Associate Process Development Specialist - Decatur, IL

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Job Title: Associate Process Development Specialist - Decatur, IL
Location: Decatur, IL, Midwest United States, USA

Company: Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM)
Industry Sector: Agribusiness
Industry Type: Input Retail, Cooperative and Related Crop Services
Job Type: Full Time

Job Description: Job Description

Associate Process Development Specialist- Decatur, IL

This is a salary non-exempt level position

Position Summary:

The process development specialist will be part of a team which is responsible for supporting day to day pilot scale operations for the Human Nutrition team within ADM R&D. The team will work with novel and legacy technologies to drive innovation and productivity.

The specialist will work with research engineers and scientists to setup, commission, and operate pilot scale equipment, primarily focused in our Protein Solutions Center (PSC). Within the PSC are multiple labs that the specialist will support, with majority of time in the Protein Development Lab (PDL). The PSC is a new, state-of-the-art addition to ADM's Research & Development Center.

The candidate will interpret and modify Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), develop and modify Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and other supporting documentation for new and existing processes, and operate and troubleshoot equipment during operations.

Experiments and production campaigns may require periods of shift work including 8- and 12-hour shift coverage for up to three months at a time. Both night and day shift coverage will be necessary to achieve the goals of the group.

The successful candidate must be self-driven, willing to expand their knowledge, and capable of teaching others. They will be willing to troubleshoot equipment, document results, and be adaptive as technical knowledge improves and processes change.

Responsibilities

Operate compliant with OSHA and FDA guidelines through
- Routine safety and quality checklists and audits
- Peer-to-peer safety conversations and toolbox talks
- Maintaining a strong safety and quality culture
- Following GMPs and HACCP plans
- Clean and sanitize equipment and workspace regularly
- Owning and maintenance of good housekeeping and cleanliness
Recognize and understand how to work with hazardous processes including high temperature and pressure, steam, corrosives, flammables, explosible dust, and high speed rotating equipment
Work with engineers and scientists with a primary focus on hands-on support and operation to plan and execute pilot trials and manage day-to-day upkeep
- Write, modify, and update SOPs, work instructions, and experimental plans.
- Setup, troubleshoot, commission, and operate piloting equipment
- Monitor and operate equipment to meet experimental boundaries
- Coordinate sample collection, submission, and data compiling.
- Manage raw material and spare part inventory, ensuring sufficient stock
- Assist in the planning and execution of preventive maintenance tasks
- Compile and accurately record results and reports
Demonstrate commitment to continuous improvement through
- Periodic procedural review
- Job cycle checks
- LOTO review and audits
- Recommending process and ergonomic improvements
- Embracing change and supporting R&D improvement initiatives.
Train personnel on proper startup, operation, shutdown, and cleaning of piloting equipment.
Monitor the process, both with HMIs and hands-on, understanding process, quality, and safety KPIs
Work alongside contractors to modify, upgrade, and maintain pilot scale equipment and skids
Have ability to drive a fork truck

Qualifications

High school diploma or GED
2+ years of experience in process/pilot operations or related field
Ability to perform simple process calculations and have strong hands-on problem solving skills
Strong attention to detail, and adaptability to frequent changes
Strong mechanical aptitude and proficiency in assembly and disassembly
Ability to maintain accurate written records in a clear, organized manner
Ability to work independently and with cross-functional teams
Ability to work varying shifts to support project needs
Working knowledge or familiarity with pumps, valves, instrumentation, mixers, agitators, utilities, and piping systems is preferred
Basic technical writing skills preferred

Physical Requirements

Applicant must have regular, prompt attendance
Have the ability to climb stairs, perform some lifting (50#'s), sit and stand for long periods, work in confined spaces, work from heights, bending, and kneeling.
Candidate must be able to work in a variety of environmental conditions, such as hot and cold temperatures and a dust environment.
Must be able to wear a respirator.

Excited about this role but don't think you meet every requirement listed? We encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings.

ADM requires the successful completion of a background check.

REF:100162BR

#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

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Job Post Date: 08/06/25