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Ethanol Process Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Archer Daniels Midland

Ethanol Support Engineer - Decatur, IL ADM Research & Development This is an exempt level position ... This role will drive process improvements, troubleshoot complex challenges, and guide cross ...

ICM Ventures Inc

Process Engineer II

Colwich, KS · On-site

Join a mission‑driven engineering team that designs, improves, and scales corn‑based ethanol ... ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1. Develop a basic understanding of ICM processes such as issuing information ...

ADM

Ethanol Support Engineer - Decatur, IL

Decatur, IL · On-site

Ethanol Support Engineer - Decatur, IL ADM Research & Development This is an exempt level position ... This role will drive process improvements, troubleshoot complex challenges, and guide cross ...

Archer Daniels Midland

... engineer to lead the design, optimization, and scale-up of commercial ethanol fermentation ... This role will drive process improvements, troubleshoot complex challenges, and guide cross ...

ICM Ventures Inc

Process Engineer II

Colwich, KS · On-site

Join a mission‑driven engineering team that designs, improves, and scales corn‑based ethanol ... ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1. Develop a basic understanding of ICM processes such as issuing information ...

Applied Staffing Group, LLC

Be Seen First

Process Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

Exempt Position Overview The Process Engineer will play a critical role in optimizing and advancing manufacturing processes and systems within the ethanol plant. This position focuses on improving ...

New

ADM

Ethanol Support Engineer - Decatur, IL

Decatur, IL · On-site

$90K - $144K/yr

... engineer to lead the design, optimization, and scale-up of commercial ethanol fermentation ... This role will drive process improvements, troubleshoot complex challenges, and guide cross ...

Curaleaf

Process Engineer

Webster, MA · On-site

Process Engineer Location: Webster, MA The candidate must be able to travel 75% + of the time ... CO and ethanol extractors, pumps, chillers, and more * Build and test experimental designs to ...

CHS, Inc.

Process Engineer

Kennedy, MN · On-site

The ideal candidate will bring experience in oilseed processing, ethanol production, or other ... Responsibilities Process Engineering: * Plan assigned design and/or development projects by ...

CHS, Inc.

Process Engineer

Kennedy, MN · On-site

The ideal candidate will bring experience in oilseed processing, ethanol production, or other ... Responsibilities Process Engineering: * Plan assigned design and/or development projects by ...

Alto Ingredients, Inc

Process Engineer

Boardman, OR · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

This position is responsible for process engineering support of operations efforts to safely operate, troubleshoot, analyze, and optimize unit operations in a fuel ethanol dry mill and liquid CO2 ...

Archer Daniels Midland

Ethanol Technology Manager - Cedar Rapids, IA This is an exempt level position Position Summary The ... Mentor plant engineers and operators on process optimization and best practices. * Establish and ...

Curaleaf

Process Engineer

Boston, MA

$90K - $110K/yr

As a Process Engineer, you'll be an essential part of Curaleaf's innovative Research and ... ethanol extractors, pumps, chillers, and more * Build and test experimental designs to support new ...

Curaleaf

Process Engineer

Webster, MA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

As a Process Engineer, you'll be an essential part of Curaleaf's innovative Research and ... ethanol extractors, pumps, chillers, and more * Build and test experimental designs to support new ...

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Ethanol Process Engineer information

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$49.5K

$92K

$142.5K

How much do ethanol process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for ethanol process engineer in the United States is $92,018.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,500.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an ethanol process engineer?

Ethanol Process Engineers are professionals who design, optimize, and oversee the processes used to produce ethanol, typically from biomass such as corn or sugarcane. They work to improve the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of ethanol production facilities, often by developing new technologies or refining existing processes. Their role may include troubleshooting equipment, ensuring regulatory compliance, and collaborating with other engineers and plant staff. Ethanol Process Engineers play a vital part in the renewable energy industry, helping to produce cleaner fuel alternatives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an ethanol process engineer?

To thrive as an Ethanol Process Engineer, you need a strong background in chemical or biochemical engineering, process optimization, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with process simulation software (like Aspen Plus or HYSYS), knowledge of industrial fermentation, and safety certifications are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set top performers apart in this field. These competencies are essential for ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective ethanol production while maintaining compliance with industry regulations.

What are some typical challenges faced by an ethanol process engineer, and how can they be addressed?

