly resolve operational issues, contributing to overall process reliability.