Corn Wet Milling Technology Manager (Illinois OR Iowa Plant location)

Job DescriptionCorn Wet Milling Technology Manager - Decatur, IL; Clinton, IA; or Cedar Rapids, IAThis is an exempt level position.Position SummaryThe Corn Wet Milling Technology Manager supports plant process areas related to the production and optimization of starches, sweeteners, corn oil, gluten feed, gluten meal, ethanol, and other corn-derived co-products within corn wet milling operations.Primary process areas include:Corn receiving, handling, and storageSteeping and sulfur dioxide systemsGerm separation and corn oil recoveryFiber washing and separationGluten separation and protein concentrationStarch washing and purificationStarch conversion and sweetener productionEvaporation, drying, and co-product systemsThese products and systems are produced through core unit operations such as:Size reduction and millingSteeping and extraction processesCentrifugation and separation technologiesHydro cyclone starch washing systemsEvaporation and thermal dryingEnzymatic starch conversionHeat integration and utility systemsWater treatment, CIP, and chemical treatment systemsThis role focuses on continuous improvement, optimization, and reliability of corn wet milling facilities, while collaborating across multiple sites to standardize best practices and drive operational performance.The Technology Manager will lead plant and organizational engineers in the application of engineering principles to process design, troubleshooting, debottlenecking, and deployment of new technologies, ensuring plant systems operate at safe, optimal, and cost-effective conditions.This position plays a key role in achieving capacity expansion, yield maximization, product quality improvements, energy reduction, water conservation, and manufacturing cost reduction objectives.Essential Job FunctionsDemonstrate technology leadership and promote a strong process safety and operational excellence culture.Benchmark wet milling performance (yield, recovery, energy, water usage, and reliability) against internal and external best-in-class operations and drive improvements.Standardize and replicate best practices across wet milling sites, including steeping performance, starch recovery, gluten separation efficiency, and drying operations.Manage and prioritize a portfolio of process improvement, debottlenecking, and capital projects across site operations.Collaborate with corporate and plant teams to align on technology deployment, modernization, digitalization, and automation opportunities.Evaluate and implement new process technologies related to starch extraction, separation systems, corn oil recovery, sweetener production, energy efficiency, and water management.Provide hands-on support in troubleshooting process bottlenecks including steep losses, starch recovery challenges, separation inefficiencies, evaporation constraints, and product quality variations.Establish and track KPIs including starch yield, product recovery, corn oil yield, utility consumption, water usage, throughput, product quality, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).Work closely with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to implement reliability, quality, and efficiency improvements.Mentor plant engineers and operating teams on wet milling technology, process optimization, troubleshooting methods, and best practices.Support strategic growth initiatives through feasibility studies, process design reviews, and technology assessments.Lead technology efforts supporting sustainability initiatives, including water reduction, energy optimization, emissions reduction, and waste minimization.Required SkillsStrong commitment to process safety, food/feed safety, and operational excellence.Deep understanding of corn wet milling unit operations, including:Corn steeping systemsGerm separation and oil recoveryFiber recovery and washingGluten separation and concentrationStarch washing and purification systemsEvaporation and drying operationsUtility and energy systemsExperience in process optimization, debottlenecking, and yield improvement using data analytics and plant KPIs.Strong understanding of mass balance, process control, product quality, and manufacturing economics.Ability to work effectively across operations, engineering, maintenance, commercial, and leadership teams.Working knowledge of PFDs, P&IDs, mass and energy balances, process simulations, and advanced control strategies.Willingness to work in plant environments and travel to support multiple sites.Strong problem-solving, project management, and leadership capabilities.Knowledge of food, feed, and industrial starch product quality requirements is preferred.Required EducationBachelor's degree in:Chemical EngineeringAgricultural EngineeringMechanical EngineeringIndustrial EngineeringBiological EngineeringOr related technical fieldRequired ExperienceMinimum 10 years of experience in corn wet milling, starch manufacturing, sweetener production, or related corn processing operationsStrong background in process engineering, manufacturing support, operations leadership, or process technology managementProven experience leading cross-functional process improvement initiativesDesired ExperienceExperience in corn wet milling operations leadership or advanced process technology rolesExposure to:Advanced Process Control (APC)Starch and sweetener manufacturing technologiesSeparation and centrifugation systemsCorn oil recovery optimizationCapacity expansion and debottlenecking projectsEnergy and water reduction initiativesDigital manufacturing and process analyticsSustainability and environmental performance improvement programsKey Performance MeasuresCorn grind throughputStarch recovery and yieldSweetener and starch product qualityCorn oil yieldGluten feed and gluten meal yieldsEnergy consumptionWater consumptionManufacturing cost reductionReliability and uptimeSafety and environmental performanceTechnology deployment success across the enterpriseThis version aligns the role to a multi-site ADM Corn Wet Milling Technology Manager scope, emphasizing steeping, separation, starch recovery, sweeteners, corn oil, and co-product optimization rather than fermentation and ethanol production.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:113282BRBase 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:$102,100.00 - $180,000.00Salaried Incentive PlanThe total compensation package for this position will also include annual bonus and a long-term incentive plan Benefits and PerksEnriching 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.#IncludingYouDiversity, 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 lawAbout 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 ID113282BR#LI-Onsite Ref ID#LI-VL1 : Clinton : IA - Iowa : Engineering