Fermentation Technician

Socket.dev; West Chester (Chester County); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K plan

Benefits

10 paid holidays

Job summary

Envera LIC, LLC is seeking an Industrial Fermentation Technician to operate medium-to-large fermentation systems, monitor processes, and ensure clean, safe production. The role emphasizes hands-on control, CIP/SIP execution, and collaboration with multiple departments in a bio-manufacturing setting.

The position requires strong mechanical aptitude, lab experience, and comfort with process automation. The shift is 2nd (Mon-Thu, 2:00pm–12:30am) with occasional weekends to support operations.

Qualifications

• Proficient in medium-to-large scale fermentation operations using fermenters, CIP/SIP equipment.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and mechanical aptitude; able to train on equipment.
• Background in industrial fermentation, lab setting, and basic automation understanding.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, batch, sterilize, monitor, and process industrial fermenters and related equipment.
• Operate manual and automated control systems for batches and CIP/SIP activities.
• Monitor fermentation, take aseptic samples, and perform benchtop measurements.
• Adhere to safety procedures including forklift, confined space, height, chemical handling, and LOTO.
• Assist with repairs and troubleshooting as needed and support other departments.
• Maintain clean, organized 5S work areas and contribute to process improvements.

Skills

Fermentation operations

Troubleshooting

Mechanical aptitude

Teamwork

Process controls

Education

Technical degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Who we are

Envera LIC, LLC is part of the Lesaffre family who is a key global player in the fermentation of microorganisms (yeasts and bacteria) for baking, taste, healthcare, and industrial biotechnology. This story began more than 170 years ago in northern France, and, thanks to our entrepreneur spirit and our innovative approach, we are constantly developing.

Lesaffre's global presence includes 11,000 employees from 96 nationalities and a 3-billion-euro turnover. We work with customers, partners, and researchers to develop essential nutrients and bio actives that strengthen human health, optimize animal well-being, and improve plant nutrition.

We believe in the incredible potential of microorganisms as the greatest means to better nourish and protect the planet. Fermentation is one of the most promising answers to the challenge of nourishing 9 billion people in a healthy way by 2050.

Envera is a legal entity of Lesaffre located in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Envera manufactures bacteria solutions for Lesaffre BUs and different market segments such as wastewater treatment, bioremediation, cleaning solutions and many other areas where bacteria can play a key role.

What you bring to the table

Proficiency in medium-to-large scale fermentation operations, utilizing equipment such as fermenters, centrifuges, spray dryers, and CIP skids. Possess fundamental troubleshooting skills and a strong mechanical aptitude, enabling training on various equipment. The successful candidate will have a strong background in industrial fermentation processes, experience in a lab setting, and basic computer skills to comprehend process controls and automation.

Experience with steam systems and an understanding of liquid process flow are highly desirable, as these skills will be essential to this role. The ideal candidate will also possess excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, a strong mechanical aptitude, and should be comfortable working in a team environment having interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with other departments within the organization.

This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled brewer to take the next step in their career and contribute to the growth and success of a bio-manufacturing operation.

Ability to work 2nd shift (Monday - Thursday, 2:00pm - 12:30am) and some weekends

A few responsibilities you will have as the Industrial Fermentation Technician

• Prepare, batch, sterilize, monitor, and process industrial fermenters. This includes media preparation, probe calibration, pH adjustment, batch sterilization/autoclaving, down-stream processing, CIP’s (Clean-in-place) of fermenters and down-stream-processing equipment, and SIP’s (Sterilize-in-place) of fermenters.
• Utilize both manual and automated control systems to execute batches, CIP’s, and SIP’s according to job aids and SOP’s.
• Fermentation monitoring, aseptic sampling, and benchtop measurements throughout the process.
• Safely work in manufacturing areas, following forklift, confined space, work-from-height, chemical handling, and LOTO safety procedures without deviation.
• Ability to handle basic repairs and simple troubleshooting as necessary.
• Assist with efforts in other departments when needed.
• Maintain clean and organized 5S work areas.
• Embraces a growth mindset, consistently seeking to enhance skills and knowledge to contribute to the development and optimization of processes and procedures.

To succeed you must have

• Vocational or Technical school degree or mechanical experience is preferred.
• Experience with steam sterilization and liquid processing is preferred.
• Forklift certification or the ability to receive one.
• Knowledge of Microsoft office.
• Mechanical aptitude and attention to detail is necessary.
• Ability to juggle multiple tasks and prioritize workload.
• Ability to work well as part of a team.

Our Core Values:

Passion, respect, trust, entrepreneurship, and humility

What we offer

• The opportunity to represent a passionate organization focused on innovation and sustainability
• A great 401K plan, affordable benefits, and 10 paid holidays
• The ability to utilize your experience and knowledge to make a real impact

Envera provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.