Process Engineer - Fermentation

Kerry; Rochester (MN); On-site; USD 63,000 - 103,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Kerry is a leading taste and nutrition company seeking a Process Controls Engineer to optimize and maintain manufacturing equipment and automation systems. You will lead projects from concept through startup, partnering with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and external contractors.

You will design and implement PLC programs, configure iFIX SCADA, diagnose control issues, and support scale-up of new processes, with emphasis on safety, reliability, and product quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, or a related field.
• 3–7+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Hands-on experience with PLC programming using APT software.
• Experience with iFIX SCADA configuration and troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes for efficiency, quality, and safety.
• Analyze process data to reduce variability and downtime.
• Lead scale-up, commissioning, and validation of new processes and equipment.
• Perform RCA and FMEA on failed equipment.
• Collaborate with electrical, instrumentation, and IT teams on upgrades.

Skills

PLC programming

iFIX SCADA

Process automation

Data analysis

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, or related field

Tools

APT software

iFIX SCADA

Job description

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.

About the role

The Process Controls Engineer is responsible for optimizing, troubleshooting, and maintaining manufacturing equipment, utility systems, process control platforms, and automation systems that support plant operations. This role leads engineering and automation projects from concept through implementation, including design, programming, installation, commissioning, validation, and startup activities. The engineer partners closely with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and external contractors to improve safety, reliability, efficiency, and product quality across the facility.

Key responsibilities

Process Engineering & Optimization

• Develop, monitor, and continuously improve manufacturing processes to ensure efficiency, quality, and safety.
• Analyze process data and implement solutions to reduce variability, increase throughput, and minimize downtime.
• Support scale-up, commissioning, and validation of new processes and equipment.
• Perform RCA and FMEA on failed equipment.

Automation & Controls (Primary Focus)

• Design, develop, and maintain PLC programs using APT software for process automation and control.
• Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot iFIX SCADA systems, including HMI development and data visualization.
• Integrate PLC systems with SCADA for seamless process monitoring and control.
• Diagnose and resolve control system issues, ensuring minimal disruption to production.
• Collaborate with electrical, instrumentation, and IT teams on system upgrades and improvements.

Process Systems & Equipment

• Provide technical expertise in processes including:
• Evaporation systems
• Fermentation processes
• Spray drying operations
• Support equipment design, selection, and troubleshooting.

Packaging & Production Support

• Lead process improvements related to powder and liquid packaging lines.
• Optimize packaging operations for efficiency, accuracy, and product integrity.
• Troubleshoot issues related to filling, conveying, dosing, and sealing systems.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with operations, maintenance, quality, and R&D teams.
• Train operators and engineers on control systems and process best practices.
• Participate in safety reviews, process hazard analyses (PHA), and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications and skills:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, or related field
• 3–7+ years of relevant industry experience
• Proven hands-on experience with:
• PLC programming using APT software
• iFIX SCADA system configuration, development, and troubleshooting
• Strong understanding of industrial automation, instrumentation, and control systems
• Experience analyzing process data and implementing improvements

Preferred (Strongly Desired)

• Experience with one or more of the following:
• Evaporation
• Fermentation
• Separation processes
• Spray drying
• Experience in powder handling and processing systems
• Experience with liquid and powder packaging equipment
• Knowledge of GMP, food, pharmaceutical, or chemical manufacturing environments
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to work both independently and in cross-functional teams
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical skills
• Excellent communication and technical documentation skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment

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. 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 January 2027.

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).