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Job Description
Packaging Engineer - Decatur, IL Packaging Engineer – (Decatur, IL or ADM Packaging Site) This is an exempt, salary-level role This position reports to the Director of Global Packaging.
Travel: 25–50%
Location This role can be based in Decatur, IL or any ADM U.S. location with packaging operations, with primary support across the Midwest and Eastern regions.
Key packaging facility locations include: Cedar Rapids, IA | Clinton, IA | Buffalo, NY | Erlanger, KY / Cincinnati, OH | Kennesaw, GA / Atlanta, GA | Kansas City, KS | Jackson, TN | Southport, NC | Quincy, IL | Harvard, IL
Position Overview 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.
Position 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
Position Qualifications: Required:
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
Strongly Preferred:
8+ years overall operations experience
Capital project or equipment installation/startup experience
Experience in food, ag, chemical, or industrial environments
Physical requirements This role involves regular presence in plant environments. You should be able to:
Lift and carry materials up to 30 lbs frequently, up to 50 lbs occasionally, and up to 55 lbs overhead on a limited basis; assistance is available and encouraged for lifts over 50 lbs
Move throughout a facility, including traversing up to 2 miles over the course of a workday
Stoop, bend, kneel, or squat as needed; work may include periods of prolonged sitting or standing
Work at varying heights, including on ladders or scaffolding, and operate manual and electrically powered tools and test equipment
Relocation assistance is available with this position within North America.
This position does not offer visa sponsorship.
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.
Company Description:
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.
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