Packaging Engineer — Lead Process & Equipment Optimization

ADM; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

ADM is seeking a Packaging Engineer for Decatur, IL or ADM packaging sites. The role is exempt and salary-level, reporting to the Director of Global Packaging. Travel is 25–50%.

You will troubleshoot packaging equipment, optimize production processes and support capital projects across multiple packaging formats, both dry and liquid. You will collaborate with operations, engineering, procurement, and commercial teams to drive continuous improvement, implement best practices, and deliver

Qualifications

• B.S. in Engineering, Packaging, or related field.
• 4+ years of direct packaging experience in manufacturing.
• Experience working in or 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 problem-solver.

Responsibilities

• Providing technical leadership on packaging equipment selection, materials, and system optimization across dry and liquid packaging operations.
• Monitoring production processes and troubleshooting packaging equipment — identifying root causes and implementing sustainable corrective actions.
• Supporting capital and non-discretionary expense (NDE) projects, including equipment installation, modifications, and training at startup.
• Developing and deploying packaging best practices, standards, and performance guarantees across your region and globally as applicable.
• Using KPIs and metrics to identify improvement opportunities and track value creation.
• Writing technical reports following plant visits and following up on action items.
• Managing and prioritizing a pipeline of packaging savings and improvement projects aligned with strategic sourcing goals.
• Supporting packaging materials specification, testing, and analysis.
• Partnering with suppliers in coordination with Strategic Sourcing.
• Identifying opportunities to digitalize performance metrics.
• Coaching and developing fellow team members; contributing to a culture of shared accountability and growth.

Skills

Problem-solving

Analytical skills

Interpersonal communication

Education

B.S. in Engineering

Job description

ADM is seeking a Packaging Engineer for Decatur, IL or ADM packaging sites. The role is exempt and salary-level, reporting to the Director of Global Packaging. Travel is 25–50%.

You will troubleshoot packaging equipment, optimize production processes and support capital projects across multiple packaging formats, both dry and liquid. You will collaborate with operations, engineering, procurement, and commercial teams to drive continuous improvement, implement best practices, and deliver