Tech I Production

Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition North America, Inc.; Eddyville (IA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Annual bonus opportunity

401(k) with company contributions

Medical, dental, and vision from day 1

Paid time off and holidays

Paid parental leave

Wellness programs and reimbursement

Work flexibility

Life and disability insurance

Employee assistance program

Tuition reimbursement

Career growth and development

Mental health support

Job summary

Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition North America, Inc. seeks a fermentation and purification operator to monitor and control processes, perform field work, and run lab tests. The role emphasizes safety, quality, and productivity in a fast-paced bio-processing setting.

Candidates should be adaptable to 12-hour rotating shifts (days/nights) and possess a high school diploma with preferred experience in food or feed manufacturing. Strong teamwork and mechanical aptitude are a plus.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in food or feed industry manufacturing setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and control the fermentation/purification process with field work, communication and lab testing.
• Maintain safety, quality and productivity standards in a fast-paced bio-processing environment.
• Operate and troubleshoot lab equipment and general manufacturing tools.
• Work rotating 12-hour shifts (2 weeks days, 2 weeks nights), 7:30–7:30.

Skills

Self-motivation

MS Office

SAP

Velocity

Multi-tasking

Communication

Teamwork

Mechanical aptitude

PPE usage

Lab instrumentation

Equipment operation

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

EMaint.

SAP

Velocity

Microsoft Office

Job description

At Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition, we are making significant advances in food and health with new ideas and innovative technologies. We are seeking candidates with energy and enthusiasm to be part of our growing team throughout North America. As an Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition employee, you are part of a diverse, innovative, and collaborative community committed to enhancing lives through nutrition and health. Our team is committed to providing amino acid-based solutions that create better lives for all.

We do not use AI to screen applications. Applications and resumes of qualified applicants are reviewed by a real person because we value your time and believe each qualified applicant deserves thoughtful, human consideration. It’s an old‑fashioned approach—done with purpose.

Our people are the key ingredient to our success. We offer a collaborative, innovative environment where you can grow your career and make an impact on global food and health solutions.

comprehensive and competitive total rewards package

• Competitive Pay and Annual Bonus Opportunity
• 401(k) with Company Contributions
• Medical, Dental, and Vision — Effective Day 1
• Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, and Floating Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Wellness Programs and Yearly Wellness Reimbursement
• Work Flexibility
• Company-Paid Life and Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition Reimbursement Opportunities
• Career Growth and Development within a Global Organization
• Company-Provided Mental Health and Caregiving support

This position is responsible for monitoring & controlling the fermentation/purification process through field work, communication, and lab testing, all while maintaining safety, quality, and productivity standards.

Schedule - This is a rotating 12-hour shift position. 2 weeks on dayshift and 2 weeks on nightshift. 730-730

Education, Certifications and Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Experience in food or feed industry manufacturing setting is preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must be self-motivated and show a willingness to learn
• Computer knowledge (Microsoft Office, EMaint., SAP, Velocity, etc.)
• Ability to multi-task
• Ability to professionally interact and communicate with others
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
• Mechanical aptitude and/or a willingness to learn how to troubleshoot mechanical issues
• Use of required personal protective equipment when in the manufacturing environment
• Working around large manufacturing machines and equipment
• Lab analytical and measurement instrumentation
• Other general equipment used at an industrial site (i.e. hoist, pallet jack, freight elevator, etc.)

WORKING CONDITIONS

Fast paced bio-processing manufacturing environment working both in a plant setting. May perform activities in an environment containing hazardous elements and requiring safety awareness and adherence to all safety policies and guidelines. Work must be performed in a safe manner for personal protection and for the protection of other team members. All safety, environmental and quality procedures (SOPs, JHAs, and ISO standards) in all functional areas must be strictly complied with.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Sitting, standing, walking, repetitive use of hands/arms/legs, and eye/hand coordination for 4+ hours a day
• Occasional bending, reaching overhead, crouching, balancing, pushing or pulling
• Occasional lifting of 50 lbs. or less, occasional need to lift up to 75 lbs.
• Ability to operate general manufacturing powered equipment and tools
• Ability to wear a respirator according to the Company respiratory program

Safety, Environmental, & Quality Compliance

• Utilize safe work habits and follow all policies and procedures
• Make sound decisions while not compromising safety, environmental or quality standards
• Assist with audits as required
• Turn in any hazards as they are identified to get them corrected as soon as possible
• Attend regularly scheduled training sessions to stay current on all compliance initiatives
• Ensure compliance with all governmental regulations and policies
• Test product samples in a field lab and log proper documentation of the results
• Maintain a clean lab environment while operating lab equipment & perform necessary calibrations on lab equipment

Production (Fermentation & Purification as applicable)

• Diagnose, troubleshoot & correct any issues when they develop outside of normal operating conditions while at workstation
• Maintain data sheets with necessary test results completed and documented in required fields
• Gain an understanding for the automation of the process, keeping process running within required parameters
• Maintain process consistency and monitor process trends to troubleshoot abnormal conditions
• Communicate process status to production management via daily memos, emails, documentation
• Perform light maintenance duties such as diaphragm replacement, pre and final filter replacement, change out valves or probes, etc.

Continuous Improvement & Collaboration

• Suggest/implement process improvement, cost down, or best practice ideas
• Continually strive for increasing processing efficiencies
• Complete 5S activities to keep the work area clean and organized
• Complete shift notes and exchange information between shifts.

24.00

Ajinomoto is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis protected by state, federal, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.