Pilot Plant Fermentation Operator - Scale-up Specialist

Manus Bio; Augusta (GA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Manus Bio in Augusta, GA is seeking a highly motivated Pilot Plant Fermentation Operator to join the manufacturing and process development team. You will help operate, maintain, and troubleshoot the pilot plant, supporting fermentation and downstream work while ensuring safety and quality.

This role requires hands-on problem solving, collaboration across teams, and adherence to environmental, safety, and quality requirements.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Minimum of 3 years downstream or related plant operator experience.
• Must be able to follow minimal instructions and support safe work practices.
• Must be an excellent team member with strong communication skills and a desire to work collaboratively.
• Must be flexible with day-to-day duties and able to thrive in a start-up environment.
• Must hold themselves to the highest professional and ethical standards.
• Some familiarity with the production fermentation and downstream processes and equipment as well as microbiological and analytical laboratory procedures.
• Demonstrates flexibility in job rotations/various assignments.
• Basic PC skills which include Windows, Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Interface with process development team to provide resources to solve fermentation and product isolation challenges.
• Execute and help evaluate experiments.
• Perform downstream purification operations including centrifugation, chromatography (e.g., affinity, ion exchange), filtration (TFF, depth, sterile).
• Set up, operate, and clean process equipment such as columns, tanks, and filtration systems.
• Collect, label, and process in-process and final product samples.
• Monitor process parameters, record data, and ensure batch documentation is completed accurately.
• Perform cleaning and sterilization of equipment and cleanroom areas (CIP/SIP procedures).
• Assist in deviation investigations and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with upstream and quality departments to ensure efficient process flow and product quality.
• Maintain inventory of DSP consumables and request resupply as needed.
• Become familiar with all required batch records, execute according to the batch records and ensure clear communication of the targeted design parameters.
• Execute day-to-day Pilot Plant activities, coordinating equipment maintenance and installation activities, troubleshooting process upsets, troubleshooting equipment and instrumentation problems, optimizing operations, addressing contamination issues, addressing downtime or other runtime losses.
• Maintain the upkeep of the Pilot Plant equipment through the process of initiating work notifications/work orders and maintenance scheduling; Be capable of correcting minor maintenance issues.
• Adhere to company environmental, safety, and health policies and procedure. Ensure Pilot Plant compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
• Physical demand requirements are more than sedentary work due to inspection of equipment. Must be able to climb stairs and ladders. Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
• Must be able to wear the required protective equipment, including respirators when needed.
• Work schedule is considered shift but will vary depending on manufacturing plan and other extraordinary conditions.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Safety practices

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

SAP

DeltaV controls

Microsoft Office

Job description

Manus Bio in Augusta, GA is seeking a highly motivated Pilot Plant Fermentation Operator to join the manufacturing and process development team. You will help operate, maintain, and troubleshoot the pilot plant, supporting fermentation and downstream work while ensuring safety and quality.

This role requires hands-on problem solving, collaboration across teams, and adherence to environmental, safety, and quality requirements.