Fermentation Process Scientist — Optimize Ingredients

Kerry; Rochester (MN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 109,000; Full time

Job summary

Kerry, the world’s leading taste and nutrition company, seeks a Process Engineer to support fermentation process development, optimization, and scale-up. You will partner with Operations, Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering, R&D, and Business teams to drive improvements and commercialization of products.

Based in Rochester, MN, you will work with fermenters, spray dryers, and other equipment, travel as needed, and contribute to cost-saving and yield initiatives while delivering robust technical

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Microbiology, Fermentation Science, or related field.
• Strong microbiology and fermentation knowledge.
• Experience with pilot- or production-scale food fermentation equipment.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for long periods.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day process activities, ensuring alignment between Quality and Operations.
• Monitor in-process quality and provide technical guidance and training.
• Conduct experiments for new product development and process optimization.
• Support pilot plant trials, production scale-ups, and commercialization.
• Troubleshoot fermentation, processing, and customer-related issues.
• Work with fermenters, spray dryers, freeze dryers, centrifuges, and filtration systems.
• Document research, support IP development, and manage multiple projects.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and communicate findings clearly.
• Travel to Kerry plants and customer locations as needed.

Skills

Strong microbiology & fermentation

Communication & problem-solving

Project management

Independent work

Physical endurance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science / Chemical Engineering / Microbiology / Fermentation Science

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Pilot-scale fermentation equipment

Job description

Kerry, the world’s leading taste and nutrition company, seeks a Process Engineer to support fermentation process development, optimization, and scale-up. You will partner with Operations, Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering, R&D, and Business teams to drive improvements and commercialization of products.

Based in Rochester, MN, you will work with fermenters, spray dryers, and other equipment, travel as needed, and contribute to cost-saving and yield initiatives while delivering robust technical