Fermentation Engineer

Kerry Group • Rochester, MN

126d • $91,404 - $154,009

About The Position

A successful candidate will bring fermentation engineering expertise across pilot and manufacturing scales to drive process excellence and maximize asset performance. The role focuses on defining and tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) and leading continuous improvement initiatives using lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and microbial physiology principles. The engineer will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams—including manufacturing, process science, quality, R&D, and business—to develop and optimize processes for fermented and spray-dried food ingredients.

Requirements

• Degree in Fermentation Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or related field.
• Experience in industrial fermentation and downstream processing.
• Strong understanding of microbial physiology and aseptic design.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing and Six Sigma principles.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide subject matter expertise in aseptic design and SIP and CIP systems to reduce contamination and improve bioburden control.
• Develop DoE-based experiments and modeling approaches to optimize fermentation parameters, yield, productivity and cost efficiency.
• Use scale-down and scale-up modeling to predict and troubleshoot large-scale performance.
• Plan and execute bench, pilot and production-scale fermentations using batch, fed-batch and continuous modes.
• Maintain aseptic technique and hygiene protocols; troubleshoot contamination.
• Support downstream operations (centrifugation, filtration, spray drying, evaporation), optimising for recovery, activity and yield.
• Operate and troubleshoot pilot plant equipment and clean-in-place systems; ensure hygienic and food grade compliance.
• Support and execute successful tech transfer to manufacturing partners including SOP's, equipment qualification and training.
• Collect and analyse process data statistically and build models to support process decisions and continuous improvement.
• Lead and support optimisation initiatives to increase yield, reduce cycle time, reduce costs and enhance safety and product quality.
• Work cross-functionally with RD&A, QA/QC, engineering, production and strain teams; translate customer and internal requirements into actionable plans.
• Mentor and coach junior scientists and technologists through informal leadership.
• Maintain rigorous documentation of methods, results and SOP's; contribute to IP capture and patent support.
• Adhere to and promote biosafety, hygienic design and quality management standards (e.g. BSL-2, GMP, FSMA, HACCP, ISO food-grade).

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package
• Incentive and recognition programs
• Equity stock purchase
• Retirement contribution

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Industry: Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree