Operator - Fermentation

Are you ready fora new beginning?

We need your talent, knowledge and dedication to better our world with biology.

Our purpose points the way

In Novonesis, we know that solutions rooted in biology can help solve humanity's biggest challenges. Since we began more than a century ago, this has been our guide. It's how we've gotten so far. And it's how we'll impact the future. Now, more than ever, the world needs change. And with biosolutions, the possibilities for transformation are endless.

We're here to better our world with biology.

Join us as our new Operator in Fermentation

This position works under close supervision and is primarily responsible for operating in the Fermentation department. The areas are defined as sanitizing, pelletizing/freeze drying, mixing, separating, and monitoring. This position will work a 2, 2, 3 schedule with hours of 4:45am-5:15pm.

• Preparing, operating, adjusting, cleaning, and sanitizing fermentation and processing equipment in accordance with quality standards, safety protocols, and standardized work procedures.
• Mixing raw materials, overseeing fermentation processes, and performing downstream operations including separation and bulk packaging.
• Handling materials, including transporting raw or finished products to and from
  -55C freezers, stacking, labelling, verifying lot and batch numbers for traceability.
• Setting up, operating, or tending machines.
• Cleaning and sterilizing fermentation vessels, centrifuges, and auxiliary equipment.
• Tracking critical parameters (e.g. pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, gravity, pressure) to ensure optimal microbial growth and yield.
• Collecting and submitting process samples for Quality Control testing as required.
• Documenting processes, ensuring compliance with data record-keeping, managing material check-ins/outs, and adhering to strict SOPs.
• Identifying and troubleshooting equipment or process issues and escalating as necessary.
• Performing troubleshooting for equipment performance.
• Actively participating in continuous improvement initiatives using Lean principles.
• Supporting team members in trained areas as needed and performs other duties as assigned to meet production goals.

• HS Diploma or equivalent
• Previous experience in fermentation, food production, or manufacturing environments preferred.
• Familiarity with handling automated control systems is a plus.
• Ability to read, write and speak English.
• Ability to apply basic mathematical concepts to the production process including conversion of weight and volume in the metric system.
• The ability to read and follow a production journal to produce batches.
• Ability to operate a pallet walker and/or forklift, preferred.
• Ability to use basic hand tools (hammer, screwdriver, wrench) for assembly and disassembly of equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with co-workers regarding the status of the production process.
• Basic computer skills. ERP system knowledge (SAP), preferred.

Location: West Allis, WI (On-Site)

Final date to receive applications
:
March 11, 2026

Expected salary range: $19-$23/hr

• 401(k) with up to a 9% company contribution
• Minimum of 3 weeks of vacation plus 12 holidays and 2 weeks of Wellness Time
• Health, Dental, Vision & Life insurance
• Healthcare savings account option
• Employee assistance program
• Parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• All benefits begin on your first day

Working environment may include wet, humid, dusty, or loud conditions, moving machine parts, fumes or airborne particles and chemicals. Employees in this role will also work in extremely cold conditions (-55C). A company uniform is required to be always worn along with personal protective equipment. This can include coveralls, dust mask, hearing protection, hair/beard net, safety glasses, gloves, and safety shoes.

Work may occur in small rooms with air lock compliance to avoid interdepartmental contamination. Exposure to materials containing allergens, such as milk and dairy, may occur. Individuals with sensitivities or allergies to these substances should consider this when applying. Appropriate safety measures and protective equipment are provided to minimize exposure risks. The work schedule may involve seven (7) consecutive days of work (including 12-hour weekend shifts) every other week.

This role requires frequent standing, walking, and lifting/moving materials or equipment weighing up to 50 lbs. Employees may also be required to handle tools, operate machinery, and perform actions such as scooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. Occasionally required to scoop, kneel, crouch or crawl and use foot/feet to operate machinery. Specific vision abilities required by this job include vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

At Novonesis we commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all our job applicants. We recommend you not to attach a…