Fermentation Operator

Responsibilities

• Interface with production to provide resources to solve fermentation and product isolation problems.
• Execute and help evaluate fermentation experiments.
• Prepare fermentation and downstream equipment in accordance to SOPs, including equipment setup, media make up, equipment disassembly, cleaning, etc.
• Collect samples during manufacturing process for analytical analysis.
• Prepare all required batch records, reflecting constantly changing experimental designs and ensuring clear communication to the process development subject matter expert of the targeted design parameters.
• Collect and review all batch records. Data reduction includes electronic data conversion into and formatting in Excel for purposes of trending key operational parameters. Data is reviewed and checked. Off-line analytical data is reviewed for accuracy, retesting if necessary. Final results are organized and distributed to the process development subject matter expert.
• Cook up day-to-day Fermentation Plant activities, including manufacturing scheduling conflicts, coordinating equipment maintenance and installation activities, troubleshooting process upsets, troubleshooting equipment and instrumentation problems, optimizing operations, addressing contamination issues, addressing downtime or other runtime losses.
• Prepare SOP for new process or operations as needed.
• Aid and provide hands-on support of Fermentation Plant maintenance activities, including rebuilding of probes and housings, changing out gear boxes on vessels, rebuilding valves, piping modifications, and modifying/fabricating new and existing equipment.
• Maintain the upkeep of the Fermentation Plant equipment through the process of initiating work notifications/work orders and maintenance scheduling; Use your own tools to correct minor maintenance issues is encouraged.
• Adhere to company EH&S policies and procedures. Ensure fermentation plant compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Minimum of 3 years fermentation or related plant operator experience.
• Ability to follow minimal instructions and support safe work practices.
• Excellent team member with strong communication skills and a desire to work collaboratively.
• Flexibility with day-to-day duties and ability to thrive in a start-up environment.
• Flexibility in job rotations/various assignments.
• Basic PC skills which include Windows, Microsoft Office.

Qualifications

• Familiar with the production fermentation and downstream processes and equipment as well as microbiological and analytical laboratory procedures.
• Demonstrates flexibility in job rotations/various assignments.