Process Engineering Intern - Decatur, IL

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

Job summary

The ADM Decatur Plant seeks a Chemical Engineer for its Process Engineering Intern role. You will partner with production from concept through start-up to operate, troubleshoot and improve chemical and mechanical processes with performance excellence principles.

Join a 12-week summer program offering hands-on project work, exposure to cost analysis, safety and documentation, and opportunities to learn lean tools like DMAIC while developing professional skills and a network across ADM teams.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a four-year degree with expected graduation date between December 2027 and summer 2029.
• Minimum GPA of 2.8 overall.
• Must have reliable transportation to and from the assigned work location.
• Willingness to relocate to an ADM location in North America.
• Available for a 12-week internship from mid-May through early August 2027.
• Background check clearance required.
• ADM is unable to provide work visa sponsorship for this position.

Responsibilities

• Project management including purchasing of materials and supplies, equipment installation, budget tracking.
• Utilize lean manufacturing principles such as DMAIC to optimize and stabilize unit operations.
• Assist in day-to-day operations troubleshooting and trend analysis, utilizing RCA tools (e.g., 5-Why, fishbone diagrams).
• Facilitate change management with the MOC process, including permanent and temporary changes.
• Ensure documentation of the process is maintained (P&ID review/creation, Process Control Narrative review/creation, Operating Targets & Range review, Process Safety Information review, and training).
• Identifies and complies with safety, food safety and environmental requirements during personal work.
• Interacts with maintenance, controls, process, and quality personnel in planning for and the development of process improvements.
• Complete additional duties based on the needs of the assigned location.

Skills

LEAN

DMAIC

Troubleshooting

Education

Pursuing a four-year degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

P&ID

Process Control Narratives

Job description

Job Description

Process Engineering Intern – Decatur, IL

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.

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

Position Summary:

The Decatur Plant is seeking a Chemical Engineer for our Process Engineering Intern. This role will partner with the production departments from conception through start‑up utilizing engineering and performance excellence principles to operate, troubleshoot, and improve chemical and mechanical processes. It is also responsible for reviewing and understanding area department costs, yields, quality, and process performance and changes that can be made to make improvements in these areas.

Job Responsibilities:

• Project management including purchasing of materials and supplies, equipment installation, budget tracking.
• Utilize lean manufacturing principles such as DMAIC to optimize and stabilize unit operations.
• Assist in day‑to‑day operations troubleshooting and trend analysis, utilizing RCA tools for process upsets such as 5‑whys, fishbone diagrams, etc.
• Facilitate change management with the use of the MOC process, including permanent and temporary changes.
• Ensure documentation of the process is maintained to satisfy compliance needs, including P&ID review/creation, Process Control Narrative review/creation, Operating Targets & Range review, Process Safety Information review, and provision of technical training to the department.
• Identifies and complies with safety, food safety and environmental requirements during personal work.
• Interacts with maintenance, controls, process, and quality personnel in planning for and the development of process improvements, and in personal projects.

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.