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Research And Development Design Engineer Jobs in Decatur, IL

... development and deployment of new technologies and process optimizations.Create, evaluate and ... design and optimization; capable of leading research initiatives from concept through ...

Mechanical Project

Decatur, IL · On-site

$74.70K - $101.80K/yr

... research, and enabling the next generation of scientific discovery and technological innovation ... In this role, you will be responsible for the engineering design process on assigned projects ...

Director Site Engineering

Clinton, IL · On-site

$216.90K - $241K/yr

... Design Engineering, Engineering Programs, and Engineering Administration with respect to station needs and regulatory requirements. * Manage the performance and development of site engineering ...

Director Site Engineering

Kenney, IL · On-site

$216.90K - $241K/yr

... Design Engineering, Engineering Programs, and Engineering Administration with respect to station needs and regulatory requirements. * Manage the performance and development of site engineering ...

Director Site Engineering

Beason, IL · On-site

$216.90K - $241K/yr

... Design Engineering, Engineering Programs, and Engineering Administration with respect to station needs and regulatory requirements. * Manage the performance and development of site engineering ...

Director Site Engineering

Latham, IL · On-site

$216.90K - $241K/yr

... Design Engineering, Engineering Programs, and Engineering Administration with respect to station needs and regulatory requirements. * Manage the performance and development of site engineering ...

Director Site Engineering

Maroa, IL · On-site

$216.90K - $241K/yr

... Design Engineering, Engineering Programs, and Engineering Administration with respect to station needs and regulatory requirements. * Manage the performance and development of site engineering ...

Director Site Engineering

Decatur, IL · On-site

$216.90K - $241K/yr

... Design Engineering, Engineering Programs, and Engineering Administration with respect to station needs and regulatory requirements. * Manage the performance and development of site engineering ...

Director Site Engineering

Lincoln, IL · On-site

$216.90K - $241K/yr

... Design Engineering, Engineering Programs, and Engineering Administration with respect to station needs and regulatory requirements. * Manage the performance and development of site engineering ...

Director Site Engineering

Weldon, IL · On-site

$216.90K - $241K/yr

... Design Engineering, Engineering Programs, and Engineering Administration with respect to station needs and regulatory requirements. * Manage the performance and development of site engineering ...

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Showing results 1-20

Research And Development Design Engineer information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$19.4K

$93.7K

$146.5K

How much do research and development design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for research and development design engineer in Decatur, IL is $93,671.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,200.00 and $113,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Research And Development Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research And Development Design Engineer, you need strong analytical skills, proficiency in engineering principles, and a relevant degree in engineering or a related field. Experience with CAD software, prototyping tools, and familiarity with industry standards or certifications such as Six Sigma are commonly required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective collaboration are essential soft skills for generating innovative solutions and working within multidisciplinary teams. These abilities are crucial for driving product innovation, ensuring technical feasibility, and maintaining a competitive edge in the market.

How does a Research and Development Design Engineer typically collaborate with other departments during a project?

A Research and Development Design Engineer often works closely with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, quality assurance, and marketing, to ensure that new products meet both technical specifications and market needs. Collaboration usually involves regular meetings to discuss project progress, address challenges, and integrate feedback from different departments. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as the engineer must balance innovative design ideas with practical considerations such as cost, manufacturability, and regulatory compliance.

What does a Research and Development (R&D) Design Engineer do?

A Research and Development (R&D) Design Engineer is responsible for creating and improving products, processes, or technologies through innovative design and engineering practices. They conduct research, develop prototypes, test new concepts, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to bring ideas from concept to production. Their work often involves problem-solving, technical analysis, and staying updated on industry trends to ensure products meet both market demands and regulatory standards.

What is the difference between Research And Development Design Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectResearch And Development Design EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering; often requires experience in R&DBachelor's or higher in Mechanical Engineering; focus on design skills
Work EnvironmentInnovative labs, R&D departments, testing facilitiesDesign offices, manufacturing plants, testing labs
Industry UsagePrimarily in R&D-focused companies, tech firms, aerospace, automotiveManufacturing, product design, engineering firms

Research And Development Design Engineers focus on creating new products and improving existing ones through innovative research, often working in labs. Mechanical Design Engineers concentrate on designing mechanical components and systems for production, working mainly in design offices and manufacturing settings. Both roles require strong engineering credentials but differ in their primary focus and work environment.

What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Research And Development Design Engineer jobs? Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Research And Development Design Engineer job openings:

Ethanol Support Engineer - Decatur, IL

ADM

Decatur, IL

$90K - $144.20K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


ADM rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 178 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

102nd of 335 rated logistics


Job description

Job Description Ethanol Support Engineer - Decatur, ILADM Research & DevelopmentThis 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:105754BRBase 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:$90,000.00 -$144,200.00Salaried Incentive PlanThe total compensation package for this position will also include annual bonusBenefits 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.#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 www.adm.com.


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