Operator - Fermentation

Novonesis•West Allis, WI

6d•$19 - $25

About The Position

As an Operator in Fermentation, you will operate, adjust, clean, sanitize, and monitor specialized equipment used to produce high-quality microbial products. You will help ensure process consistency, compliance with GMP standards, and seamless production flow, contributing directly to product quality, safety, and operational excellence. The Fermentation team performs critical production steps including sanitizing, pelletizing and freeze-drying, mixing, separating, and monitoring. Team members collaborate to troubleshoot equipment and process issues, support colleagues across trained areas, apply Lean principles to continuous improvement, and share knowledge through peer training. This role follows a 7-on/7-off night rotation. Shifts are 10 hours Monday through Friday and 12 hours on Saturday and Sunday. Overtime is built into the schedule, with additional hours available during off-weeks as needed. Work takes place in wet, humid, dusty, or loud conditions and may involve chemicals, airborne particles, moving machine parts, temperatures as low as -55°C, and small air-locked rooms. Company-issued protective clothing and equipment are required. Potential exposure to milk and dairy allergens is noted.

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 and instructions.
Ability to use basic hand tools, including a hammer, screwdriver, and wrench, for equipment assembly and disassembly.
Basic computer skills.
Strong communication skills for discussing process status with co-workers.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including frequent standing, walking, kneeling, crouching, crawling, scooping, and lifting or moving up to 50 lbs.

Nice To Haves

SAP experience.
Experience in regulated, fermentation, or food manufacturing environments.
Ability to operate a pallet walker and/or forklift.
Curiosity and motivation to learn the process deeply.
Reliability, pride in high-quality work, and strong attention to detail.
Willingness to support teammates, share knowledge, and contribute to continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

Prepare, operate, adjust, clean, and sanitize fermentation and processing equipment.
Mix raw materials, oversee fermentation runs, and perform downstream separation and bulk packaging.
Handle materials, including transporting product into and out of -55°C freezers; stack and label materials; and verify lot and batch numbers for traceability.
Collect and submit samples for Quality Control testing.
Follow GMPs, ISO safety protocols, sanitary requirements, and support Kosher/Halal compliance.
Follow facility hygiene rules, including restrictions on jewelry, nail polish, artificial nails and lashes, perfumes, food and beverages, and personal cell phone use in production areas.
Complete accurate production, inventory, and quality documentation and data entry.
Communicate process status to co-workers and collaborate to troubleshoot equipment or process issues.
Contribute to continuous improvement using Lean principles and support peers through training and knowledge sharing.