Extrusion Scientist - Decatur, IL

Extrusion Scientist - Decatur, IL

Position Summary
Extrusion Scientist II role is an independent technical contributor responsible for leading innovation in extrusion-based food systems, with a focus on plant-based proteins and ingredient functionality. This role owns projects from concept through commercialization, applying advanced food science and process engineering expertise to deliver scalable, high-quality solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently design, execute, and lead pilot-scale extrusion trials and experiments
• Manage R&D projects from concept through commercialization, ensuring timelines and technical deliverables are met
• Apply advanced understanding of ingredient functionality, formulation, and extrusion processing
• Analyze complex datasets and translate results into actionable insights and recommendations
• Provide troubleshooting process and scale-up support for manufacturing operations
• Conduct detailed product characterization (texture, rheology, structure-function relationships)
• Ensure full compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory standards
• Lead technical communication with cross-functional teams (R&D, Operations, Commercial)
• Apply statistical tools (DOE, regression analysis, multivariate analysis) to design experiments, optimize processes and ensure robust, data-driven decision making
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to capability development
• Support capital projects and continuous improvement of pilot extrusion capabilities
• Champion safety culture and ensure adherence to lab and plant safety protocols

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 3–5 years of experience OR master’s degree in food science, Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, or related field
• Proven experience with pilot or commercial extrusion systems (single and twin screw)
• Demonstrated expertise in protein texturization, plant-based systems, or complex food matrices
• Strong problem-solving, experimental design, and data analysis skills
• Ability to independently manage projects and influence cross-functional stakeholders

Core Competencies
Technical & Engineering

• Advanced extrusion processing, scale-up, and troubleshooting
• Experimental design, statistical analysis, and process optimization
• Strong understanding of thermomechanical processing and rheology
• Statistical analysis and experimental design (DOE, ANOVA, regression modeling)
• Ability to interpret complex multivariate datasets and process variability

Food Science (Critical Competency)

• Deep knowledge of ingredient functionality (proteins, starches, fibers, lipids)
• Structure–function relationships in extruded food systems (texture, water binding, stability)
• Food formulation design for plant-based and protein-rich products
• Impact of processing conditions on sensory, nutritional, and functional attributes
• Food safety expertise (HACCP, GMP, allergen control, hygienic design)

Professional Skills

• Project ownership and project execution excellence
• Cross-functional leadership and stakeholder influence
• Clear technical communication and documentation
• Mentorship and knowledge sharing

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:

$60,000.00 - $92,000.00

Benefits 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.

#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

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.

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