Research Engineer - Decatur, IL

Job Description

Research Engineer - Decatur, IL

This is a full time exempt position

Position Summary:

ADM Research & Development is seeking a Research Engineer who is passionate about driving innovation and making meaningful contributions to process improvement initiatives. This individual will join the Human Nutrition Research & Development team, supporting nutrition ingredient research with a focus on protein extraction and isolation. The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in food ingredients and a hands-on enthusiasm for working with pilot-scale equipment.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Work with pilot plant equipment to:

• Optimize ADM's processes by identifying and evaluating opportunities for productivity improvements.

• Produce food ingredient prototypes to support the development of new technologies, innovative ingredients, and customer-focused solutions.

• Design and conduct experiments to support project objectives, including analysis and interpretation of experimental and analytical data.

• Promptly document experimental results through written reports and presentations, clearly communicating findings to both technical and commercial stakeholders.

• Serve as project manager for assigned research projects, leading them through the ADM R&D development process and ensuring completion of all required project management documentation.

• Develop a strong understanding of ADM operations and provide process troubleshooting and scale-up support.

• Strive to develop expertise in understanding how processing impacts the quality and functionality of food ingredients.

• Champion safety standards within pilot facilities by adhering to required training and safety protocols, and by leading the completion of all necessary safety documentation.

Job Requirements:

• A Bachelor's Degree or higher in chemical engineering or related field of study
• 2-7 years of experience working with food ingredients at pilot or production scales
• Knowledge of unit operations including drying, centrifugation, mixing, blending and thermal treatments is preferred
• Experience with protein processing is preferred
• A project management background is desired
• Must be self-motivated and demonstrate strong problem-solving skills
• Able to work independently as well as a member of a team
• Must possess good interpersonal skills and the ability to work and communicate directly with cross functional resources
• Willingness to travel up to 15% as well as willing to switch to a shift schedule if needed for pilot trials

Excited about this role but don't think you meet every requirement listed? We encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings.

ADM requires the successful completion of a background check.

REF:106686BR