Improvement Engineer - Decatur, IL

3374144No5998548410.00.010-Jun-2026Improvement Engineer - Decatur, ILEngineeringImprovement Engineer - Decatur, IL

Position Summary:

The Improvement Engineer is responsible for implementing process and technology improvement opportunities within their process area; applying analytical gap analysis and problem solving techniques to develop an opportunity landscape for the unit. The Improvement Engineer leads the team in evaluating and prioritizing improvements from the opportunity list for implementation and works cross-functionally with technology experts and operations, reliability and maintenance teams to collect data required to complete scope definition for improvement projects and activities.

The Improvement Engineer will develop a portfolio of capex and non-capex improvement projects for their area as an output of the above process and owns the capex portfolio full scope of work for their process area; including scope definition, prioritization, interfacing with operations, guiding and directing the project engineering team, and has accountability for the delivery and performance of improvement projects. The Improvement Engineer also drives the 1-year and 5-year capex plans within their process area.

Job Responsibilities:

• Partner with Plant Operations leadership on driving and leading the improvement process; analyzing production loss and accounting data to develop and prioritize a list of opportunities to improve processes
• Ensure that holistic ideation involving all functions and stakeholders is effective and aggregated, and that the resulting list of capex and non-capex projects is aligned with strategic goals.
• Collaborate with plant leadership to implement and track performance metrics to maintain or improve the effectiveness of operating assets.
• Develop the process knowledge required to guide production teams in the optimization of unit operations and the achievement of production targets.
• CAPEX planning, prioritization and tracking. Active Participation in the portfolio management process and accountable for capex portfolio integrity within their process unit.
• Guide and drive the technical scope for capex projects.
• Partner with operations leadership and portfolio manager in the development of site capital budgeting
• Act as a super user of WAVE for oversight and managing the portfolio of initiatives within the region.
• Drive accountability of initiative and project execution.
• Support the prioritization of the Project portfolio in cooperation with the Plant Manager and Business stakeholders.
• Function as a manufacturing technology resource for plant operations leaders.
• Actively participate in the operations performance management process
• Function as a champion to propose new technologies.
• Drive a culture of Safety and Food Safety by partnering with operations teams on technology solutions.

Job Requirements:

• BS in engineering, preferably Chemical, Mechanical, Agricultural or similar
• 5+ years of experience in a project or process engineering role in the food industry
• Operations leadership experience is preferred.
• Dedication to working safely and to the awareness for the safety of others.
• Excellent communication and people skills for working with plant personnel and regional management.
• Willingness to spend time in plant areas - tolerate extreme temperatures, walk long distances, stand, climb stairs and ladders and move through close spaces.
• Ability to work effectively on a team as well as independently while traveling to remote plant locations.

Skills: (Languages, computer skills etc.)

• Demonstrated problem solving, diagnostic and analytical skills, with a result focused approach.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Team player with a propensity for collaboration
• Demonstrated strategic mindset.
• Self-motivated work habits and capable of prioritizing and balancing resources between multiple simultaneous initiatives
• General knowledge of software applications
• Direct experience in applicable manufacturing unit operations preferred, for example: soybean extraction/refining, spray drying, dry blending, emulsions, reactions, separations, distillation, filtration, corn wet milling.
• Controls and plant automation knowledge or experience

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:110027BR

110027BRDecatur IL - Illinois #LI-CJ1 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.#LI-Onsite #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 lawBenefits 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:

$76,100.00 - $142,700.00The total compensation package for this position will also include annual bonus