Mechanical Engineering Intern - Decatur, IL

ADM; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 33,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing assistance

Transportation assistance

Job summary

ADM is offering a 12-week Summer Internship Program in North America. You will gain hands‑on experience as a Process Engineer focused on Asset Reliability, working on processing lines and equipment reliability.

Eligible students are pursuing engineering degrees with a 2.8 GPA, able to relocate and complete a background check, and available May–August 2027. Housing and transportation assistance may be provided where location permits.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a four-year degree with expected graduation between Dec 2027 and summer 2029.
• GPA minimum of 2.8.
• Must have reliable transportation to the work location.
• Willing to relocate to a ADM North America location.
• Available for a 12-week internship from mid‑May to early August 2027.
• Must pass a background check.
• ADM cannot provide work visa sponsorship for this internship.

Responsibilities

• Support site operations and regional teams in reliability programs.
• Develop knowledge of manufacturing processes and equipment.
• Document best practices and SOPs for processes.
• Assist in creating and improving asset reliability standards.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to standardize solutions.
• Analyze asset performance data and suggest improvements.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Analytical thinking

Teamwork

Curiosity

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Industrial Engineering

Tools

Excel

Power BI

Python

Job description

Job Description

Launch Your Career with ADM’s Summer Internship Program Gain meaningful, hands‑on experience during a rewarding 12-week internship at one of ADM’s North American locations. You’ll collaborate with colleagues across the business, develop practical skills and contribute to projects that support real business needs.

ADM offers competitive pay for this full‑time, 40‑hour‑per‑week internship. Depending on your assigned location and distance from home, fully furnished housing and transportation assistance may also be provided to help support your transition.

Why ADM?

• Join an award‑winning early career program designed to help students build professional skills, explore career interests and gain exposure to ADM’s business and culture.
• Work for a global leader connecting farmers, customers and consumers through an extensive agricultural supply chain.
• Gain meaningful experience with a company focused on innovation, sustainability and strengthening the global food system.
• Build connections with colleagues, mentors and fellow interns across ADM.

Learn more about Early Careers at ADM.

Internship Program Requirements

• Education: Currently pursuing a four‑year degree with an expected graduation date between December 2027 and summer 2029.
• Academic performance: Minimum overall GPA of 2.8.
• Transportation: Must have reliable transportation to and from the assigned work location.
• Geographic flexibility: Willingness to relocate to an ADM location in North America.
• Availability: Must be available for a 12‑week internship from mid‑May through early August 2027.
• Background check: Successful completion of a background check is required.
• Work authorization: ADM is unable to provide work visa sponsorship for this position.

Professional Development and Internship Benefits

During your internship, you will have opportunities to:

• Expand your skills through LinkedIn Learning courses, language training and mentoring programs.
• Participate in Employee Resource Groups that promote connection, support and professional growth.
• Access ADM’s Employee Assistance Program for resources supporting personal and professional well‑being.
• Attend professional development sessions focused on career readiness, networking, personal branding and building a professional digital presence.
• Connect with ADM leaders, colleagues and fellow interns across the organization.
• Be considered for a future internship or full‑time opportunity based on performance and business needs.

Job Summary

This position is designed for recent graduates who are eager to launch their careers while contributing to the long‑term reliability and performance of our manufacturing assets. As a Process Engineer with a focus on Asset Reliability you will gain hands‑on experience with our processing lines, develop and in depth understanding of equipment functionality, and support both site level and business level initiatives to improve reliability and efficiency.

Job Responsibilities

• Comply fully with local and ADM’s safety regulations/standards and promote safety culture. Support site operations and regional teams in implementing and improving reliability programs.
• Develop a working knowledge of manufacturing processes, equipment, and operating systems across processing lines at various sites.
• Assist in documenting best practices, technical guidelines, and standard operating procedures.
• Support the creation, rollout, and continuous improvement of global asset reliability standards.
• Partner with site and regional teams to identify opportunities for improved asset reliability and reduced downtime. Prepare clear presentations and share findings with site and global teams.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret asset performance data and recommend improvements to enhance uptime, reduce downtime and optimize equipment lifecycle.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (operations, maintenance, and engineering) to understand challenges and help standardize solutions.
• Participate in continuous improvement related programs such as root cause analysis and defect elimination to drive solutions with a focus on safety, quality, and sustainability.
• Engage in structured training, mentorship, and professional development designed to accelerate career growth.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineer, Industrial Engineering or a related field.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in addition to working effectively in team environments.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with an interest in equipment and process reliability.
• Demonstrated curiosity, initiative, and drive to learn and take on challenges.
• Willingness to work flexible hours when needed.

Preferred Requirements

• Internship, co‑op, or project experience in manufacturing, food processing, or asset reliability
• Familiarity with maintenance practices, preventative/predictive maintenance, or CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) tools.
• Exposure to root cause analysis, Six Sigma, Lean, or continuous improvement methods.
• Experience working with data analysis (Excel, Power BI, Python, or similar tools).
• Demonstrated leadership in student projects, engineering clubs, or team based initiatives.

Complete additional duties based on the needs of the assigned location.

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: $24 - $27

#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

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.

Req/Job ID

113446BR