Process Technician

Kerry Group • Vesper, WI

8d • $63,000 - $116,900

About The Position

The Process Technician is the single-point technical owner for the performance, optimization, and standardization of two of the largest spray dryers within the Kerry network. This role is accountable for maximizing throughput, yield, and quality while driving consistency of process standards across sites. This role serves as the SME for spray drying technology within the site and the broader spray drying network. The position partners closely with Operations, Engineering, CI, Quality, and R&D to translate process understanding into repeatable, scalable manufacturing excellence.

Requirements

• 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.
• SAP knowledge.
• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Food Science, Business, or a related field.
• 5+ years in spray drying, powder processing, or related thermal processing.
• Experience in large-scale manufacturing environments preferred.
• 5 Years Experience in food, chemical or fermentation industry, preferred.
• Engineering mindset.
• Continuous improvement understanding.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing methodology.

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.

Benefits

• medical
• dental
• vision
• paid time off
• 401(k) plan with employee and company contribution opportunities
• Employee Share Plan
• Life, disability, and accident insurance
• tuition reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level