Operator - Fermentation

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

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Vacation & holidays

Health insurance

HSA

Employee assistance program

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Novonesis in Wisconsin is seeking an Operator in Fermentation to operate, adjust, sanitize, and monitor fermentation and processing equipment, ensuring GMP compliance and product quality. You'll handle raw materials, oversee fermentation runs, and participate in downstream packaging.

The role involves strict hygiene, data entry, safety protocols, and collaboration with teammates to drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English.
• Basic math skills including metric conversions.
• SAP experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, operate, adjust, clean, and sanitize fermentation equipment.
• Mix raw materials, oversee fermentation runs, and downstream separation/bulk packaging.
• Handle materials including transporting product to/from -55°C freezers and ensure traceability.
• Collect samples for Quality Control testing.
• Follow GMPs, ISO safety protocols, sanitary requirements, and Kosher/Halal compliance.
• Complete accurate documentation and data entry for production and quality records.

Skills

English proficiency

Basic math

Reading production journals

Communication

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 ImpactAs 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 & BenefitsHourly rate: $19–$25 per hour, based on experience. plus shift premium401(k) with up to a 9% company contributionMinimum of 3 weeks of vacation plus 12 holidays and 2 weeks of Wellness TimeHealth, Dental, Vision & Life insuranceHealthcare savings account optionEmployee assistance programParental leaveTuition reimbursementAll benefits begin on your first dayRelevant Information• Application deadline: 10/23/26Our purpose guides the wayIn 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 everyoneWe 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 openingsIf 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