Ethanol Support Engineer - Decatur, IL

Archer Daniels Midland•Decatur, IL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

ADM Research & Development is seeking an experienced fermentation scientist/engineer to lead the design, optimization, and scale-up of commercial ethanol fermentation processes. The ideal candidate is a hands-on technical expert with deep industry experience and a proven ability to translate bench-scale innovation into full-scale production success. This role will drive process improvements, troubleshoot complex challenges, and guide cross-functional teams in delivering high-impact results. The successful candidate will combine strong scientific and analytical skills with strategic project management and clear communication, ensuring research initiatives align with business objectives and deliver measurable value. The position will report to the Technical Director – Ethanol Research Support.

Requirements

PhD with 3+ years, MS with 10+ years, or BS with 15+ years of experience in fermentation science (microbiology, biochemistry, biotechnology, chemical engineering, or related disciplines).
10+ years of hands-on experience in commercial or pilot-scale fermentation operations, or in a collaborative role supporting active fermentation facilities.
Specific experience in industrial ethanol fermentations is highly preferred.
Proven ability to troubleshoot, optimize, and scale fermentation processes.
Skill in working with industrial isolates of yeast is essential; additional fermentation experience with bacteria and fungi is a plus.
Recognized subject matter expert in commercial-scale ethanol fermentation design and optimization; capable of leading research initiatives from concept through implementation.
Strong track record of managing complex projects—defining timelines, aligning objectives, and developing financial models to support recommendations.
Demonstrated success in achieving project goals and clearly communicating outcomes to stakeholders across all levels of the organization.
Experienced in interpreting experimental data and developing protocols to support scale-up or scale-down of new technologies.
Excellent communicator with the ability to bridge technical and non-technical teams; thrives in multidisciplinary, cross-functional environments.
Proficient in Microsoft Excel; experience with statistical software (e.g., JMP, Minitab) and OSI PI preferred.
Successful completion of a background check.

Nice To Haves

Additional fermentation experience with bacteria and fungi is a plus.
Knowledge of enzyme technology and development is a plus.

Responsibilities

Provide value to ADM business units through research support of ethanol operations.
Collaborate with commercial and operational stakeholders to identify opportunities that add value through development and deployment of new technologies and process optimizations.
Create, evaluate and support deployment of new technologies and process optimizations at ethanol facilities.
Deliver technical leadership in the areas of plant operations and ethanol fermentation processes.
Assist with ethanol plant support requests, including plant visits, troubleshooting plant problems, and developing recommendations for solving fermentation issues.
Manage ethanol process optimization projects, and communicate outcomes and recommendations to plant operations and research team members.