Spray Drying Process Engineer — Optimize Throughput & Yield

Kerry; Vesper (WI); On-site; USD 63,000 - 103,000; Full time

Job summary

Kerry is seeking a Process Engineer to own the performance, optimization, and standardization of two large spray dryers within its network. You will maximize throughput, yield, and quality while driving consistent process standards across sites.

Collaborating with Operations, Engineering, CI, Quality, and R&D, you will translate process understanding into repeatable manufacturing excellence, lead improvements, and serve as SME for spray drying.

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of spray drying unit operations (atomization, drying kinetics, cyclone separation, etc.).
• Strong knowledge of process control systems and data analysis tools.
• Proven experience in process optimization and scale-up.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end performance of spray dryers, including capacity, yield, uptime, and cost.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on yield, loss reduction, throughput, and energy efficiency.
• Establish process capability baselines and drive performance improvements against benchmarks.
• Identify and eliminate process variability through data-driven root cause analysis.
• Ensure alignment of recipes, control strategies, operating windows, and critical process parameters.
• Standardize and optimize startup, shutdown, and cleaning procedures.
• Partner with other sites to share best practices and align performance standards.
• Own the governance of process changes to ensure compliance and sustainability.
• Provide technical guidance on spray drying processes, including particle size, agglomeration, and equipment configuration.
• Serve as the SME for spray drying technology at the site and across the network.

Skills

spray drying operations

process control systems

data analysis tools

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or related field

5+ years in spray drying or related thermal processing

Job description

Kerry is seeking a Process Engineer to own the performance, optimization, and standardization of two large spray dryers within its network. You will maximize throughput, yield, and quality while driving consistent process standards across sites.

Collaborating with Operations, Engineering, CI, Quality, and R&D, you will translate process understanding into repeatable manufacturing excellence, lead improvements, and serve as SME for spray drying.