Process Science Technician

About the role

The Process Science Technician supports the execution of pilot plant and manufacturing trials, contributing to process development, optimization, and commercialization of food and ingredient technologies. This role is responsible for coordinating and monitoring experimental activities, collecting and analyzing data, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. The position works cross-functionally with RD&A, Operations, Engineering, and Quality to support scale-up, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives across fermentation and ingredient manufacturing processes.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain accurate technical documentation, including batch records, lab notebooks, protocols, and reports.
• Monitor in-process quality attributes and communicate deviations or risks to relevant teams.
• Support troubleshooting activities in fermentation, downstream processing, and drying operations.
• Aid with scale-up, technology transfer, and commercialization of new and existing products.
• Operate and support pilot plant equipment including fermentation, centrifugation, filtration, evaporation, spray drying, and thermal processing.
• Conduct microbiology lab activities such as aseptic technique, plating, and culture maintenance.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, Engineering, Procurement, Supply Chain, and RD&A teams.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives through data analysis and process monitoring.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, GMP, environmental, and safety standards.
• Manage multiple priorities while meeting project timelines and operational requirements.
• Communicate technical information clearly across different organizational levels.
• Support customer requests, sample preparation, and plant visits as needed.
• Travel to manufacturing sites or customer locations as required.

Skills

• Strong understanding of fermentation and downstream processing technologies
• Data analysis and interpretation skills (trend analysis, reporting, problem-solving)
• Ability to work in pilot plant, laboratory, and manufacturing environments
• Knowledge of food safety, GMP, and safety compliance requirements
• Strong organizational and documentation skills
• Effective cross-functional collaboration and communication
• Hands-on technical troubleshooting capability
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint) and data management tools

Qualifications and skills

• Associate degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Microbiology, or related field
• 0–5+ years of relevant experience
• Working knowledge of unit operations such as fermentation, centrifugation, filtration, and drying preferred
• Familiarity with GMP, food safety, and environmental health and safety standards

Pay

The pay range for this position is $30 - $35 dollars 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.

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