2nd Shift Industrial Fermentation Lead Operator

This is a hands-on biomanufacturing role is primary responsible to execute and troubleshoot production runs, equipment, and core fermentation department functions. Collaboration with Shift Supervisor and Fermentation Manager on continuous improvement innovations, training new employees, process troubleshooting, and action items for the team. Responsible for maintaining the Industrial Fermentation area in good working order including ordering supplies, organization, cleaning, and coordinating with Fermentation Lab staff.

Strong troubleshooting skills and strong mechanical aptitude are both required to be a Lead, as well as understanding of process controls and automation is necessary.

Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Ensure SOPs are adhered to, documentation is filled out fully and correctly.
• Lead by example, embodying strong worth ethic, a level head, and good-natured professionalism.
• Facilitate smooth handoffs of products and samples between Fermentation, QC, and Production teams.
• Work with management to fix errors and improvise solutions.
• Streamline workflow, ensure work areas are kept clean and organized, adapting to changing conditions on the floor while maintaining 5S standards.
• Work closely with both Management and Maintenance teams, as well as contractors as necessary to advance department goals.
• Prepare, batch, sterilize, monitor, and process production-scale fermenters. This includes (but not limited to) media preparation, probe calibration, pH adjustment, batch sterilization/autoclaving, inoculum preparation, down-stream processing, etc. as directed by the Fermentation Supervisor.
• Troubleshoot process and perform basic PM and repairs on equipment.
• Assist with efforts in other departments when needed.
• Maintain impeccable notes and logs.
• Perform basic microbiological tests when the fermentations lab is not available.
• Work well as a team with fermentation, lab, and maintenance personnel.
• Step in for supervisors to lead operators during supervisors’ absence.
• Shift work will be required.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to juggle multiple tasks and prioritize workload.
• Ability to work well as part of a team.
• Ambition to master and improve fermentation department.
• Mindset of responsibility, organization, collaboration, and strong work ethic.

Education and/or Experience:

• Leadership experience on a work team is necessary.
• Industrial experience required.
• Bachelor of Science in a related field is preferred, but not essential.

Computer Skills: Microsoft office tools such as including Excel, Word, and Outlook.

Physical Demands: Employee must lift up to 50 pounds on a regular basis. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Benefits: Competitive Salary, Medical, Dental, 401k Matching, Paid Time Off, Life Insurance, and Tuition Reimbursement.