Ethanol Process Engineers often encounter challenges such as optimizing production efficiency, ensuring regulatory compliance, and troubleshooting equipment or process issues. Fluctuations in feedstock quality, maintaining consistent product yields, and integrating new technologies can also be demanding. Addressing these challenges requires a proactive approach to process monitoring, strong analytical skills, and effective collaboration with operations, maintenance, and quality teams. Regular training and staying updated on industry advancements can further help in overcoming these obstacles.

What is the difference between Ethanol Process Engineer vs Biochemical Process Engineer?

AspectEthanol Process EngineerBiochemical Process Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Chemical, Biochemical, or Process Engineering; certifications varyBachelor's in Chemical, Biochemical, or Biological Engineering; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentRefineries, ethanol production plants, industrial facilitiesBiotech labs, fermentation facilities, bioprocessing plants
Industry UsagePrimarily in biofuel and ethanol production industriesIn biotech, pharmaceuticals, and bio-based product industries
Job FocusOptimizing ethanol production processes, equipment, and safetyDeveloping and optimizing biological processes for product yield

While both roles involve process engineering in biological production, Ethanol Process Engineers focus specifically on ethanol manufacturing, whereas Biochemical Process Engineers work on a broader range of bioproducts. The skills and environments overlap significantly, but their industry applications differ.

What are popular job titles related to Ethanol Process Engineer jobs?

For Ethanol Process Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Ethanol Process Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 93% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,018 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

Ethanol Support Engineer - Decatur, IL

On-site

Archer Daniels Midland
Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Archer Daniels Midlandexternal

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

ADM rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Ethanol Support Engineer - Decatur, IL
ADM Research & Development
This is an exempt level position.
Position Summary:
We are seeking an experienced fermentation scientist/engineer to lead the design, optimization, and scale-up of commercial ethanol fermentation processes. The ideal candidate is a hands-on technical expert with deep industry experience and a proven ability to translate bench-scale innovation into full-scale production success. This role will drive process improvements, troubleshoot complex challenges, and guide cross-functional teams in delivering high-impact results. The successful candidate will combine strong scientific and analytical skills with strategic project management and clear communication, ensuring research initiatives align with business objectives and deliver measurable value.  The position will report to the Technical Director - Ethanol Research Support.
Job Responsibilities:
  • Provide value to ADM business units through research support of ethanol operations.
  • Collaborate with commercial and operational stakeholders to identify opportunities that add value through development and deployment of new technologies and process optimizations.
  • Create, evaluate and support deployment of new technologies and process optimizations at ethanol facilities.
  • Deliver technical leadership in the areas of plant operations and ethanol fermentation processes.
  • Assist with ethanol plant support requests, including plant visits, troubleshooting plant problems, and developing recommendations for solving fermentation issues.
  • Manage ethanol process optimization projects, and communicate outcomes and recommendations to plant operations and research team members.
Job Requirements:
These skills and experience will be required or useful for the candidate.
  • Education & Experience: PhD with 3+ years, MS with 10+ years, or BS with 15+ years of experience in fermentation science (microbiology, biochemistry, biotechnology, chemical engineering, or related disciplines).
  • Industry Expertise: 10+ years of hands-on experience in commercial or pilot-scale fermentation operations, or in a collaborative role supporting active fermentation facilities. Specific experience in industrial ethanol fermentations is highly preferred.
  • Technical Excellence: Proven ability to troubleshoot, optimize, and scale fermentation processes. Skill in working with industrial isolates of yeast is essential; additional fermentation experience with bacteria and fungi is a plus.
  • Leadership & Innovation: Recognized subject matter expert in commercial-scale ethanol fermentation design and optimization; capable of leading research initiatives from concept through implementation.
  • Project Management: Strong track record of managing complex projects-defining timelines, aligning objectives, and developing financial models to support recommendations.
  • Results Delivery: Demonstrated success in achieving project goals and clearly communicating outcomes to stakeholders across all levels of the organization.
  • Analytical Skills: Experienced in interpreting experimental data and developing protocols to support scale-up or scale-down of new technologies.
  • Collaboration & Communication: Excellent communicator with the ability to bridge technical and non-technical teams; thrives in multidisciplinary, cross-functional environments.
  • Technical Tools: Proficient in Microsoft Excel; experience with statistical software (e.g., JMP, Minitab) and OSI PI preferred.
  • Additional Expertise: Knowledge of enzyme technology and development is a plus.
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:105754BR

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