Process Engineer - Mankato, MN

Process Engineer - Oilseed Crush and Refinery Plant - Mankato, MN

Position Summary

We are seeking a Process Engineer to support and optimize oilseed crushing and extraction operations. This role is responsible for improving plant efficiency, product quality, safety performance, and cost effectiveness across seed preparation, pressing, solvent extraction, and by-product handling processes. The Process Engineer works closely with operations, maintenance, quality, and engineering teams to drive continuous improvement and ensure regulatory compliance. This position will also collaborate and coordinate with other ADM processing facilities in North America.

The Mankato Complex, located in Mankato, MN, consists of 3 processing plants, and employs ~100+ Plant Operations Colleagues and an additional ~50+ Contractors.



Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and optimize seed preparation, flaking, cooking, pressing, solvent extraction, and desolventizer-toaster (DT) operations.
• Analyze plant performance data including throughput, oil yield, solvent loss, energy consumption, and residual oil in meal.
• Identify bottlenecks and implement corrective actions to improve efficiency and reduce downtime.
• Support plant startup, shutdown, troubleshooting, and commissioning activities.
• Monitor and adjust process parameters using DCS/PLC systems.
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to increase oil recovery, reduce solvent losses, and improve energy efficiency.
• Conduct root cause analysis for process deviations and performance issues.
• Ensure compliance with food/feed safety standards, HACCP programs, and environmental regulations (VOC emissions, wastewater, dust control).
• Promote safe operating practices related to hexane solvent systems, combustible dust, and high-temperature equipment.
• Participate in HAZOP, Process Safety Management (PSM), and risk assessments.
• Support capital projects, review PFDs and P&IDs, and assist with new equipment commissioning.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• A minimum two (2) years of experience in oilseed crushing, edible oil processing, or solvent extraction.
• Strong knowledge of Prep and Extraction operations.
• Experience working with process control systems.
• Understanding of mass and energy balance calculations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five (5) years of experience in oilseeds crushing, edible oil processing, solvent extraction and/or refining processes.
• Familiarity with OSHA and PSM standards.
• Experience with SAP or similar ERP systems.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and cross-functional communication skills.
• Proficiency in Excel and process analysis tools.

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.

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:

$72,900.00 - $

Salaried Incentive Plan

The total compensation package for this position will also include annual bonus

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…