Process Engineer - Mankato, MN
About The Position
We are seeking a Process Engineer to support and optimize oilseed crushing and extraction operations. This role is responsible for improving plant efficiency, product quality, safety performance, and cost effectiveness across seed preparation, pressing, solvent extraction, and by-product handling processes. The Process Engineer works closely with operations, maintenance, quality, and engineering teams to drive continuous improvement and ensure regulatory compliance. This position will also collaborate and coordinate with other ADM processing facilities in North America. The Mankato Complex, located in Mankato, MN, consists of 3 processing plants, and employs ~100+ Plant Operations Colleagues and an additional ~50+ Contractors.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
- A minimum two (2) years of experience in oilseed crushing, edible oil processing, or solvent extraction.
- Strong knowledge of Prep and Extraction operations.
- Experience working with process control systems.
- Understanding of mass and energy balance calculations.
Nice To Haves
- Five (5) years of experience in oilseeds crushing, edible oil processing, solvent extraction and/or refining processes.
- Familiarity with OSHA and PSM standards.
- Experience with SAP or similar ERP systems.
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and cross-functional communication skills.
- Proficiency in Excel and process analysis tools.
Responsibilities
- Monitor and optimize seed preparation, flaking, cooking, pressing, solvent extraction, and desolventizer-toaster (DT) operations.
- Analyze plant performance data including throughput, oil yield, solvent loss, energy consumption, and residual oil in meal.
- Identify bottlenecks and implement corrective actions to improve efficiency and reduce downtime.
- Support plant startup, shutdown, troubleshooting, and commissioning activities.
- Monitor and adjust process parameters using DCS/PLC systems.
- Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives to increase oil recovery, reduce solvent losses, and improve energy efficiency.
- Conduct root cause analysis for process deviations and performance issues.
- Ensure compliance with food/feed safety standards, HACCP programs, and environmental regulations (VOC emissions, wastewater, dust control).
- Promote safe operating practices related to hexane solvent systems, combustible dust, and high-temperature equipment.
- Participate in HAZOP, Process Safety Management (PSM), and risk assessments.
- Support capital projects, review PFDs and P&IDs, and assist with new equipment commissioning.
Benefits
- 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
