Senior Ethanol Fermentation Engineer - Scale-Up

ADM; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

ADM is seeking an experienced fermentation scientist/engineer to lead design, optimization, and scale-up of commercial ethanol fermentation processes. You will translate bench-scale innovations into full-scale production, drive process improvements, and guide cross‑functional teams to deliver measurable value.

The role requires deep industry experience, strong analytical skills, and effective project management with clear communication to align research initiatives with business objectives.

Qualifications

• PhD with 3+ years, MS with 10+ years, or BS with 15+ years in fermentation science or related fields
• Experience in commercial or pilot-scale fermentation operations (ethanol preferred)
• Proven ability to troubleshoot, optimize, and scale fermentation processes
• Experience with industrial yeast isolates; enzyme knowledge is a plus
• Strong project management, budgeting, and cross‑functional leadership skills
• Excellent communication bridging technical and non-technical teams

Responsibilities

• Lead design, optimization, and scale-up of commercial ethanol fermentation processes
• Drive process improvements and troubleshoot complex fermentation challenges
• Guide cross‑functional teams to deliver high-impact results
• Collaborate with commercial and operational stakeholders to deploy technologies
• Manage fermentation optimization projects and communicate outcomes to stakeholders
• Provide technical leadership in plant operations and fermentation processes

Skills

Fermentation design

Scale-up

Cross-functional leadership

Analytical skills

Project management

Communication

Education

PhD in fermentation science/related

MS in fermentation science/related

BS in fermentation science/related

Tools

JMP

Minitab

OSI PI

Job description

ADM is seeking an experienced fermentation scientist/engineer to lead design, optimization, and scale-up of commercial ethanol fermentation processes. You will translate bench-scale innovations into full-scale production, drive process improvements, and guide cross‑functional teams to deliver measurable value.

The role requires deep industry experience, strong analytical skills, and effective project management with clear communication to align research initiatives with business objectives.