Fermentation Technician

Bluestem Biosciences, Inc.; South Sioux City (NE); On-site; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

Job summary

Bluestem Biosciences, Inc. is seeking a detail-oriented Fermentation Technician for our on-site production facility. You will prepare for runs, monitor equipment, collect samples, and adjust processes to maintain control across lab-scale and demo-scale fermenters.

Reporting to the Plant Manager, you will collaborate with Operations and Development teams to analyze data, troubleshoot deviations, and support commissioning as we move toward full-scale production.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in biochemical or specialty chemical manufacturing.
• Hands-on experience operating and managing fermentation systems.
• Experience with lab-scale and demo-scale fermenters.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Willingness to work on-site on a full-time shift schedule.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, operate and maintain demo plant fermentation systems to support continuous production.
• Actively monitor production systems and testing equipment, making real-time adjustments to reach target yields.
• Run and maintain laboratory equipment used for process monitoring and quality control during runs.
• Execute precise sampling routines and implement data-driven operational changes.
• Maintain familiarity with lab- and demo-scale fermenters for seamless scale-up.
• Collaborate with Plant Operators to analyze run data and recommend system modifications.
• Assist with hands-on testing and commissioning activities as the facility transitions to full-scale operation.
• Follow Site Safety Protocols and SOPs (LOTO, PSM) during production.

Skills

Fermentation systems operation

Bioprocessing

Lab equipment handling

Tools

Lab equipment

Job description

ABOUT US:

We use American corn and existing bioethanol infrastructure to produce critical chemicals right here at home—powering U.S. competitiveness and securing our nation’s supply chains - while reinvesting in agricultural America. Bluestem Biosciences has engineered a breakthrough in American manufacturing. Our proprietary biomanufacturing process represents a new, cost-effective, and advantaged way to produce platform chemicals domestically. With the foundation of existing infrastructure, we convert abundant, renewable American corn into high-value chemicals at scale. JOIN US AS WE ACCELERATE TO COMMERCIALIZATION

Job Title: Fermentation Technician

Location: On-Site (Production Facility)

Role Type: Full-Time

Role Summary We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Fermentation Technician to join our production team at the demo plant. Reporting directly to the Plant Manager/Foreman, you will be responsible for the preparation, performance, and day-to-day operation of the facility’s fermentation systems. As a core member of the technical team, you will bridge the gap between scale-up phases, maintaining deep familiarity with both lab-scale and demo-scale fermenters and analytical and lab testing equipment.

In this role, you will prepare for fermentation runs, actively monitor equipment and take process samples, and make real-time operational adjustments to maintain process control. Working closely with our Plant Operations and Development teams, you will analyze run data to recommend system improvements, troubleshoot deviations, and support demo plant commissioning, demo production, and ensure the process is ready to transition to full-scale commercial operation.

Key Responsibilities

• Fermentation System Performance: Prepare, operate, and maintain the performance of the demo plant’s fermentation systems to ensure continuous and efficient facility operations.
• Equipment Monitoring & Adjustment: Actively monitor production systems and testing equipment, making necessary real-time adjustments to reach optimal process yields and run within specifications.
• Laboratory & Testing Management: Run and maintain all laboratory equipment used for process monitoring, analytical testing, and quality control during fermentation runs.
• Sampling & Process Control: Execute precise sampling routines during active fermentation runs and implement data-driven operational changes to control the process.
• Scale-Up System Management: Maintain a deep operational familiarity with both lab-scale and demo-scale fermenters, ensuring seamless transition and technical accuracy across equipment scales.
• Team Collaboration & Optimization: Work closely with Plant Operators to analyze run data and recommend system modifications or process changes to the Operations Lead and Plant Foreman.
• Commissioning Support: Assist with hands-on testing and initial commissioning/startup activities as the facility transitions from development to full-scale operation.
• Safety & SOP Compliance: Strictly follow all Site Safety Protocols—including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and Process Safety Management (PSM)—while executing production runs according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Troubleshooting: Identify operational bottlenecks or yield deviations on the floor, assisting with Root Cause Analysis (RCA) to rectify fermentation issues quickly.

Requirements

• Experience Level: 2+ years of experience in biochemical or specialty chemical manufacturing, with specific experience in a demo plant, laboratory, or startup environment highly preferred.
• Technical Familiarity: Hands-on experience operating and managing fermentation systems and bioprocessing.
• Equipment & Testing Skills: Proven familiarity with both lab-scale and demo-scale fermenters, analytical testing equipment.
• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively collaborate with operators, hand over shift details, and report recommendations to leadership.
• Working Style: Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and handle the physical, "boots-on-the-ground" demands of monitoring a live production facility.
• Location & Availability: Ability to work full-time on-site at the production facility on a shift schedule to support continuous fermentation runs.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans available.

Bluestem is an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.