Machine Operator - Spray Dry Operator

Position Type:
Full Time (US)

Workplace Arrangement:
Onsite

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 Rochester, MN location is part of our Applied Health and Nutrition Division and specializes in fermented ingredients for products related to the bio‑science industry. The team focuses on clean label or natural products ensuring freshness at 2402 7th Street NW, Rochester, MN 55901.

The pay range for this position is $24.00 – $29.00 per hour. Kerry offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employee and company contributions, Employee Share Plan, Life, Disability & accident insurance, and tuition reimbursement.

Operates spray dryer equipment, connects tanks and piping, and performs sanitation and housekeeping procedures. Follows established procedures and run set points to achieve QC‑approved products with optimal yields at lowest costs.

• Performs tank and piping connections for spray dryers, ensuring connections for drying products on the R3 dryer and for holding tanks, including CIP of dryers.
• Conducts CIP of spray dryers, dryer holding tanks and line circuits following selection of CIP cycle on FIX screen and established procedures.
• Operates spray dryers (startup, operation of the R3 dryer, floor scales, pumps, motors, chart recorders, and instruments) and monitors and records processing data.
• Uses established process descriptions for control of propane or natural gas and powder conveying fans and lines.
• Operates computer systems including the FIX operator interface, Quality system, Excel for tracking historical trends, CIP system, dryer recipe selection, and SAP throughout spray dryer batches.
• Washes and cleans equipment per the sanitation manual, following GMP program and rules.
• Operates forklift.

Education

High school diploma or GED.

Experience

None required; six months to one year experience in a food manufacturing environment desirable.

Skills

• Ability to work alone and in close cooperation with production personnel; capable of working through complex problems alone or with others to provide logical solutions.
• Physical demands: ability to walk and stand regularly; frequently climb stairs and ladders; reach, bend/stoop, crouch, squat, push/pull, and manipulate equipment; occasionally lift 35 pounds and infrequently up to 40 pounds.
• Vision, hearing, sense of smell, reading and writing are required; speaking is not an essential function.

Kerry is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. Kerry will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen.

This job posting is anticipated to expire on 12.10.2026.