Machine Operator- Fermentation Operator 5K Sign On Bonus

Kerry; Rochester (MN); On-site; USD 33,062 - 39,950; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full Benefits starting 1st day of the month after you start

$5k Sign on Bonus

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Kerry is seeking a Fermentation Operator at its Rochester, MN location. This role involves controlling fermentation processes and inoculating media to produce fermented goods. The ideal candidate will have at least one year of experience in a related plant operator position and a high school diploma. You'll ensure quality and safety in food production while working in a hands-on environment.

The position offers a pay range of $24.00 - $29.00 per hour along with a comprehensive benefits package. Join Kerry and contribute to creating sustainable nutrition.

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year fermentation or related plant operator experience.
• Ability to operate processing equipment and computerized control systems.
• Ability to lift up to 60 pounds unassisted and work in confined spaces.

Responsibilities

• Control the fermentation process and inoculate media with yeast and bacteria.
• Monitor multiple fermentors simultaneously and ensure recipe compliance.
• Perform sampling and coordinate with the QA laboratory.

Skills

Fermentation processes

Equipment operation

Sanitation standards

Ability to lift heavy objects

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

SAP

Forklift

Job description

About Kerry

Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.

Where You'll Work

Our Rochester, MN location is part of our Applied Health and Nutrition Division, specializing in fermented ingredients for the bio-science industry. We’re proud of our clean-label, natural products and our commitment to freshness and quality.

What's In It For Me

• Full time work
• Full Benefits starting 1st day of the month after you start
• Overtime Eligible
• $5k Sign on Bonus
• Career growth and opportunities.

Compensation Data

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $29.00 per hour. Kerry typically does not hire an individual at the top or near the top of the range, as we are a pay-for-performance company, and this range is set to continue to reward performance annually while in role. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The specific compensation offered to a candidate within the above range may be influenced by a variety of factors including skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity. Kerry offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employee and company contribution opportunities, Employee Share Plan, Life, disability, and accident insurance, and tuition reimbursement.

What You'll Do

Looking for a hands‑on manufacturing role where science, process control, and quality come together? As a Fermentation Operator, you will control the fermentation process and inoculate media with yeast and bacteria to produce fermented intermediate goods. These products are later evaporated and spray dried by separate departments. You’ll monitor multiple fermentors simultaneously, follow strict recipes, and maintain high-care sanitation standards due to the microbial nature of fermented ingredients.

You’ll play a critical role in food safety and quality, and we hope you’ll feel a deep sense of pride when you see friends and family enjoying products you helped produce.

We may use artificial intelligence tools to support the review and assessment of applications and assist with scheduling interviews. We do not use AI to make decisions during the interview process. All candidate assessments and employment decisions are made by human recruitment and leadership teams.

• Operate fermenters and sterilizers, including CIP (Clean-in-Place) and SIP (Sterilize-in-Place) processes
• Control fermentation parameters including pH, temperature, pressure, dissolved oxygen, agitation speed, and air flow
• Inoculate media with yeast and bacteria following approved batch sheets and process descriptions
• Pump specified volumes of media through sterilizers into fermentation tanks to ensure recipe compliance
• Monitor up to 8 fermentors simultaneously at various processing stages
• Perform sampling and coordinate with the QA laboratory; take corrective action based on results
• Select and operate fermenters using FIX systems, graphical displays, real‑time trends, and historical charts
• Calibrate pH transmitters, pH probes, and DO probes
• Utilize computer systems SAP for inventory control and pick lists
• Wash and clean equipment per the sanitation manual and follow GMP requirements
• Operate a forklift
• Assist other production operators as time and shift allow
• Occasionally work in confined spaces, including fermenters

What You'll Need To Be Successful

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Minimum of one year fermentation or related plant operator experience
• Brewing education or experience in a brewing environment is a plus, but not required
• Ability to operate processing equipment and computerized control systems
• Working knowledge of production procedures and fermentation processes
• Ability to lift up to 60 pounds unassisted, pull up to 20 pounds, and work at elevated heights and in confined spaces
• Ability to climb stairs frequently and perform physical tasks such as bending and turning valves using tools

Equal Opportunity Employment

Kerry is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. Kerry will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen. Additional information can be found at Know Your Rights Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (dol.gov).