Process Scientist / Fermentation.

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 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 Engineer will support the Fermentation Process Science team in developing, optimizing, and scaling processes for multi-functional fermented and spray-dried food ingredients. This role partners closely with Operations, Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering, R&D, and Business teams to drive process improvements, efficiency initiatives, and successful commercialization of new and existing products.

Key responsibilities

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

Qualifications and skills

• 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 work independently and lift up to 50 lbs; comfort standing for long periods.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Experience with spray drying or downstream processing.
• Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or DOE methodologies.

The pay range for this position is $70,100 - $109,050 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 Nov 30th, 2026

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).