Process Engineer

Kerry; Alton (IL); On-site; USD 63,000 - 103,000; Full time

Job summary

Kerry, a world-leading taste and nutrition company, is hiring for a technical professional to monitor and optimize vinegar production on site. The role involves maintaining equipment and process control systems, leading improvement projects, and delivering operator training to ensure safe, compliant operations.

Ideal candidates have an engineering degree or technical background with 3+ years in a manufacturing setting, plus strong leadership and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a technical field with 3+ years of related experience.
• Experience in a food or pharmaceutical manufacturing environment is preferred.
• Programming experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and optimize the chemical and technical aspects of vinegar production on site.
• Troubleshoot and maintain equipment, utilities, and process control systems.
• Lead process improvement projects to enhance production efficiency.
• Develop and deliver training programs to improve operator skills.
• Assist in troubleshooting production issues caused by contamination or equipment failure.
• Support risk assessments to improve engineering design and safety.
• Ensure compliance with Quality & Food Safety policies and report failures.

Skills

Leadership

Troubleshooting

Process optimization

Operator training

Communication

Independent work

Programming

Education

Bachelor’s in Engineering

Technical field + 3+ years relevant experience

Tools

SAP

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.

Key responsibilities

• Monitor and optimize the chemical and technical aspects of all vinegar production on site.
• Troubleshoot and maintain equipment, utilities, process control systems, and bacterial colony growth and health.
• Lead and participate in process improvement projects to enhance vinegar production and process efficiency.
• Develop and deliver training programs to improve operator skills and knowledge of the vinegar fermentation process.
• Assist in troubleshooting production issues caused by contamination, equipment malfunctions, and human error.
• Participate in process and equipment risk assessments to improve engineering design and safety.
• Ensure compliance with Quality & Food Safety policies and management systems.
• Report any failures of the Quality & Food Safety Management Systems to site management.
• Demonstrate leadership in safety and environmental practices.
• Enforce safety rules and encourage safe work behaviors.
• Assist with SAP documentation and training as required.
• Support plant production activities, including sampling and testing, as needed.

Qualifications and skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required.
• Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree in a technical field with 3+ years of food or pharmaceutical industry experience in a technical support role.
• 2–5 years of experience in a similar manufacturing environment preferred.
• Programming experience preferred.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Highly motivated with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience supporting process optimization and troubleshooting activities.
• Ability to train and develop operators on technical processes.
• Ability to participate in process and equipment risk assessments.
• Ability to travel up to 50%.
• Ability to climb stairs and catwalks, lift up to 50 pounds, work in confined spaces, and work around vinegar fumes and odors.

Compensation Data

The pay range for this position is $63,000 - $103,450 in Annual Salary. 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. In addition, this position is also eligible to earn a performance-based incentive compensation. 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. This job posting is anticipated to expire on October 18th, 2026.

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 hiring decisions are made by our recruitment and leadership teams.

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).