Plant Utilities Technician

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.


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 a Utilities Specialist you are responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of all plant utility systems supporting beverage manufacturing operations. This role ensures continuous operation of steam, compressed air, HVAC, and process water systems including Reverse Osmosis (RO) and Deionized (DI) water systems, while maintaining compliance with safety, quality, and environmental standards.

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:

Utilities Operations & Maintenance

• Operate, monitor, and maintain boilers and steam systems, including feedwater systems, chemical treatment, blowdown, and safety devices
• Operate and maintain air compressors, dryers, receivers, and compressed air distribution systems
• Maintain and troubleshoot HVAC systems, including chillers, cooling towers, air handlers, and building climate controls
• Operate, monitor, and maintain water utility systems, including:
  • Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems
  • Deionized (DI) water systems
  • Filtration, softening, and sanitization systems

Water Quality & Process Support

• Monitor water quality parameters such as conductivity, hardness, pH, and microbiological indicators
• Perform routine sampling, testing, and documentation to support beverage quality and food safety requirements
• Support process water and CIP system needs as required
• Maintains regulatory compliance of waste water

Preventive & Corrective Maintenance

• Perform preventive maintenance activities according to CMMS schedules
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and control-related utility issues
• Coordinate repairs with internal maintenance teams and external service providers
• Maintain accurate logs, readings, and maintenance documentation

Safety, Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Comply with OSHA, EPA, GMP, and company safety and food safety standards
• Support environmental compliance related to water usage, wastewater discharge, and emissions
• Participate in energy, water, and sustainability improvement initiatives
• Assist with utility-related capital projects, installations, and system upgrades

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:

Required

• High school diploma or GED
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in utilities, maintenance, or engineering support within beverage, food, pharmaceutical, or industrial manufacturing
• Hands-on experience with boilers and steam systems, air compressors, HVAC systems, and RO/DI water systems
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, schematics, and technical manuals
• Willingness to work off-shifts, weekends, or on-call as required

Preferred

• Boiler Operator License or certification
• HVAC certification (EPA Universal or equivalent)
• Experience working in a regulated food or beverage manufacturing environment
• Familiarity with CMMS systems
• Basic electrical and controls knowledge

Physical & Work Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to work in hot, cold, wet, or noisy environments
• Ability to climb ladders, work at heights, and enter confined spaces
• Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

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 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, at the sole discretion of management.

EEO Statement

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**

Days (on call as needed)