Fermentation Process Technician

Locus Management•Peoria, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Fermentation Process Technician operates, monitors, and maintains fermentation and downstream processing equipment to support safe, efficient, and consistent production. The hands-on role prepares and operates fermentation systems, monitors process parameters, collects samples and data, performs cleaning and sanitation, and maintains accurate production records in accordance with established procedures, quality standards, and safety requirements. The technician works with Production, Quality, Research & Development, and other teams to maintain product quality, optimize process performance, and support continuous improvement. The position is based in Peoria, Illinois, and follows rotating 12-hour shifts, with an equal rotation of days and nights over a four-week interval. Occasional coverage of other shifts and weekend work may be required. The role may involve industrial production environments with confined spaces, elevated work areas, varying temperatures and humidity, dust, chemicals, and noise.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Ability to collect, interpret, and accurately document process data and test results.
Basic mechanical aptitude and knowledge of equipment operation, troubleshooting, and routine maintenance.
Strong attention to detail and ability to consistently follow established procedures.
Ability to recognize process abnormalities, identify problems, and communicate concerns effectively.
Strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to work collaboratively across teams.
Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the job, including standing, walking, bending, reaching, handling production materials and equipment, and potentially lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling materials and equipment.
Ability to work safely in industrial environments that may include confined spaces, heights, varying temperatures and humidity, dust, chemicals, and noise, while using required PPE.

Nice To Haves

Experience operating industrial process equipment, production machinery, or related systems.
Knowledge of fermentation, microbiology, aseptic techniques, or downstream processing.
Familiarity with good manufacturing practices (GMP), sanitation procedures, and SOPs.
Experience with process monitoring systems, PLCs, DCS, instrumentation, or similar controls.

Responsibilities

Prepare fermentation reactors and related equipment for production, including loading raw materials, verifying equipment readiness, setting process parameters, and inoculating cultures.
Operate, control, and monitor fermentation and downstream processing equipment, including reactors, fermenters, tanks, pumps, conveyors, valves, blowers, dryers, scrubbers, centrifuges, evaporators, and filters.
Use PLCs, DCS, and local instrumentation to monitor and adjust process parameters such as temperature, pH, and pressure.
Monitor production to ensure operations remain within established parameters and follow approved procedures.
Perform routine equipment checks and identify operating issues, deviations, or opportunities to improve process efficiency.
Support fermentation and downstream processing activities to meet production schedules and product quality requirements.
Collect scheduled process samples and perform assigned physical, analytical, and microbiological tests.
Prepare and submit samples for Quality Control testing and analysis as required.
Accurately and promptly record process data, test results, operating conditions, and equipment information; maintain production logs and equipment records.
Clean, sanitize, and sterilize reactors, tanks, process equipment, and associated components using approved procedures and aseptic techniques.
Perform routine inspections and basic maintenance on production equipment and verify equipment functionality and readiness.
Keep production, warehouse, and material storage areas clean, organized, and orderly.
Follow GMP, sanitation programs, SOPs, safety policies, and operating protocols.
Wear and properly use required PPE, and identify and report unsafe conditions, incidents, potential hazards, equipment malfunctions, maintenance needs, and process concerns.
Collaborate with Production, Quality, R&D, and other team members to support daily operations and resolve process issues.
Participate in equipment and process training and contribute to continuous improvement in safety, sanitation, product quality, equipment reliability, and operational efficiency.
Provide task direction to temporary or contract general labor personnel when assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned.