Engineer 1

1101 Primary Products Ingredients Americas LLC; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 99,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Pay

Healthcare plan options

Dental and vision insurance

401(k) with company matching

Disability insurance

Parental leave

Learning & development programs

Job summary

Primient in Decatur, IL, is hiring an Engineer 1 for a structured development path designed for new graduates. You will gain hands-on experience across multiple process areas, shadow seasoned operators, and progressively take ownership of projects within a collaborative team.

Graduates with a BS in Chemical Engineering or related field will join a program that accelerates learning in manufacturing and process engineering, with clear ladder progression from Engineer 1 to Sr. leadership roles.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Working knowledge of basic chemical unit operations.
• Internships, placements or work experience are useful but not essential – training provided.

Responsibilities

• Learn to operate safely within Primient’s manufacturing facilities and shadow technicians.
• Assist in troubleshooting and improving process flow and unit operations.
• Own and optimize an assigned process area and monitor performance.
• Conduct data analysis to identify trends and drive process improvements.
• Coordinate with vendors/contractors to implement installations and enhancements.

Skills

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Eng

Strong communication

Knowledge of basic chemical unit ops

Internships / work experience in chem

Education

BSc in Chemical Engineering or related

Job description

Engineer 1 | Primient

About Primient

Primient is a century old company with an entrepreneurial spirit. We are a leading producer of food and industrial ingredients made from plant-based, renewable sources. We deliver value through deep technical, commercial, and operational excellence that is backed by our long-standing corn wet milling heritage. Wherever we are in the process, from field to customer, our priorities are focused on ensuring we produce the safest, highest quality products through practices that uphold both our responsibility and commitments to the challenge and drive for excellence, our people and our planet. We’re investing in our plants and people to unlock our potential in the industrial and food sectors.

Guided by our values of Safety, Excellence, Integrity, and Growth, we’re focused on growing our business, our reputation, and the career of every teammate.

About the Role

Our Engineer 1 role is the perfect career launch pad for engineers looking to apply and build their experience. This opportunity is designed for students graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related engineering field in December 2026 or May 2027. We provide an accelerated learning journey in manufacturing and chemical engineering. You get responsibility right away and the opportunity to make your mark through exposure to a wide range of processes and technologies. Because we operate a collaborative, team approach, you’ll be surrounded by expert colleagues, always ready to share their expertise and mentorship. Before long, you’ll be working on your own ideas – taking process ownership and leading on projects. You’ll also join our structured development program: the Engineering Ladder. As your skills grow, you will progress into more responsible, impactful roles. Engineer 1 > Engineer 2 > Engineer 3 > Sr. Engineer > Principal Engineer > Sr. Leadership

Key responsibilities

• Engineer 1 Learn to Operate Safely within Primient’s Manufacturing Facilities: Complete at least 2-3 months of on-shift shadowing with technicians to develop a strong understanding and gain firsthand experience of plant operations, safety protocols, and troubleshooting techniques.
• Depending on the specific site, Engineer 1's may also serve as shift supervisors as part of their development.
• Develop Technical Expertise in Process Operations: Assist subject-matter experts in troubleshooting and improving process flow, unit operation functionality, and overall plant interactions, including utilities work
• Own and Optimize Assigned Process Area: Take ownership of a specific plant area, monitoring performance, identifying inefficiencies, and implementing improvements to enhance production, efficiency, and system reliability.
• Conduct Data Analysis and Process Improvements: Use process data analysis, benchmarking, and small-scale programming to identify trends and inefficiencies. Support process improvements through data-driven decision making and optimization initiatives.
• Support Project Execution and System Enhancements: Familiarize with production policies related to project management to execute system improvements and troubleshoot issues with assigned process areas. Ensure alignment with safety, quality, and operational efficiency objectives.
• Manage Process Improvement Capital Projects with Oversight: Manage and install capital projects of varying size from initiation to completion under the supervision of senior engineers and/or technical managers. Follow the CAPEX Stage Gate Process for project approvals
• Vendor and Contractor Coordination: Communicate effectively with third-party vendors and contractors to facilitate project progress, ensuring proper execution of installations and process enhancements.

About You

• BSc in Chemical Engineering or any related engineering field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Working knowledge of basic chemical unit operations.
• Any relevant internships, placements or work experience are useful but certainly not essential – we can quickly skill you up in chemical processes and production.

Early Career Opportunity

This position is intended for new or upcoming graduates pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related engineering discipline. Candidates who are expected to graduate in December 2026 or May 2027 are encouraged to apply.

Total Rewards

The annual pay range estimated for this position is $80,000 - $99,000 and is bonus eligible. Please note that while this range reflects the full spectrum of compensation available for this role, individual compensation will be determined based on several factors including your experience, skills, and alignment with the role's responsibilities. During the interview process there will be an opportunity to discuss how your background fits into the pay range.

We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes:

• Competitive Pay
• Multiple Healthcare plan choices
• Dental and vision insurance
• A 401(k) plan with company and matching contributions
• Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Life, AD&D, and Voluntary Insurance plans
• Paid holidays & vacation
• Floating days off
• Parental leave for new parents
• Employee resource groups
• Learning & development programs
• Fun culture where you have an opportunity in shaping our future

Career Path & Culture

Primient is committed to a workplace that is all in – ensuring everyone has the opportunity to develop and shape a career that matters in an open culture which embraces equity, diversity and belonging. We challenge old ways of thinking; and encourage employee voices to be a guiding force for ongoing learning. Primient supports a culture of inclusion that respects individual strengths, views, and experiences. We believe our differences make better decisions, drive excellence, and deliver better business results. Primient employees experience autonomy and accountability in their role. Here, employees control their destiny as there is opportunity for career growth and pathways outside the norm.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

We are believers in the power of difference. We strive to represent the communities in which we operate and to provide an inclusive, welcoming environment for all. We want Primient to be a place where every employee feels they belong and knows they are seen, heard, valued and safe to speak up. Our aspiration is to unlock the full potential in diverse perspectives, while offering everyone an equal chance to grow, thrive and progress.

Primient is an equal opportunity employer, committed to the strength of an inclusive workforce.

California Consumer Privacy Act ("CCPA")

The Company is committed to complying with the California Consumer Privacy Act ("CCPA") and all data privacy and laws in the jurisdictions in which it recruits and hires employees. We collect the following categories of personal information for the purpose of hiring the best qualified applicants and to comply with applicable employment laws: Name and contact information; Job preference and work availability; Social Security Number and/or other identification information; Education and qualifications; Employment history and experience; Military service; Reference and background check information, including relevant criminal history and credit history; Social media information; Pre-employment test results; Post-offer medical examination information and results, including drug test results; Voluntary self-disclosure information regarding minority, veteran, and disability status; and Information provided by you during the hiring process.

Primient is a leading producer of food and industrial ingredients made from plant-based, renewable sources. We deliver value through deep technical, commercial, and operational expertise that is backed by our long-standing corn wet milling heritage. Wherever we are in the process, from start to finish, we focus our priorities on producing the safest, highest quality ingredients through practices that uphold our ongoing commitment to sustainability. Our employees, some of whom are second and third generation legacy, understand the importance of maintaining the highest levels of safety, excellence, and integrity in all that we do. We continue to grow with a century long history of ingenuity that started with agricultural visionary Augustus "Gene" Staley. Staley’s "can do" attitude and entrepreneurial spirit continue to lead and inspire Primient in new ways that ensure we honor our traditions to confidently trail blaze ahead. We proudly walk the halls of the ‘Castle in the Cornfields’ administration building in Decatur, IL, US, tracing our rich heritage and planning for the next big ideas.