Packaging Engineer - Decatur, IL

Packaging Engineer – (Decatur, IL or ADM Packaging Site)This is an exempt, salary-level role. This position reports to the Director of Global Packaging.Travel: 25–50%This role can be based in Decatur, IL or any ADM U.S. location with packaging operations, with primary support across the Midwest and Eastern regions. Key packaging facility locations include: Cedar Rapids, IA | Clinton, IA | Buffalo, NY | Erlanger, KY / Cincinnati, OH | Kennesaw, GA / Atlanta, GA | Kansas City, KS | Jackson, TN | Southport, NC | Quincy, IL | Harvard, ILPosition OverviewThe Packaging Engineer is a hands-on, technical support role focused on troubleshooting packaging equipment, optimizing production processes, and improving performance across packaging lines. You'll support capital projects, quality and safety engagements, equipment installations, and process improvements while leveraging data, KPIs, and Performance Excellence tools to drive efficiency and cost savings. This role sits within the Packaging Technology Center as part of the Operational Transformation team, serving as a key link between global standards and plant-level execution across ADM's business units. In this position, you'll partner cross-functionally with operations, engineering, procurement, and commercial teams to drive continuous improvement, implement best practices, and deliver measurable value across packaging systems, equipment, and materials. Success in this role depends on the ability to solve problems in real-time, work closely with plant teams, and implement sustainable solutions across a variety of packaging formats and operations. ADM's packaging footprint is highly diverse. On the dry side, you'll work with multiwall bags, drums, totes, pouches, and boxes. On the liquid side, you'll support systems involving PET, glass, Jerry cans, aseptic/UHT, bag-in-box, and HDPE containers.Position ResponsibilitiesProviding technical leadership on packaging equipment selection, materials, and system optimization across dry and liquid packaging operationsMonitoring production processes and troubleshooting packaging equipment — identifying root causes and implementing sustainable corrective actionsSupporting capital and non-discretionary expense (NDE) projects, including equipment installation, modifications, and training at startupDeveloping and deploying packaging best practices, standards, and performance guarantees across your region and globally as applicableUsing KPIs and metrics to identify improvement opportunities and track value creationWriting technical reports following plant visits and following up on action itemsManaging and prioritizing a pipeline of packaging savings and improvement projects aligned with strategic sourcing goalsSupporting packaging materials specification, testing, and analysisPartnering with suppliers in coordination with Strategic SourcingIdentifying opportunities to digitalize performance metricsCoaching and developing fellow team members; contributing to a culture of shared accountability and growthPosition Qualifications:Required:B.S. in Engineering, Packaging, or related field4+ years of direct packaging experience in manufacturingExperience working in or closely with plant operationsAbility to troubleshoot packaging equipment and implement sustainable corrective actionsExperience optimizing and operating packaging equipmentStrong problem-solving and analytical skillsOrganized, detail-focused, and methodical approach to problem solving and executionHands-on, practical approach with demonstrated technical proficiencyStrong interpersonal and communication skillsStrongly Preferred:8+ years overall operations experienceCapital project or equipment installation/startup experienceContinuous Improvement / Lean / Performance ExcellenceExperience in food, ag, chemical, or industrial environmentsPhysical RequirementsThis role involves regular presence in plant environments. You should be able to:Lift and carry materials up to 30 lbs frequently, up to 50 lbs occasionally, and up to 55 lbs overhead on a limited basis; assistance is available and encouraged for lifts over 50 lbsMove throughout a facility, including traversing up to 2 miles over the course of a workdayStoop, bend, kneel, or squat as needed; work may include periods of prolonged sitting or standingWork at varying heights, including on ladders or scaffolding, and operate manual and electrically powered tools and test equipmentRelocation assistance is available with this position within North America. This position does not offer visa sponsorship. 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:107922BR