What are the responsibilities and job description for the Soy Sauce Fermentation Technician position at LEE KUM KEE?
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ABOUT THE COMPANY
Founded in 1888, Lee Kum Kee, a Hong Kong-based global food company, specializes in creating condiments and sauces that promote Chinese cuisine worldwide. With more than 300 products to choose from, Lee Kum Kee takes the mystery out of cooking authentic and delicious Asian foods in the comfort of your kitchen. Lee Kum Kee is committed to providing authentic and innovative condiments and sauces featuring the highest quality ingredients. Armed with a unique management culture, stringent quality control, superb and innovative products, coupled with the century long brand reputation, Lee Kum Kee has achieved unanimous recognition and won numerous prestigious awards.
Lee Kum Kee (USA) Inc., a division of Lee Kum Kee International Holdings Ltd., has its headquarters and manufacturing facilities in City of Industry, CA with more than 500 employees (Americas Zone). We are looking for the best and brightest talents to join our company and work together to bring the next level of success!
BENEFITS
Medical, Dental, and Life Insurance coverage
401(k) Retirement Plan through Principal
Two (2) Weeks Vacation
Ten (10) Paid Holidays
Five (5) Sick Days
…And More!
It is Lee Kum Kee’s policy to seek and employ the most qualified persons in all jobs in a manner which will ensure equal employment opportunity as well as administer personnel actions in a manner as to not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability or protected veteran status. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Soy Sauce Fermentation Technician is responsible for performing fermentation-related operations, including fermentation tank monitoring, UHT/pasteurization processes, mixing and circulation, yeast activation and inoculation, Koji seed preparation, sampling, and process documentation. This role works closely with the Fermentation Lead, Quality Assurance, Engineering, and Technical teams to ensure proper process control, safety, and product quality. May require Saturday work or overtime based on production needs.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Fermentation Tank Operation
- Operate fermentation tanks, including mixing, recirculation, and temperature control.
- Monitor fermentation parameters such as temperature, pH, salinity, aroma, and foam behavior.
- Record process data, deviations, and observations accurately.
UHT / Pasteurization Operations
- Operate UHT, pasteurization, or holding systems for fermentation liquid.
- Verify temperature, flow rate, holding time, and system stability.
- Report abnormal readings or equipment concerns.
Mixing & Circulation
- Set up and verify mixing cycles based on SOPs.
- Adjust mixing speed, circulation flow, and timing as required.
- Check mixing uniformity and identify flow inconsistencies.
Yeast Management
- Perform yeast activation and inoculation according to SOPs.
- Verify yeast activity based on aroma, behavior, and settling characteristics.
- Maintain yeast tools and ensure sanitation before and after use.
Koji Seed Preparation
- Prepare and measure Koji seed according to dosage requirements.
- Verify Koji seed condition, including moisture, aroma, and viability.
- Ensure uniform distribution and proper storage conditions.
- Maintain Koji seed inventory and follow FIFO practices.
Sampling & QA Coordination
- Perform fermentation sampling using aseptic procedures.
- Submit samples to QA for analysis (AAN, TN, pH, color, viscosity).
- Communicate deviations and support corrective actions.
Material Transfers & Pump Operation
- Operate pumps and valves for tank-to-tank material transfers.
- Verify line setup, connections, and flow direction.
Sanitation, Safety & CIP
- Perform CIP for fermentation tanks and related piping.
- Verify chemical concentration, temperature, and cleaning steps.
- Follow GMP, chemical safety, and LOTO requirements.
Technical Communication
- Work with Fermentation Lead, QA, Engineering, and Technical teams.
- Report process deviations and provide feedback for improvement.
- Participate in technical discussions related to UHT, mixing, yeast, and Koji seed.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in fermentation, brewing, biotechnology, or food manufacturing
- Understanding of basic fermentation principles
- Ability to follow SOPs and maintain accurate documentation
- Ability to work in hot and wet environments and lift to 50 lbs
- Basic English communication skills
- Chinese language ability required for technical communication
Preferred
- Experience with fermentation tanks, UHT, or CIP systems
- Knowledge of GMP / HACCP / BRC
- Basic microbiology knowledge
May require Saturday work or overtime based on production needs.