Fermentation Technician

Job Title: Fermentation Technician Job Description
The Fermentation Technician produces microbial products for the food, biofuels, and pharmaceutical industries using controlled fermentation processes. This role operates large-scale fermentation equipment, prepares media and microbial solutions, performs basic analytical testing, and documents all production activities to ensure consistent, high-quality output. The position is well suited for individuals with hands-on fermentation experience or recent graduates in relevant scientific fields who are eager to build a career in microbial manufacturing.
Responsibilities
- Produce microbial products for use in food, biofuels, and pharmaceutical applications using established fermentation processes.
- Follow detailed work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and batch records to scale up microbes through the fermentation process.
- Prepare media and microbial solutions according to specifications to support fermentation runs.
- Operate and monitor large-scale fermentation instrumentation and equipment to maintain optimal process conditions.
- Apply aseptic technique on a daily basis to prevent contamination during preparation, inoculation, sampling, and processing.
- Perform sterilization, inoculation, and product recovery activities as needed throughout the production 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 all production, analytical, and quality documentation accurately and in a timely manner.
- Utilize the SAP system to record production data, inventory usage, and other relevant process information.
- Collaborate with other fermentation team members and laboratory staff to ensure smooth operation of scale-up activities and timely delivery of microbial products.
Essential Skills
- Understanding of fermentation principles and the ability to operate fermentation equipment in a production or laboratory setting.
- Practical experience with aseptic technique and contamination control in a microbial or laboratory environment.
- Ability to perform basic laboratory testing on microbial solutions, including in-process and finished product analyses.
- Familiarity with using analytical instruments such as GC/HPLC and associated ChemStation software, Karl Fischer, optical density measurements, pH meters, and microscopes.
- Ability to follow detailed SOPs, batch records, and written work instructions with strong attention to detail.
- Comfort working with CIP systems or similar sanitation and processing equipment in a manufacturing environment.
- Basic understanding of production, analytical, and quality documentation requirements.
- Ability to learn and use SAP or similar enterprise systems for tracking production and inventory.
- Educational background or training in Biology, Microbiology, Fermentation, or a closely related scientific or technical discipline.
- Willingness and ability to work a 12-hour rotating night shift schedule.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Degree or formal coursework in Biology, Microbiology, Fermentation, or a related field.
- Experience in food, chemical, or microbial manufacturing environments.
- background as a chemical operator or experience working with chemicals in a production setting.
- Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and standard operating procedures in a regulated environment.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot basic fermentation and equipment issues.
- Interest in building a long-term career in fermentation, microbial manufacturing, or bioprocessing.
- Ability to work effectively in a small team, communicate clearly, and collaborate with both production and laboratory personnel.
- Motivation to perform in a performance-based environment with opportunities for competitive pay and strong benefits upon hire.
Work Environment
The role is based at a microbial manufacturing site that includes both production and laboratory areas. The Fermentation Technician works closely with a team of three to five colleagues in the fermentation area and spends time in the lab preparing microbial solutions and performing basic analytical testing. The position follows a 12-hour rotating night shift from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. The two-week schedule is as follows: Week One Monday, Friday, and Saturday are workdays; Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are off. Week Two Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are workdays; Monday, Friday, and Saturday are off. The environment involves working around large-scale fermentation equipment, CIP systems, and standard laboratory instruments such as GC/HPLC, Karl Fischer, pH meters, spectrophotometers for optical density, and microscopes. The facility operates as a food, biofuels, and pharmaceutical-oriented microbial production site, with a focus on safety, cleanliness, and adherence to SOPs and documentation standards. Competitive, performance-based compensation and strong benefits are available upon hire, supporting a stable and growth-oriented work setting.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Menomonee Falls, WI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $30.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. 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)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Menomonee Falls,WI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 22, 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.

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