Fermentation Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Fermentation Technician produces microbial products for the food, biofuels, and pharmaceutical industries using industrial fermentation processes. This role combines hands-on operation of large-scale fermentation equipment with basic laboratory testing and documentation to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality production of microbial solutions.

Responsibilities

• Produce microbial products for food, biofuels, and pharmaceutical applications using established fermentation processes.
• Follow detailed work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and batch records to scale up microbes from initial cultures through full production.
• Prepare media and microbial solutions accurately to support fermentation runs.
• Operate large-scale fermentation instrumentation and equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
• Apply aseptic technique daily when handling cultures, media, and equipment to maintain sterility and prevent contamination.
• Perform sterilization, inoculation, and product recovery activities as needed throughout the process.
• Track product from start to finish, including documenting recovery, total yield, and quantities at each processing step.
• Conduct in-process and finished product testing using instruments such as GC/HPLC with associated ChemStation software, Karl Fischer titration, optical density measurements, pH meters, and microscopes for cell counts and contamination checks.
• Work with Clean-In-Place (CIP) systems to support sanitation and processing of fermentation equipment.
• Complete production, analytical, and quality documentation accurately and in a timely manner.
• Utilize SAP or similar enterprise systems to record production data, inventory, and process information.
• Collaborate with other fermentation team members and laboratory staff to ensure smooth operations and on-time delivery of microbial products.

• Practical understanding of fermentation principles and processes, including microbial growth and scale-up.
• Ability to operate fermentation equipment and related processing systems in a manufacturing or laboratory environment.
• Hands-on experience or training in aseptic technique for handling microbial cultures and sterile media.
• Ability to perform basic laboratory testing on microbial solutions, including in-process and finished product analyses.
• Familiarity with or ability to learn the use of analytical instruments such as GC/HPLC, Karl Fischer, optical density measurement devices, pH meters, and microscopes.
• Ability to follow SOPs, batch records, and detailed written instructions with high attention to detail.
• Comfort working in a food, chemical, or microbial manufacturing environment.
• Basic computer skills and ability to learn systems such as SAP for data entry and documentation.

• Educational background in Biology, Microbiology, Fermentation, or a related scientific or technical discipline.
• Experience in food manufacturing, chemical operations, or microbial manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with CIP (Clean-In-Place) systems for sanitation and processing.
• Experience working with SOPs and quality documentation in a regulated or process-driven environment.
• Interest in developing a career in fermentation, including recent college graduates seeking hands-on industry experience.
• Strong teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills in a production setting.

The role is based at a microbial manufacturing site that includes both production and laboratory areas. The Fermentation Technician works closely with a small team of approximately three to five colleagues in the fermentation area to scale up microbes for customers, and also spends time in the lab preparing microbial solutions and performing basic analytical tests. The position follows a 1st shift 12-hour rotating day schedule, typically from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with a shift differential available when transitioning to night shift. The environment involves working around large-scale fermentation equipment, CIP systems, and standard laboratory instruments, with an emphasis on cleanliness, aseptic technique, and adherence to safety and quality procedures. The organization offers strong benefits and performance-based, competitive compensation once hired on, providing a stable and growth-oriented setting for individuals interested in fermentation and microbial manufacturing.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Menomonee Falls, WI.

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $30.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Menomonee Falls,WI.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 10, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.