Process Automation Engineer I - Decatur, IL

ADM; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Adoption assistance

Tuition assistance

Training resources

Job summary

ADM in Decatur, IL is seeking a Process Automation Engineer I to support industrial control systems across the ADM Decatur complex. The role focuses on maintaining, upgrading, and documenting process automation, working with Operations Teams and Technology Centers to implement projects and standards.

You will pursue opportunities to improve efficiency, mitigate risk, and advance safety initiatives, while developing automation skills and contributing to a collaborative, high-performance culture.

Qualifications

• Completing a BS in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related field in December 2026 or May 2027.
• Experience with or desire to learn industrial controls programming.
• Ability to troubleshoot and repair process control systems with AC/DC up to 120V.
• Knowledge of process control systems, instrumentation, and P&ID diagrams.

Responsibilities

• Support industrial control systems to maintain and improve operations across the ADM Decatur complex.
• Execute projects with Operations Teams and Technology Centers to standardize and improve controls.
• Identify opportunities for process automation to mitigate risk and drive efficiency.
• Document automation systems and support safety initiatives and improvement projects.

Skills

Industrial controls programming

Troubleshooting process controls

Documentation

Communication skills

Education

BS in Chemical/Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

P&ID knowledge

Job description

Process Automation Engineer I - Decatur, IL

This is an exempt level position.

Are you ready to launch your career with a global leader that values innovation, collaboration, and growth? As a new graduate, you’ll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge, learn from experienced professionals, and make an immediate impact in a company recognized for excellence.

A few highlights about ADM:

• We have an award-winning early career program! ADM is proud to be a 2026 recipient of Handshake’s Early Career Talent award as well as the RippleMatch Campus Forward Award!
• ADM was named one of America's Most Responsible Companies by Newsweek.
• 2025 Innovation Award for ADM’s Regenerative Agriculture Program.
• U.S. Newsweek America’s Greatest Workplaces in Manufacturing - Best Companies to Work For in 2025.

Job Description:

The Process Automation Engineer will provide support for the industrial control systems across the ADM Decatur complex to maintain and improve operations through project implementation, troubleshooting, and standard work. They will work with Operations Teams and other Technology Centers to execute projects while applying global standards.

This person will proactively seek opportunities for process automation to mitigate risk, improve efficiency, and drive optimization projects. Additionally, they will support and advance the modernization, standardization, and documentation of process automation systems.

The Process Automation Engineer will also contribute to plant culture by supporting safety initiatives and improvement projects.

Job Requirements:

• Understands and is accountable for full compliance with safety and other EHS requirements
• Develop and maintain knowledge of production processes, equipment and operations in the interest of developing, improving and maintaining process controls and safety interlocks
• Develop or modify controls programming and configurations to achieve desired automation solutions, and troubleshoot systems to identify and resolve hardware or software deficiencies
• Develop and maintain documentation of industrial automation and controls hardware and software related to process automation control systems
• Pursue and maintain industry specific training and certifications relative to this position and for career advancement
• Possess ability to skillfully manage multiple projects simultaneously and succeed in an environment of competing priorities
• Maintain awareness of and adhere to cybersecurity fundamentals
• Work with third-party suppliers / contractors (where applicable)
• Ability to effectively coach and develop other colleagues
• Possess strong documentation and organizational skills
• Possess strong communication skills
• Ability to work well within groups and with minimal supervision to meet team and project goals
• Act as a highly-motivated, self-starter
• Capable of working in extreme temperatures, including the ability to climb stairs, lift and move a minimum of 40 pounds, and sit and stand for long periods of time; should be able to work in confined spaces and at heights
• Available for on-call rotation for off-hours, holiday and weekend coverage
• Occasional company travel may be required

Safety:

• Ensures the safety of all personnel through compliance with occupational safety and health regulations; demonstrates safety leadership through participation in all safety processes with a goal of zero injuries.
• Learn and apply company safety and compliance standards across departments.

Required Qualifications:

• Completing a BS in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related field in December 2026 or May 2027.
• Experience with or desire to learn industrial controls programming for multiple systems
• Ability to troubleshoot and repair issues with process control systems and work safely with and around AC & DC voltages up to 120V
• Knowledge of industrial process control systems including controllers, instrumentation, AC/DC electrical systems, Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams

Excited about this role but don’t think you meet every requirement listed? We encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings.

ADM requires the successful completion of a background check

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:

$69,700.00 - $120,000.00

Benefits And Perks

Enriching the quality of life for the world begins by taking care of our colleagues. In addition to competitive pay, we support your diverse needs with a comprehensive total rewards package to enhance your well-being, including:

• Physical wellness – medical/Rx, dental, vision and on-site wellness center access or gym reimbursement (as applicable).
• Financial wellness – flexible spending accounts, health savings account, 401(k) with matching contributions and cash balance plan, discounted employee stock purchasing program, life insurance, disability, workers’ compensation, legal assistance, identity theft protection.
• Mental and social wellness – Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Colleague Giving Programs (ADM Cares).

Additional benefits include:

• Paid time off including paid holidays.
• Adoption assistance and paid maternity and parental leave.
• Tuition assistance.
• Company-sponsored training and development resources, such as LinkedIn Learning, language training and mentoring programs.

Benefits may vary for bargained locations, confirm benefit eligibility with your recruiter.

#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

113632BR