Operator - Fermentation

The role & your impact

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.

Key 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.

What you'll need to be successful in this role

• 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.

Working conditions

Schedule 7-on/7-off rotating night shift schedule. Monday through Friday: 10-hour shifts, 1PM-11PM. Saturday and Sunday: 12-hour shifts, 9AM-9PM. Overtime is built into the schedule, with additional opportunities available during off-weeks as business needs require.

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