Production Specialist

Interested in a career that matters?

Do you want to play a key role in ensuring the quality and performance of biosolutions used across food and feed industries? Join the West Allis Process & Technology (P&T) team — a highly collaborative group of microbiologists and engineers dedicated to optimizing product quality and plant performance.

Our team thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where problem-solving and continuous improvement are part of everyday work. As a service-oriented function, we partner closely with teams across the site and globally to ensure Novonesis biosolutions consistently perform in our customers’ processes and deliver safe, healthy products.

The Role & Your Impact As a Production Specialist, you will operate in a mixed operational and tactical role within the Culture Plant, focusing on safety, quality, compliance, efficiency, and continuous improvement. You will be a key driver in solving day-to-day production challenges while also leading initiatives to optimize and enhance plant processes.

Key responsibilities:

Lead root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for culture performance issues and deviations

Collaborate cross-functionally with Fermentation, Packaging, Maintenance, QC, and QA teams

Manage and support projects to improve production processes, introduce new cultures, and enhance efficiency

Conduct KPI analysis, safety observations, process confirmations, and training activities

Develop and maintain standards, support audits, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives (e.g., kaizen, waste walks)
Participate in global network alignment and best practice sharing

What You’ll Need to Be Successful

Required qualifications:

Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, Biology, or a related field

At least 2 years of relevant experience (food science, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, brewing, or similar)
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Experience working in a production or manufacturing environment

Technical and professional skills:

Familiarity with Microsoft Office and production systems (e.g., SAP, LIMS, PLCs)
Fluent in English (written and spoken)
Ability to collaborate effectively across multiple stakeholders and disciplines

Core competencies:

Strong collaboration and stakeholder alignment skills

Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with shifting priorities

Commitment to safety, quality, compliance, and continuous improvement

Confidence in sharing insights and driving improvements

Additional Skills & Interests We Value

Experience with project management methodologies

Knowledge of systematic problem-solving frameworks

Familiarity with LEAN or Six Sigma principles

Exposure to GMP-regulated environments

What We Offer At Novonesis, you’ll join a purpose-driven organization committed to making a positive impact through biosolutions.

We offer:

Opportunities to work on meaningful challenges that directly impact product quality and customer outcomesA collaborative, global working environment with strong cross-functional engagement

Continuous learning and development opportunitiesA culture that values innovation, safety, and inclusion

Ways of Working This role is based at the WEA Culture Plant, where you will work across both office and manufacturing environments.

Primarily day shift hours within a 24/7 production environment

Occasional off-shift and weekend work to support projects or production needs

Participation in a rotating off-shift support schedule

Flexible scheduling with an expectation of a minimum of 40 hours per week Travel requirements are minimal (less than 10%)Compensation & Benefits Expected base salary: $80,000 – $95,000 per year
401(k) with up to a 9% company contribution

Minimum of 3 weeks of vacation plus 12 holidays and 2 weeks of Wellness Time Health, Dental, Vision & Life insurance

Healthcare savings account option

Employee assistance program

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

All benefits begin on your first day Relevant Information Application deadline: 7/31/26

Our purpose guides the wayIn Novonesis, we know that solutions rooted in biology can help solve humanity’s biggest challenges. Since we began more than a century ago, this has been…