Process Scientist

Kerry Group • Rochester, MN

2d • Onsite

About The Position

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.

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.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice To Haves

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

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.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees