Fermentation Technician

The Fermentation Technician supports the production of high-quality food ingredients by operating and monitoring fermentation and related processing equipment in a sterile manufacturing environment. This role follows standardized formulas and good manufacturing practices to weigh, measure, and mix raw materials, while ensuring all processes meet cGMP, HACCP, FDA, and safety standards. The technician documents all activities accurately, assists with sanitation, and contributes to a strong culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Produce various food ingredients by following standardized formulas for weighing, measuring, and mixing raw materials under the direction of the lead and supervisor.
• Set up, operate, and control fermentation and related processes, including blending, drying, bulk fermentation, extraction, and filtration.
• Display and promote positive safety behaviors at all times, incorporating safety awareness and accident prevention into all tasks.
• Work in accordance with SHE (Safety, Health, and Environment) standards and encourage colleagues to follow the same standards.
• Maintain the assigned work area in a clean, organized, and safe condition, promptly cleaning up spills and materials.
• Operate process and utility equipment in a hygienic and safe manner in line with process procedures, cGMP, HACCP, FDA, and SHE instructions and guidelines.
• Set up, calibrate, and monitor instruments such as pH meters, temperature meters, conductivity meters, hydrometers, thermometers, and metal detection devices.
• Perform set up and take down activities associated with the sanitation process for equipment and production areas.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and respond to deviations in process conditions, product quality, equipment performance, and other variations.
• Use SAP to complete timely and accurate transactions, including maintaining process information (PI) sheets and related records.
• Set up recipes and standard operating procedures (SOPs), and execute operations such as mixing, pH adjustment, transfers, and process sequences while documenting all steps.
• Track and maintain inventory levels of raw materials and in-process products to ensure full traceability.
• Identify and take appropriate action when variations occur in raw materials, including foreign debris, color changes, smell, moisture, and temperature differences.
• Collect and prepare samples for Quality Assurance (QA) analysis according to defined procedures.
• Complete daily, weekly, and monthly sanitation schedules to maintain aseptic and sterile conditions in the facility.
• Write clear work instructions for tasks performed in the manufacturing environment to support consistency and compliance.
• Collaborate with team members and supervisors to support continuous improvement and a strong team culture.

• 2 or more years of food or chemical processing experience, or a 2- or 4-year degree in a scientific discipline such as Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related Sciences.
• 2 years of production or quality documentation experience in a regulated environment.
• Experience working under FDA regulations and in GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) environments.
• Knowledge of biology, chemistry, and biochemistry as they relate to fermentation and food or chemical processing.
• Hands-on experience with fermentation, including bulk fermentation and smaller scale fermentation operations.
• Experience with compounding, mixing, and blending of raw materials and media.
• Familiarity with dairy cultures, media preparation, and handling of cultures in aseptic or sterile environments.
• Ability to operate and calibrate laboratory and process instruments such as pH meters, temperature meters, conductivity meters, hydrometers, thermometers, and metal detection devices.
• Ability to follow and document SOPs, process steps, and quality records accurately and legibly.
• Basic proficiency using SAP or similar enterprise systems for process information and inventory transactions.
• Strong attention to detail for identifying variations in raw materials, product appearance, odor, moisture, and temperature.
• Commitment to working safely and following SHE, cGMP, HACCP, and FDA guidelines.

• Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related scientific field is preferred for candidates without prior industry experience.
• Experience in dairy processing, cultures, and media preparation is beneficial.
• Background in operating blenders and other mixing equipment in a manufacturing setting.
• Familiarity with aseptic and sterile technique in a production environment.
• Experience writing work instructions or SOPs in a manufacturing or laboratory setting.
• Strong problem-solving skills for troubleshooting process, product, and equipment deviations.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented culture that values internal advancement and professional growth.
• Interest in career development opportunities and education reimbursement programs.

This role is based in a manufacturing facility that operates as an aseptic and sterile bulk fermentation environment, including smaller scale fermentation operations. The Fermentation Technician works on-site around process and utility equipment, instrumentation, and production lines that require adherence to strict hygiene and cleanliness standards. The position follows a shift schedule of 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., with initial training on a day shift for approximately the first week, possibly longer. The environment emphasizes safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement, and offers internal opportunities for advancement and support for further education.

Job Type & Location

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

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $26.00/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 Germantown,WI.

This position is anticipated to close on May 13, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000 extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.

Salary : $22 - $26