Operator - Fermentation

About the role

In our Fermentation department, you’ll join a team responsible for critical production steps including sanitizing, pelletizing/freeze-drying, mixing, separating, and monitoring to ensure safe, precise, and high-quality output. Working closely with your teammates, you’ll help troubleshoot equipment and process issues, support cross-training efforts, and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement. Your work plays an important role in delivering high-quality microbial products that help advance Novonesis’ purpose of creating biological solutions for a better future.

As an Operator in Fermentation, you’ll play a central role in operating, adjusting, sanitizing, and monitoring specialized equipment used to produce high-quality microbial products. Your work ensures process consistency, compliance with GMP standards, and seamless production flow. Through your daily contributions, you’ll help maintain product quality, support operational excellence, and ensure a safe manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, operate, adjust, clean, and sanitize fermentation and processing equipment.
• Mix raw materials, oversee fermentation runs, and complete downstream separation and bulk packaging.
• Handle materials, including transporting products in and out of -55°C freezers, stacking and labeling products, and verifying lot and batch numbers for traceability.
• Collect and submit samples for Quality Control testing.
• Follow GMP requirements, ISO safety protocols, sanitary standards, and support Kosher and Halal compliance activities.
• Complete accurate production, inventory, and quality documentation and data entry.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English.
• Basic math skills, including metric conversions.
• Ability to read and follow production journals, work instructions, and procedures.
• Ability to use basic hand tools such as hammers, screwdrivers, and wrenches for equipment assembly and disassembly.
• Basic computer skills; SAP experience preferred.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with coworkers regarding process status.
• Experience in a regulated manufacturing, fermentation, food manufacturing, or similar environment preferred but not required.
• Ability to operate a pallet walker and/or forklift preferred.
• Strong attention to safety, quality, and compliance requirements.
• Reliability and accountability for day-to-day production activities.

Additional Skills & Interests We Value

• Curiosity and a desire to understand the manufacturing process beyond standard operating procedures.
• A strong sense of ownership and pride in producing high-quality work.
• Attention to detail and commitment to maintaining product quality and safety standards.
• Interest in supporting teammates through training, coaching, and knowledge sharing.
• Enthusiasm for continuous improvement and Lean manufacturing principles.

Benefits

• A collaborative team environment focused on learning, development, and continuous improvement.
• Opportunities to expand your technical expertise in fermentation and downstream processing operations.
• Ongoing training and cross-functional learning opportunities.
• A role where your contributions directly impact product quality, operational success, and customer satisfaction.
• A culture built on teamwork, knowledge sharing, and continuous growth.

Schedule

• 7-on/7-off rotating day shift schedule.
• Monday through Friday: 10-hour shifts.
• Saturday and Sunday: 12-hour shifts.

Overtime is built into the schedule, with additional opportunities available during off-weeks as business needs require.

Work Environment

• Manufacturing environment with wet, humid, dusty, and noisy conditions.
• Exposure to chemicals, airborne particles, moving mechanical equipment, and extremely cold temperatures down to -55°C.
• Work may be performed in small air-locked rooms.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Required use of company-provided uniforms, coveralls, dust masks, hearing protection, hair and beard nets, safety glasses, gloves, and safety footwear.

Food Safety & Hygiene Requirements

• Potential exposure to milk and dairy allergens.
• No jewelry, perfumes, fragrances, nail polish, artificial nails, or artificial eyelashes permitted in production areas.
• Restricted food, beverage, and personal cell phone use in production areas.

Physical Demands

• Frequent standing, walking, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and scooping.
• Regular lifting, carrying, pushing, and moving materials weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Frequent operation of production equipment.

Pay

Hourly rate: $20.00 – $23.00 per hour, based on experience.