At Houdek, we are pioneering sustainable solutions in agriculture by transforming soybeans into high-value ingredients that support animal health, environmental stewardship, and food system innovation. Based in South Dakota, we take pride in creating products that are rooted in science, powered by nature, and designed to make a meaningful difference.

We're growing fast and looking for people who want to be part of something bold and impactful. Our team works with purpose and pride, guided by the core values that shape our culture:

🔹 Safety - We are committed to maintaining a safe, responsible, and healthy environment for all.

🔹 Quality - From process to product, we hold ourselves to the highest standards.

🔹 Respect - We foster a workplace where every voice matters and collaboration thrives.

🔹 Transparency - We communicate clearly, honestly, and often with our teams and our partners.

🔹 Innovation - We challenge convention, solve complex problems, and drive new possibilities every day.

If you're ready to join a team working toward a more sustainable future, we invite you to apply today.

JOB DUTIES

As a key member of the Fermentation team, this role will report to the Production Supervisor and will be responsible for the following:

• Respect a culture of safety first for you and your peers through strict adherence to health and safety procedures and protocols.
• Meticulously execute Standard Operating Procedures, including checklists, for aseptically preparing sterile seed cultures for production fermentation, with culture sizes ranging from lab to production scale
• Evaluate culture purity, cell growth, and cell quality in the production seed train and primary fermentation.
• Monitor and operate equipment per operational instructions and use a distributed control system.
• Perform maintenance, inspection, and cleaning of equipment following operational instructions.
• Observe gauges, dials, or other indicators to ensure equipment is working correctly.
• Communicate with the production team to facilitate processes.
• Report on when maintenance or repairs are necessary.
• Complete all required LMS and field training.
• Notify the Fermentation Lead or Shift Lead of any problems or issues.
• Ensure complete and accurate log entries of all pertinent operational issues.
• Ensure complete and accurate RECs, checklists, and shift reports.
• Evaluate data daily to ensure the process is under control.
• Ensure data is correct and up to date in the tracking file.
• Responsible for continued learning and progression through tier levels.
• Pass all proficiency tests as required.
• Become efficient at using microscopes.
• Any other tasks as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• BSc in a science-related field or associate degree/diploma in a science or engineering field preferred.
• Ability to multitask and maintain focus and quality of each task.
• Experience and/or coursework in microbiology and aseptic technique preferred.
• Strong technical and mechanical troubleshooting abilities preferred.
• Experience with plant operations equipment is a plus.
• Experience with microscopy, spectroscopy, and assay development is a plus.
• Ability to follow company Standard Operating Procedures.
• Ability to work independently and with excellent time management.
• Ability to follow protocols with high precision and accuracy.
• Keen attention to detail with strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Quick and effective diagnosis and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Basic understanding of laboratory safety.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.