Packaging Engineer - Decatur, IL

This is an exempt, salaried role that reports to the Director of Global Packaging. Travel is expected to be 25–50%. The position can be based in Decatur, IL or any ADM U.S. location with packaging operations, with primary support across the Midwest and Eastern regions.

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership on packaging equipment selection, materials, and system optimization across dry and liquid packaging operations
• Monitor production processes and troubleshoot packaging equipment — identifying root causes and implementing sustainable corrective actions
• Support capital and non-discretionary expense (NDE) projects, including equipment installation, modifications, and training at startup
• Develop and deploy packaging best practices, standards, and performance guarantees across your region and globally as applicable
• Use KPIs and metrics to identify improvement opportunities and track value creation
• Write technical reports following plant visits and follow up on action items
• Manage and prioritize a pipeline of packaging savings and improvement projects aligned with strategic sourcing goals
• Support packaging materials specification, testing, and analysis
• Partner with suppliers in coordination with Strategic Sourcing
• Identify opportunities to digitalize performance metrics
• Coach and develop fellow team members; contribute to a culture of shared accountability and growth

Requirements

• B.S. in Engineering, Packaging, or related field
• 4+ years of direct packaging experience in manufacturing
• Experience working in or closely with plant operations
• Ability to troubleshoot packaging equipment and implement sustainable corrective actions
• Experience optimizing and operating packaging equipment
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Organized, detail-focused, and methodical approach to problem solving and execution
• Hands-on, practical approach with demonstrated technical proficiency
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• 8+ years overall operations experience
• Capital project or equipment installation/startup experience
• Continuous Improvement / Lean / Performance Excellence experience
• Experience 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 lbs
• Move throughout a facility, including traversing up to 2 miles over the course of a workday
• Stoop, bend, kneel, or squat as needed; work may include periods of prolonged sitting or standing
• Work at varying heights, including on ladders or scaffolding, and operate manual and electrically powered tools and test equipment

Relocation assistance is available within North America. This position does not offer visa sponsorship.

Pay

The pay range for this position is expected to be between $92,800.00 and $174,000.00. 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.

Benefits

In addition to competitive pay, ADM offers a comprehensive total rewards package to enhance 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:
  • 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.