At Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition, we are making significant advances in food and health with new ideas and innovative technologies. We are seeking candidates with energy and enthusiasm to be part of our growing team throughout North America. As an Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition employee, you are part of a diverse, innovative, and collaborative community committed to enhancing lives through nutrition and health. Our team is committed to providing amino acid-based solutions that create better lives for all.

POSITION PURPOSE: This position is responsible for monitoring & controlling the fermentation/purification process through field work, communication, and lab testing, all while maintaining safety, quality, and productivity standards. 

SCHEDULE: Twelve-hour alternating shift schedule (2 weeks on days, 2 weeks on nights); must be able to work holidays, evenings, and weekends. Work three days one week (36 hours) and four days the next week (48 hours - 8 hours built in OT).

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE: · High School diploma or equivalent · Experience in food or feed industry manufacturing setting is preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: · Must be self-motivated and show a willingness to learn · Computer knowledge (Microsoft Office, EMaint., SAP, Velocity, etc.) · Ability to multi-task · Ability to professionally interact and communicate with others · Good written and verbal communication skills · Strong teamwork and collaboration skills · Mechanical aptitude and/or a willingness to learn how to troubleshoot mechanical issues · Use of required personal protective equipment when in the manufacturing environment · Working around large manufacturing machines and equipment · Lab analytical and measurement instrumentation · Other general equipment used at an industrial site (i.e. hoist, pallet jack, freight elevator, etc.)

WORKING CONDITIONS: Fast paced bio-processing manufacturing environment working both in a plant setting. May perform activities in an environment containing hazardous elements and requiring safety awareness and adherence to all safety policies and guidelines. Work must be performed in a safe manner for personal protection and for the protection of other team members. All safety, environmental and quality procedures (SOPs, JHAs, and ISO standards) in all functional areas must be strictly complied with.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: · Sitting, standing, walking, repetitive use of hands/arms/legs, and eye/hand coordination for 4+ hours a day · Occasional bending, reaching overhead, crouching, balancing, pushing or pulling · Occasional lifting of 50 lbs. or less, occasional need to lift up to 75 lbs. · Ability to operate general manufacturing powered equipment and tools

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Safety, Environmental, & Quality Compliance

· Utilize safe work habits and follow all policies and procedures

· Make sound decisions while not compromising safety, environmental or quality standards

· Assist with audits as required

· Turn in any hazards as they are identified to get them corrected as soon as possible

· Attend regularly scheduled training sessions to stay current on all compliance initiatives

· Ensure compliance with all governmental regulations and policies

· Test product samples in a field lab and log proper documentation of the results

· Maintain a clean lab environment while operating lab equipment & perform necessary calibrations on lab equipment

Production (Fermentation & Purification as applicable)

· Diagnose, troubleshoot & correct any issues when they develop outside of normal operating conditions while at workstation

· Maintain data sheets with necessary test results completed and documented in required fields

· Gain an understanding for the automation of the process, keeping process running within required parameters

· Maintain process consistency and monitor process trends to troubleshoot abnormal conditions

· Communicate process status to production management via daily memos, emails, documentation

· Perform light maintenance duties such as diaphragm replacement, pre and final filter replacement, change out valves or probes, etc.

Continuous Improvement & Collaboration

· Suggest/implement process improvement, cost down, or best practice ideas

· Continually strive for increasing processing efficiencies

· Complete 5S activities to keep the work area clean and organized

· Complete shift notes and exchange information between shifts

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions for this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned. 

Ajinomoto is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not discriminate because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, disability, age (40 or older) or genetic information (including family medical history) for recruitment, hiring, and promotion decisions.