Automation Engineer

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.

About the role:

We are a trusted partner to our customers when it comes to innovation and an industry leader in clean label ingredients, we are a true partner. 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.

As an Automation Engineer, they will be responsible for maintaining and optimizing the site's automation systems, including PLC infrastructure, HMI interfaces, process instrumentation, valves, and motors. The Automation Engineer will play a key role in supporting continuous improvement initiatives and capital projects to enhance safety, product quality, efficiency, and equipment reliability in a fast-paced food and beverage manufacturing environment.

How will you contribute:

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:

• Ensure plant processes adhere to expected Safety and Quality standards, closing gaps where necessary.
• Support Safety and Quality programs and assist with root-cause investigations for incidents or process failures.
• Operate and maintain plant control systems (PLC) and related automation equipment, including enhancement, troubleshooting, and replacement strategies.
• Identify opportunities for process optimization and automation improvements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Operations, Quality, Maintenance) to drive improvements.
• Analyze production data to recommend and execute control system modifications.
• Provide automation expertise during the design, installation, and commissioning of new equipment and systems.
• Develop functional specifications and control strategies for new projects.
• Partner with vendors and contractors to ensure successful integration of automation systems.
• Maintain documentation of PLC programs, network architecture, and control schematics.
• Support troubleshooting and modification of PLC programs and systems.
• Direct the Maintenance team in developing preventive maintenance strategies and spare parts inventories.
• Perform other related duties as necessary.

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in industrial automation, preferably in a process-heavy food manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in PLC programming (Allen-Bradley preferred).
• Strong understanding of industrial networks (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, etc.).
• Hands-on ability to wire, calibrate, and troubleshoot control devices (instruments, valves, VFDs).
• Ability to create and read electrical drawings.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong knowledge of food processing equipment, automation, and sanitary design principles.
• Familiarity with GMP, HACCP, FDA, USDA, and other food industry regulations.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong work ethic and sense of urgency
• High energy, positive attitude, hands-on; with the ability to keep multiple projects and priorities on track

Work Environment:

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

What Vibrant Ingredients can offer you:

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

More about us:

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…