Packaging Engineer - Decatur, IL

Archer Daniels Midland•Decatur, IL

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

This is an exempt, salary-level role that reports to the Director of Global Packaging. The Packaging Engineer is a hands-on, technical support role focused on troubleshooting packaging equipment, optimizing production processes, and improving performance across packaging lines. You’ll support capital projects, quality and safety engagements, equipment installations, and process improvements while leveraging data, KPIs, and Performance Excellence tools to drive efficiency and cost savings. This role sits within the Packaging Technology Center as part of the Operational Transformation team, serving as a key link between global standards and plant-level execution across ADM’s business units. In this position, you’ll partner cross-functionally with operations, engineering, procurement, and commercial teams to drive continuous improvement, implement best practices, and deliver measurable value across packaging systems, equipment, and materials. Success in this role depends on the ability to solve problems in real-time, work closely with plant teams, and implement sustainable solutions across a variety of packaging formats and operations. ADM’s packaging footprint is highly diverse. On the dry side, you’ll work with multiwall bags, drums, totes, pouches, and boxes. On the liquid side, you’ll support systems involving PET, glass, Jerry cans, aseptic/UHT, bag-in-box, and HDPE containers.

Requirements

B.S. in Engineering, Packaging, or related field
4+ years of direct packaging experience in manufacturing
Experience working in or closely with plant operations
Ability to troubleshoot packaging equipment and implement sustainable corrective actions
Experience optimizing and operating packaging equipment
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
Organized, detail-focused, and methodical approach to problem solving and execution
Hands-on, practical approach with demonstrated technical proficiency
Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Nice To Haves

8+ years overall operations experience
Capital project or equipment installation/startup experience
Continuous Improvement / Lean / Performance Excellence
Experience in food, ag, chemical, or industrial environments

Responsibilities

Providing technical leadership on packaging equipment selection, materials, and system optimization across dry and liquid packaging operations
Monitoring production processes and troubleshooting packaging equipment — identifying root causes and implementing sustainable corrective actions
Supporting capital and non-discretionary expense (NDE) projects, including equipment installation, modifications, and training at startup
Developing and deploying packaging best practices, standards, and performance guarantees across your region and globally as applicable
Using KPIs and metrics to identify improvement opportunities and track value creation
Writing technical reports following plant visits and following up on action items
Managing and prioritizing a pipeline of packaging savings and improvement projects aligned with strategic sourcing goals
Supporting packaging materials specification, testing, and analysis
Partnering with suppliers in coordination with Strategic Sourcing
Identifying opportunities to digitalize performance metrics
Coaching and developing fellow team members; contributing to a culture of shared accountability and growth

Benefits

Relocation assistance is available with this position within North America.
Competitive pay
Comprehensive total rewards package to enhance your well-being
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.