Fermentation Technician

Job Title: Fermentation Technician

Job Description

This role focuses on producing microbial products for the food, biofuels, and pharmaceutical industries using industrial fermentation processes. The Fermentation Technician follows detailed work instructions and batch records to scale up microbes, operate large-scale fermentation equipment, and perform basic laboratory testing on microbial solutions. The position combines hands-on production work in a microbial manufacturing facility with analytical testing in a laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Produce microbial products for food, biofuels, and pharmaceutical applications using established fermentation processes.
• Follow specific work instructions and batch records to scale up microbes from initial cultures to large-scale production.
• Prepare media and microbial solutions accurately and consistently to support fermentation runs.
• Operate large-scale fermentation instrumentation and equipment safely and efficiently.
• Apply aseptic technique daily to prevent contamination during all stages of fermentation and sampling.
• Perform sterilization, inoculation, and product recovery activities as needed throughout the production process.
• Track total product from start to finish, including recovery, total yield, and quantities at each processing step.
• Conduct simple in-process and finished product testing using instruments such as GC/HPLC and associated HP ChemStation software, Karl-Fisher, optical density measurements, pH meters, and microscopes for cell counts and contamination checks.
• Work with Clean-in-Place (CIP) systems for sanitation and processing of fermentation equipment.
• Complete production, analytical, and quality documentation accurately, clearly, and in a timely manner.
• Utilize the SAP system to record data, track materials, and support production and quality processes.
• Collaborate with other fermentation team members in both the manufacturing area and laboratory to meet production and quality targets.

Essential Skills

• Ability to operate fermentation equipment and understand the fermentation process in a production environment.
• Practical understanding of fermentation principles and how they apply to scaling up microbial cultures.
• Demonstrated experience or training in aseptic technique and contamination control.
• Ability to perform basic laboratory testing on microbial solutions, including in-process and finished product samples.
• Experience using analytical instruments such as GC/HPLC and associated HP ChemStation software, Karl-Fisher, optical density measurements, pH meters, and microscopes.
• Familiarity with Clean-in-Place (CIP) systems and sanitation procedures for processing equipment.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs), batch records, and detailed written instructions.
• Basic understanding of biology, microbiology, or fermentation science gained through education or hands-on experience.
• Comfort working with SAP or similar enterprise systems for production and quality documentation.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in documentation, testing, and equipment operation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Education or background in Biology, Microbiology, or Fermentation.
• Experience in food, chemical, or microbial manufacturing environments.
• Experience as a chemical operator or in a similar production role involving process equipment.
• Familiarity with working under standard operating procedures (SOPs) in a regulated or quality-focused environment.
• Interest in building a career in fermentation, microbial manufacturing, or related process industries.
• Ability to work effectively in a team setting with other fermentation and laboratory personnel.
• Willingness to work rotating night shifts and adapt to a structured production schedule.

Work Environment

This role is based at a microbial manufacturing site that includes both a production area and a laboratory. The Fermentation Technician works closely with a small team of three to five colleagues in the fermentation area to scale up microbes for customer needs, and also spends time in the lab preparing microbial solutions and performing basic analytical testing.

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 Jun 30, 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.

Salary : $24 - $30