Fermentation Operations Lead: Safety, Quality, Impact

Prairie AquaTech; Volga Township (SD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Prairie AquaTech Manufacturing, LLC dba Houdek is seeking a Manufacturing Fermentation Manager to lead seed train and production fermentation operations.

You will develop Leads and Operators, ensure aseptic practices, review process data, and drive continuous improvement with safety and quality in mind. This role is based in Volga, SD and reports to the Senior Manager/Director, Fermentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in microbiology, biology, fermentation science, engineering, or related technical field preferred.
• Three or more years of fermentation, seed train, industrial microbiology or biomanufacturing experience.
• Experience leading or developing employees in an operating environment.
• Working knowledge of aseptic technique, contamination control, and documentation.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and ability to interpret process data.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day seed train and production fermentation operations.
• Plan staffing, training, and daily activities to meet production needs.
• Ensure SOPs, aseptic practices, sampling, checks, and documentation are followed.
• Develop leads and operators through coaching and training programs.
• Review fermentation data and trends, escalating abnormalities promptly.
• Lead first-line troubleshooting and coordinate investigations with technical resources.
• Maintain complete documentation of conditions, deviations, actions, and handoffs.
• Drive contamination-control practices and address microbiological risk behavior.
• Coordinate with Maintenance, Engineering, QA to maintain equipment readiness.
• Participate in root cause investigations, CAPAs, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Team leadership

Industrial microbiology

Fermentation operations

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Safety compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in microbiology or related field

Job description

Prairie AquaTech Manufacturing, LLC dba Houdek is seeking a Manufacturing Fermentation Manager to lead seed train and production fermentation operations.

You will develop Leads and Operators, ensure aseptic practices, review process data, and drive continuous improvement with safety and quality in mind. This role is based in Volga, SD and reports to the Senior Manager/Director, Fermentation.