Fermentation Technician

Job ID: Contract to Hire position based in Menomonee Falls, WI. Position is anticipated to close on Sep 4, 2026.

About the role

This role is based at a microbial manufacturing site that includes both a production area and a laboratory. The Fermentation Technician works closely with a small team of three to five colleagues in the fermentation area to scale up microbes for customer needs, and also spends time in the lab preparing microbial solutions and performing basic analytical testing.

Responsibilities

• Produce microbial products for food, biofuels, and pharmaceutical applications using established fermentation processes.
• Follow detailed work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and batch records to scale up microbes from initial cultures through full production.
• Prepare media and microbial solutions accurately to support fermentation runs.
• Operate large-scale fermentation instrumentation and equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
• Apply aseptic technique daily when handling cultures, media, and equipment to maintain sterility and prevent contamination.
• Perform sterilization, inoculation, and product recovery activities as needed throughout the process.
• Track product from start to finish, including documenting recovery, total yield, and quantities at each processing step.

Skills

• Ability to operate fermentation equipment and understand the fermentation process in a production environment.
• Practical understanding of fermentation principles and how they apply to scaling up microbial cultures.
• Demonstrated experience or training in aseptic technique and contamination control.
• Ability to perform basic laboratory testing on microbial solutions, including in-process and finished product samples.
• Experience using analytical instruments such as GC/HPLC and associated HP ChemStation software, Karl-Fisher, optical density measurements, pH meters, and microscopes.
• Familiarity with Clean-in-Place (CIP) systems and sanitation procedures for processing equipment.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs), batch records, and detailed written instructions.
• Basic understanding of biology, microbiology, or fermentation science gained through education or hands-on experience.
• Comfort working with SAP or similar enterprise systems for production and quality documentation.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in documentation, testing, and equipment operation.

Qualifications

• Education in Biology, Microbiology, or Fermentation.
• Experience in food, chemical, or microbial manufacturing environments.
• Experience as a chemical operator or in a similar production role involving process equipment.
• Familiarity with working under standard operating procedures (SOPs) in a regulated or quality-focused environment.
• Interest in building a career in fermentation, microbial manufacturing, or related process industries.
• Ability to work effectively in a team setting with other fermentation and laboratory personnel.
• Willingness to work rotating night shifts and adapt to a structured production schedule.

Schedule

• 2-2-3, 12-hour night shift (6pm to 6am).
• First 1-2 months will be training on day shift; after training, switch to night shift with a $4 shift differential on top of base pay.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $30.00/hr. Individual compensation offered within this range will depend on qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Benefits

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may include specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)