Plant-Based Extrusion Scientist II

ADM; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

ADM in Decatur, IL seeks an Extrusion Scientist II to lead pilot-scale extrusion trials for plant-based protein systems, owning projects from concept to commercialization and translating data into scalable, high-quality solutions.

You will apply advanced food science and process engineering, manage cross-functional teams, mentor junior scientists, and ensure safety, quality, and regulatory standards across the manufacturing continuum.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's in a relevant field with 3–5+ years in extrusion or food science.
• Proven experience with pilot or commercial extrusion systems (single or twin screw).
• Deep knowledge of ingredient functionality and extrusion processing for plant-based systems.

Responsibilities

• Independently design, execute, and lead pilot-scale extrusion trials.
• Manage R&D projects from concept through commercialization, meeting timelines and deliverables.
• Apply statistical tools (DOE, regression, multivariate analysis) to design experiments.

Skills

Experimental design

Data analysis

Cross-functional leadership

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science or Engineering

Master's degree in Food Science or Engineering

Tools

Pilot extrusion systems

Rheology equipment

Job description

ADM in Decatur, IL seeks an Extrusion Scientist II to lead pilot-scale extrusion trials for plant-based protein systems, owning projects from concept to commercialization and translating data into scalable, high-quality solutions.

You will apply advanced food science and process engineering, manage cross-functional teams, mentor junior scientists, and ensure safety, quality, and regulatory standards across the manufacturing continuum.