Ethanol Support Engineer - Decatur, IL

ADM; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

ADM is seeking an experienced fermentation scientist/engineer to lead design, optimization, and scale-up of commercial ethanol fermentation processes. You will translate bench-scale innovations into full-scale production, drive process improvements, and guide cross‑functional teams to deliver measurable value.

The role requires deep industry experience, strong analytical skills, and effective project management with clear communication to align research initiatives with business objectives.

Qualifications

• PhD with 3+ years, MS with 10+ years, or BS with 15+ years in fermentation science or related fields
• Experience in commercial or pilot-scale fermentation operations (ethanol preferred)
• Proven ability to troubleshoot, optimize, and scale fermentation processes
• Experience with industrial yeast isolates; enzyme knowledge is a plus
• Strong project management, budgeting, and cross‑functional leadership skills
• Excellent communication bridging technical and non-technical teams

Responsibilities

• Lead design, optimization, and scale-up of commercial ethanol fermentation processes
• Drive process improvements and troubleshoot complex fermentation challenges
• Guide cross‑functional teams to deliver high-impact results
• Collaborate with commercial and operational stakeholders to deploy technologies
• Manage fermentation optimization projects and communicate outcomes to stakeholders
• Provide technical leadership in plant operations and fermentation processes

Skills

Fermentation design

Scale-up

Cross-functional leadership

Analytical skills

Project management

Communication

Education

PhD in fermentation science/related

MS in fermentation science/related

BS in fermentation science/related

Tools

JMP

Minitab

OSI PI

Job description

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.

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.

ADM requires the successful completion of a background check.

REF:105754BR