Fermentation Operator – Microbial Production Night Shift

Novonesis; West Allis (WI); On-site; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job description

Interested in a career that matters? In our Fermentation department, you’ll join a team responsible for critical production steps including sanitizing, pelletizing/freeze-drying, mixing, separating, and monitoring to ensure safe, precise, and high-quality output. Working closely with your teammates, you’ll help troubleshoot equipment and process issues, support cross-training efforts, and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement. Your work plays an important role in delivering high-quality microbial products that help advance Novonesis’ purpose of creating biological solutions for a better future.

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. Through your daily contributions, you’ll help maintain product quality, support operational excellence, and ensure a safe manufacturing environment.

Your key responsibilities in this role:

• 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 activites.

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.

What We Offer You

• A collaborative team environment focused on learning, development, and continuous improvement.
• Opportunities to expand your technical expertise in fermentation and downstream processing operations.
• Ongoing training and cross-functional learning opportunities.
• A role where your contributions directly impact product quality, operational success, and customer satisfaction.
• A culture built on teamwork, knowledge sharing, and continuous growth.

Schedule

• 7-on/7-off rotating night shift schedule.
• Monday through Friday: 10-hour shifts.
• Saturday and Sunday: 12-hour shifts.

Overtime

• Overtime is built into the schedule, with additional opportunities available during off-weeks as business needs require.

Work Environment

• 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.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

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

Food Safety & Hygiene Requirements

• 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

Compensation & Benefits

• Hourly rate: $20.00 - $23.00 per hour, based on experience plus shift premium.
• 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, and Life Insurance.
• Healthcare Savings Account option.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Parental Leave.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Benefits begin on your first day of employment.

Application Deadline: 10/2/26

Our purpose guides 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.

Opportunities for everyone

We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and equal opportunity for all applicants. We make all employment decisions based on business needs and welcome candidates with a wide range of backgrounds, including ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status.