Ethanol Support Engineer - Decatur, IL

Job Description

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

Position Summary:
We are seeking an experienced fermentation scientist/engineer to lead the design, optimization, and scale-up of commercial ethanol fermentation processes. The ideal candidate is a hands-on technical expert with deep industry experience and a proven ability to translate bench-scale innovation into full-scale production success. This role will drive process improvements, troubleshoot complex challenges, and guide cross-functional teams in delivering high-impact results. The successful candidate will combine strong scientific and analytical skills with strategic project management and clear communication, ensuring research initiatives align with business objectives and deliver measurable value.  The position will report to the Technical Director – Ethanol Research Support.

Job Responsibilities:

• Provide value to ADM business units through research support of ethanol operations.
• Collaborate with commercial and operational stakeholders to identify opportunities that add value through development and deployment of new technologies and process optimizations.
• Create, evaluate and support deployment of new technologies and process optimizations at ethanol facilities.
• Deliver technical leadership in the areas of plant operations and ethanol fermentation processes.
• Assist with ethanol plant support requests, including plant visits, troubleshooting plant problems, and developing recommendations for solving fermentation issues.
• Manage ethanol process optimization projects, and communicate outcomes and recommendations to plant operations and research team members.

Job Requirements:
These skills and experience will be required or useful for the candidate.

• Education & Experience: PhD with 3+ years, MS with 10+ years, or BS with 15+ years of experience in fermentation science (microbiology, biochemistry, biotechnology, chemical engineering, or related disciplines).
• Industry Expertise: 10+ years of hands-on experience in commercial or pilot-scale fermentation operations, or in a collaborative role supporting active fermentation facilities. Specific experience in industrial ethanol fermentations is highly preferred.
• Technical Excellence: Proven ability to troubleshoot, optimize, and scale fermentation processes. Skill in working with industrial isolates of yeast is essential; additional fermentation experience with bacteria and fungi is a plus.
• Leadership & Innovation: Recognized subject matter expert in commercial-scale ethanol fermentation design and optimization; capable of leading research initiatives from concept through implementation.
• Project Management: Strong track record of managing complex projects—defining timelines, aligning objectives, and developing financial models to support recommendations.
• Results Delivery: Demonstrated success in achieving project goals and clearly communicating outcomes to stakeholders across all levels of the organization.
• Analytical Skills: Experienced in interpreting experimental data and developing protocols to support scale-up or scale-down of new technologies.
• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent communicator with the ability to bridge technical and non-technical teams; thrives in multidisciplinary, cross-functional environments.
• Technical Tools: Proficient in Microsoft Excel; experience with statistical software (e.g., JMP, Minitab) and OSI PI preferred.
• Additional Expertise: Knowledge of enzyme technology and development is a plus.

 

Before applying for an exempt, non-exempt or hourly job opportunity, you are expected to initiate a discussion and share your intentions with your supervisor.  * If you’ve been in your current position for more than 18 months, supervisor approval is not required.  * If you’ve been in your current position for less than 18 months, verbal supervisor approval is required.  
​Hiring Manager-Jack Swanson    ​
Recruiter- Amy Schroeder 

City

Decatur

State

IL - Illinois

Location Country

United States

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 logis