Research Engineer - Decatur, IL

Company: Archer Daniels Midland
Location: Decatur
Posted on: April 1, 2026

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

Keywords: Archer Daniels Midland, Peoria , Research Engineer - Decatur, IL, Science, Research & Development , Decatur, Illinois