Machine Operator- Fermentation Operator 5K Sign On Bonus

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.

About the role

Looking for a hands-on manufacturing role where science, process control, and quality come together? As a Fermentation Operator, you will control the fermentation process and inoculate media with yeast and bacteria to produce fermented intermediate goods. These products are later evaporated and spray dried by separate departments. You’ll monitor multiple fermentors simultaneously, follow strict recipes, and maintain high-care sanitation standards due to the microbial nature of fermented ingredients. You’ll play a critical role in food safety and quality, and we hope you’ll feel a deep sense of pride when you see friends and family enjoying products you helped produce.

Responsibilities

• Operate fermenters and sterilizers, including CIP (Clean-in-Place) and SIP (Sterilize-in-Place) processes
• Control fermentation parameters including pH, temperature, pressure, dissolved oxygen, agitation speed, and air flow
• Inoculate media with yeast and bacteria following approved batch sheets and process descriptions
• Pump specified volumes of media through sterilizers into fermentation tanks to ensure recipe compliance
• Monitor up to 8 fermentors simultaneously at various processing stages
• Perform sampling and coordinate with the QA laboratory; take corrective action based on results
• Select and operate fermenters using FIX systems, graphical displays, real-time trends, and historical charts
• Calibrate pH transmitters, pH probes, and DO probes
• Utilize computer systems SAP for inventory control and pick lists
• Wash and clean equipment per the sanitation manual and follow GMP requirements
• Operate a forklift
• Assist other production operators as time and shift allow
• Occasionally work in confined spaces, including fermenters

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Minimum of one year fermentation or related plant operator experience
• Brewing education or experience in a brewing environment is a plus, but not required
• Ability to operate processing equipment and computerized control systems
• Working knowledge of production procedures and fermentation processes
• Ability to lift up to 60 pounds unassisted, pull up to 20 pounds, and work at elevated heights and in confined spaces
• Ability to climb stairs frequently and perform physical tasks such as bending and turning valves using tools

Benefits

• Full benefits starting 1st of the month after you start
• Overtime eligible
• $5k sign-on bonus
• 401(k) plan with employee and company contribution opportunities
• Employee Share Plan
• Life, disability, and accident insurance
• Tuition reimbursement

Pay

The pay range for this position is $21.00 to $34.00 per hour. 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.

Our Rochester, MN location is part of our Applied Health and Nutrition Division, specializing in fermented ingredients for the bio-science industry. We’re proud of our clean-label, natural products and our commitment to freshness and quality.