R&D Pilot Plant Technologist.

Kerry; Beloit (WI); On-site; USD 41,446 - 67,209; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plan with contributions

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Job summary

A leading nutrition company in Beloit is seeking a detail-oriented Pilot Plant Technologist to support drying optimization initiatives. This role requires collaboration across teams, hands-on experience with complex equipment, and a passion for food science. Responsibilities include assisting in pilot runs, maintaining equipment, and supporting process development. A Bachelor’s degree in a scientific field is preferred. Competitive compensation and benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• Experience in chemicals, flavors, or food products is a plus.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to taste and smell chemicals and flavors.

Responsibilities

• Assist in pilot plant production runs focused on drying.
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives.
• Maintain inventory of consumables and materials.

Skills

Communication skills

Hands-on experience with complex equipment

Organizational skills

Time management skills

Self-motivated

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a scientific field

Tools

Brookfield viscometer

pH probe

Homogenizer

Job description

Base pay range

$41,446.00/yr - $67,209.00/yr

This range is provided by Kerry. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Direct message the job poster from Kerry

Talent Acquisition Specialist - North America at Kerry, a $8 billion global leader in the taste & nutrition markets.

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.

About the role

We are seeking a hands‑on, detail‑oriented Pilot Plant Technologist to support Kerry’s drying optimization initiatives, with a strong focus on spray drying. This role will collaborate across RD&A, Manufacturing, and Engineering teams to enhance process performance, support innovation, and ensure product quality. The ideal candidate will be passionate about food science and technology, with a strong ability to operate complex equipment and contribute to process development.

Key responsibilities

• Drying Process Support
• Assist in pilot plant production runs focused on drying and related processes.
• Follow standardized procedures and best practices.
• Weigh ingredients and prepare materials for pilot runs.
• Submit and support analytical testing requests.
• Process Development & Equipment Training
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives.
• Support training efforts for pilot plant equipment.
• Facilities & Equipment Support
• Collaborate with scientists, contractors, and facilities teams.
• Assist with troubleshooting, validation testing, and equipment commissioning.
• Communicate updates and findings to relevant stakeholders.
• Pilot Plant Organization
• Maintain inventory of consumables and materials.
• Support room owner in maintaining a clean and organized space.
• Specialized Equipment Operation
• Learn and operate lab equipment such as Brookfield viscometer, pH probe, and homogenizer.

Qualifications and skills

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific field preferred; experience in chemicals, flavors, or food products is a plus.
• Strong communication skills—both verbal and written.
• Hands‑on experience with complex equipment.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Self‑motivated and able to work independently.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to taste and smell chemicals, flavors, and food products.

The pay range for this position is 41,446.00 - 67,209.00 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 Dec 10th, 2025.

Seniority level

• Associate

Employment type

• Full‑time

Job function

• Research

Industries

• Food and Beverage Manufacturing

Kerry is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to, 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).