Fermentation Process Engineer
- Kerry Ingredients and Flavours
- Rochester, Minnesota
- Full Time
Requisition ID 64426
Position Type (US)Full Time
Workplace Arrangement #LI-Onsite
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
The Fermentation Process Engineer is responsible for the design, operation, and optimization of fermentation-based processes. This role works cross-functionally with Engineering, Operations, Quality, and RD&A teams to deliver safe, efficient, and reliable production while supporting continuous improvement and innovation initiatives.
Key responsibilities
- Develop, operate, and optimize batch fermentation processes to ensure consistent performance and product quality
- Design and support equipment and systems with a focus on aseptic and sterile processing
- Troubleshoot and support downstream operations, including centrifugation, pasteurization, and sterilization
- Monitor process performance, analyze data, and implement process improvements
- Prepare and maintain process documentation, including SOPs, protocols, and technical reports
- Collaborate with maintenance and automation teams to ensure equipment reliability and uptime
- Support scale-up, technology transfer, and process validation activities
- Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards
Qualifications and skills
- Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Chemical Engineering, Bioprocess Engineering, Fermentation Science, or a related field
- 3-5 years of experience in industrial fermentation or bioprocess operations
- Hands-on experience with batch fermentation systems
- Strong understanding of aseptic techniques and sterile system design
- Experience with centrifugation and separation processes
- Familiarity with pasteurization and thermal sterilization
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with yeast fermentation processes
- Exposure to automation systems (e.g., PLC programming or similar platforms)
- Proficiency with AutoCAD or similar tools for equipment layout and process design
- Experience with microfiltration and nanofiltration systems
- Exposure to process scale-up and commercial production environments
- Familiarity with cGMP or food-grade manufacturing environments
The pay range for this position is $63,000 - $116,900 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 August 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).
Beware of scams online or from individuals claiming to represent us. A Kerry employee will not solicit candidates through a non-Kerry email address or phone number. In addition, Kerry does not currently utilise video chat rooms (e.g., Google Hangouts) to conduct interviews. Refuse any request that asks you to provide payment to participate in the hiring process (e.g., purchasing a "starter kit," investing in training, or something similar). Kerry will not ask you to pay any money at any point in the hiring process with the exception of reimbursable travel expenses. In addition, any payments made by Kerry will be from official firm accounts bearing the Kerry name.
Recruiter
Posting Type DNI