Extrusion Specialist - Decatur, IL

3377976No5998548410.00.007-Jul-2026Extrusion Specialist - Decatur, ILResearch & DevelopmentExtrusion Specialist - Decatur, IL

Position Summary

Support R&D scientists and engineers in executing pilot-scale trials and developing plant-based food ingredient prototypes. This role contributes directly to product innovation through hands-on equipment operation, basic analytical testing, data collection, and operational support.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up and operate pilot-scale extrusion and processing equipment for research trials
• Prepare raw materials, manage inventory, and formulate blends
• Procure and maintain necessary consumables and supplies for extrusion piloting and analytical activities
• Execute experimental plans and produce prototypes
• Conduct simple analytical testing under the guidance of scientists or engineers
• Collect process data, coordinate sample testing, and document results
• Maintain sanitation, food safety, and housekeeping standards
• Perform equipment troubleshooting and manage preventative maintenance program
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Support and lead safety compliance, training, and documentation activities
• Competence in safety processes - Lockout-Tagout (LOTO), Equipment Specific Lockout Process (ESLP), and Job-Safety Analysis (JSA)

Core Competencies

Technical & Operational Skills

• Pilot plant and industrial equipment operation (extrusion preferred)
• Process troubleshooting and equipment maintenance
• Ingredient handling (proteins, starches, flour)
• Basic analytical testing under technical supervision
• Management and procurement of lab and pilot-scale consumables and supplies
• Preventative maintenance systems and SOP development

Data & Execution Excellence

• Accurate data collection, reporting, and documentation
• Strong attention to detail and quality focus
• Ability to execute experimental plans consistently and efficiently

Safety & Compliance

• Strong safety mindset and adherence to food safety standards
• Knowledge of sanitation practices and regulatory compliance
• Experience with safety systems

Collaboration & Work Ethic

• Effective teamwork and cross-functional collaboration
• Self-motivated with ability to work independently
• Adaptability in a fast-paced, changing environment

Qualifications

• 3 years of experience with process or industrial equipment (extrusion preferred)
• Associate's degree or Equivalent Required - Bachelor's degree (preferred)
• Mechanical aptitude; ability to lift to 50 lbs.
• Willingness to work occasional off-shift hours

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:110861BR

110861BRDecatur IL - Illinois #LI-AS5 About ADM

At ADM, we unlock the power of nature to provide access to nutrition worldwide. With industry-advancing innovations, a complete portfolio of ingredients and solutions to meet any taste, and a commitment to sustainability, we give customers an edge in solving the nutritional challenges of today and tomorrow. We're a global leader in human and animal nutrition and the world's premier agricultural origination and processing company. Our breadth, depth, insights, facilities and logistical expertise give us unparalleled capabilities to meet needs for food, beverages, health and wellness, and more. From the seed of the idea to the outcome of the solution, we enrich the quality of life the world over. Learn more at www.adm.com.#LI-Onsite #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 lawBenefits and Perks

Enriching the quality of life for the world begins by taking care of our colleagues. 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.

Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours.

If hired, employees will be in an "at-will position" and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

The pay range for this position is expected to be between:

$49,000.00 - $87,300.00