Operator - Fermentation

Novonesis; West Allis (WI); On-site; USD 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company contribution

Health, Dental, Vision & Life

Job summary

Novonesis seeks an Operator in Fermentation to operate, adjust, sanitize, and monitor specialized equipment used to produce high-quality microbial products. You will contribute to process consistency, GMP compliance, and overall production efficiency.

Responsibilities include handling fermentation processes, downstream packaging, and ensuring traceability. The role requires basic math, English fluency, and readiness to work in a cold, regulated environment with safety and hygiene protocols in

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required or equivalent.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English.
• Basic math skills including metric conversions.
• Ability to read and follow production journals and instructions.
• Basic computer skills; SAP experience preferred.
• Strong communication with co-workers regarding process status.
• Experience in regulated fermentation or food manufacturing environments preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Preparing, operating, adjusting, cleaning, and sanitizing fermentation and processing equipment.
• Mixing raw materials, overseeing fermentation runs, and downstream separation and bulk packaging.
• Handling materials including transporting product in and out of -55°C freezers; labeling and verifying lot numbers for traceability.
• Collecting and submitting samples for Quality Control testing.
• Following GMPs, ISO safety protocols, sanitary requirements, and Kosher/Halal compliance.

Skills

Communication

Safety awareness

Quality focus

Basic math

Team collaboration

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

SAP

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. The team collaborates closely, troubleshoots equipment or process issues, and supports each other across trained areas. You’ll also contribute to continuous improvement using Lean principles and help develop peers through training and knowledge sharing.

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. You’ll contribute directly to product quality, safety, and operational excellence.

Key responsibilities include:

• Preparing, operating, adjusting, cleaning, and sanitizing fermentation and processing equipment.
• Mixing raw materials, overseeing fermentation runs, and completing downstream separation and bulk packaging.
• Handling materials—including transporting product in and out of -55°C freezers; stacking, labeling, and verifying lot/batch numbers for traceability.
• Collecting and submitting samples for Quality Control testing.
• Following GMPs, ISO safety protocols, sanitary requirements, and supporting Kosher/Halal compliance.
• Complying with facility hygiene rules (no jewelry, nail polish, artificial nails/lashes, perfumes, etc.) and restricted food/beverage and cell phone use.
• Completing accurate documentation and data entry for production, inventory, and quality records.

What You’ll Need to Be Successful

• 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 and instructions.
• Ability to use basic hand tools (hammer, screwdriver, wrench) for equipment assembly/disassembly.
• Basic computer skills; SAP experience preferred.
• Strong communication skills with co‑workers regarding process status.
• Experience in regulated, fermentation, or food manufacturing environments preferred but not required.
• Ability to operate a pallet walker and/or forklift (preferred).

Additional Skills & Interests We Value

• Curiosity and drive to learn the process deeply—not just follow steps.
• Reliability and pride in producing high‑quality work.
• Strong attention to detail to maintain safety and quality.
• Desire to support teammates, share knowledge, and contribute to continuous improvement.

What We Offer

• A collaborative team environment focused on learning and continuous improvement.
• Opportunities to expand technical skills in fermentation and downstream operations.
• A role where your contribution directly supports product quality and customer satisfaction.

Ways of Working / Working Conditions

• Schedule: 7‑on/7‑off rotation on nights – Monday–Friday: 10‑hour shifts – Saturday–Sunday: 12‑hour shifts
• Overtime: Built into the schedule, with additional hours available during off‑weeks as needed.
• Environment: Wet, humid, dusty, or loud conditions; exposure to chemicals, airborne particles, moving machine parts, and extremely cold environments (-55°C). Work may occur in small air‑locked rooms.
• PPE: Required company uniform, coveralls, dust mask, hearing protection, hair/beard nets, safety glasses, gloves, safety shoes.
• Allergens: Potential exposure to milk/dairy allergens.
• Hygiene rules: No jewelry, fragrances, artificial nails/lashes; restricted food/beverages; no personal cell phones in production areas.
• Physical demands: Frequent standing, walking, kneeling, crouching, crawling, scooping, lifting/moving up to 50 lbs; operating equipment and tools.

Compensation & Benefits

• Hourly rate: $19–$25 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 & Life insurance
• Healthcare savings account option
• Employee assistance program
• Parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• All benefits begin on your first day

Relevant Information

• Application deadline: 10/23/26

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. If our purpose resonates with you, we encourage you to apply.

Opportunities for everyone

We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and equal opportunity for all applicants. Therefore we ask you to apply without a cover letter or photo and instead include a few sentences in your CV explaining your motivation for applying.

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.

Explore other openings

If this position isn’t the right fit, you may still find other opportunities with us. You’re welcome to explore open roles or create a job agent to stay connected with future opportunities at novonesis.com/Career