Packaging Engineer - Decatur, IL

Job Description 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% Location 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, IL Position Overview The 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 growth Position 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 skills Strongly Preferred: 8+ years overall operations experienceCapital project or equipment installation/startup experienceContinuous Improvement / Lean / Performance ExcellenceExperience in food, ag, chemical, or industrial environments Physical requirements This 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 equipment Relocation 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 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: