Research Process Engineer - Decatur, IL

Job Description

Research Process Engineer - Decatur, IL
ADM Research & Development
This is an exempt level position.

ADM, a global leader in human and animal nutrition and the world's premier agricultural origination and processing company, has an opening for a Research Process Engineer at our Corporate Research Center located in Decatur, IL!

Position Summary
This Research Process Engineer is responsible for driving process improvement and process development projects focused on implementation of new technologies in existing production and piloting facilities. This role will supervise the evaluation of existing production equipment and recommend improvements in support of the production of chemicals, food ingredients, and advanced biofuels. This position will provide mass and energy balances, P&IDs, and economic evaluation, as well as supporting documentation and project reports, and will work with a variety of groups, including vendors, contractors, Operations, Commercial, and R&D teams.

Job Responsibilities
The following represents most duties to be performed by the position but is not meant to be all-inclusive and will not prevent other duties from being assigned when appropriate.

• Conduct engineering studies and recommend process changes for industrial food, industrial chemical, and advanced biofuels processes.
• Evaluate production and pilot process upsets to determine root causes and recommend process changes to improve performance.
• Prepare mass and energy balances of unit operations or whole plants.
• Assess various performance specifications for key unit operations or equipment.
• Design of experiments for plant and pilot trials, or to provide technical support to existing facilities.
• Work with CoE, plant engineers, R&D engineers, vendors, and contractors to set up equipment and support pilot or plant trials in industrial environments.
• Write detailed reports and prepare comprehensive presentations.
• Plan and execute engineering and research projects, including implementation and supervision of proposed changes in the field as needed.
• Function as a workstream lead and risk owner for assigned project objectives, including active participation in development of project work plans.
• Generate and advance new research ideas to project status through a phase-gated project management process.

Skills and Proficiencies

• A master's degree in chemical engineering, or bachelor's degree in chemical engineering with 5 years of experience in process operations and design and/or piloting improvement projects in the food and/or chemical industry, or equivalent is required.
• Experience with a range of unit operations, such as fermentation, filtration, centrifugation, liquid-liquid extraction, distillation, evaporation, carbon treatment, ion exchange, chromatographic separation, drying equipment, solids handling, enzymatic treatments, and varied chemical reactors.
• Experience with evaluation and implementation of new technologies into existing production facilities is desired.
• Understanding of complex system interactions and ability to identify the root causes of process irregularities.
• Well-developed analytical skills to analyze and interpret scientific data during design and evaluation of chemical processes.
• Good written and oral communication skills to effectively communicate with managers, engineering, R&D colleagues, and business teams via reports and presentations.
• Strong organizational skills to manage large amounts of data and multiple projects.
• Able to function within matrix project management environment.
• Able to develop new knowledge and skills to deliver on project objectives.
• Strong leadership skills to encourage open collaboration, provide expertise, and positively contribute to Research teams.

Position Requirements

• Must be willing to travel, as travel to multiple locations is expected, as well as willing to switch to a shift schedule, if needed for plant trials.
• Comfortable managing/participating in various projects concurrently.
• Must work collaboratively and flexibly, adapting to changing project demands while maintaining focus on safety and quality.
• Actively participate in fostering diversity and inclusivity.
• Must work within established company and laboratory safety guidelines.
• Willingness to formally and informally mentor junior colleagues to assist with skill development.
• Willingness to spend time in plant areas, tolerate extreme temperatures, walk long distances, stand, climb stairs and ladders, and move through close spaces.

Competencies
Communication, curiosity, integrity, mechanical aptitude, problem solving, independent judgment, teamwork, persistence, detail focused, and commitment to safety.

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:96858BR

About ADM

At ADM, we unlock the power of nature to provide access to nutrition worldwide. With industry-advancing innovations, a complete portfolio of ingredients and solutions to meet any taste, and a commitment to sustainability, we give customers an edge in solving the nutritional challenges of today and tomorrow. We're a global leader in human and animal nutrition and the world's premier agricultural origination and processing company. Our breadth, depth, insights, facilities and logistical expertise give us unparalleled capabilities to meet needs for food, beverages, health and wellness, and more. From the seed of the idea to the outcome of the solution, we enrich the quality of life the world over. Learn more at ;br>
#IncludingYou

Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are cornerstones of ADM's efforts to continue innovating, driving growth, and delivering outstanding performance. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce and create welcoming, truly inclusive work environments - environments that enable every ADM colleague to feel comfortable on the job, make meaningful contributions to our success, and grow their career. We respect and value the unique backgrounds and experiences that each person can bring to ADM because we know that diversity of perspectives makes us better, together.

We are committed to ensuring all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We welcome everyone to apply, especially those individuals who are underrepresented in our industry, as we strive to ensure our workforce represents the world that we help to feed: people of color, women, gender non-conforming, LGBTQIA+, veterans and persons with disabilities. For more information regarding our efforts to advance Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging, please visit our website here: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion ADM.

Benefits and Perks

Enriching the quality of life for the world begins by taking care of our colleagues. In addition to competitive pay, we support your diverse needs with a comprehensive total rewards package to enhance your well-being, including:

• Physical wellness - medical/Rx, dental, vision and on-site wellness center access or gym reimbursement (as applicable).
• Financial wellness - flexible spending accounts, health savings account, 401(k) with matching contributions and cash balance plan, discounted employee stock purchasing program, life insurance, disability, workers' compensation, legal assistance, identity theft protection.
• Mental and social wellness - Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Colleague Giving Programs (ADM Cares).

Additional benefits include:

• Paid time off including paid holidays.
• Adoption assistance and paid maternity and parental leave.
• Tuition assistance.
• Company-sponsored training and development resources, such as LinkedIn Learning, language training and mentoring programs.

*Benefits may vary for bargained locations, confirm benefit eligibility with your recruiter.

Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours.

If hired, employees will be in an "at-will position" and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

The pay range for this position is expected to be between: