Plant Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Plant engineer jobs in Illinois are consistently active, with strong demand across manufacturing, food processing, chemicals, and utilities, covering roles from entry-level process technicians to senior facility engineers. Chicago, Rockford, and the Joliet-Aurora corridor are the primary hiring centers, where companies like Caterpillar, Abbott Laboratories, and Kraft Heinz maintain substantial engineering operations. The most sought-after specialties in Illinois include process optimization, utility systems management, and reliability engineering. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Plant Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 23+ Plant Engineer jobs











Plant Electrical and Instrumentation Engineer, Corn Plant– Decatur, IL.
This is an exempt level position.
Job Summary:
This position is responsible for leading the day-to-day E/I operations of one of ADM’s largest organizations. You will be responsible for ensuring safe and successful operational activities while maintaining compliance with company policies, government regulation and regulatory agencies (OSHA, EPA, DNR, FDA, USDA, FRA, HACCP, etc.)
The person in this role will have previous experience in maintenance leadership positions and be an expert in E/I programs, standards, and best practices. They will spend a significant amount of time in the field mentoring, providing support, and auditing practices and policies. They will display a commitment to, lead, participate and support safety engagement. They will support the team’s growth in training, capabilities, and experiences using development plans. They will ensure good team communication and alignment through regular performance and development conversations with colleagues and other leaders across the complex.
Key Responsibilities:
- Respond to department, personnel, process, product, and environmental emergencies.
- Require safety and compliance with all state and federal regulations, and ADM policies
- Guide the E/I department in a manner that results in a cohesive, focused, positive climate to achieve organizational goals
- Drive predictive and preventative programs aligned with NFPA 70E
- Create and lead an effective training program for new and existing E/I techs.
- Identifying and prioritizing Instrumentation and electrical improvement projects.
- Embrace an owner’s mindset by managing costs and continuously focus on efficiency improvement.
- Provide mentorship, accountability, and disciplinary support as necessary.
- Maintain a high degree of availability to a 24/7 operation. Write all major electrical improvement AFE’s.
- Communicate and evaluate job scope and best practices with process and project engineers during project scope development.
- Create and audit all electrical PM programs, from transformers, mains, sub mains, MCC buckets.
- Oversee the work of high voltage electrical contractors and establish schedules for inspections, cleaning, and repair tasks.
- Monitor and track PdMA data collection.
- Monitor all UPS / battery backup systems, track, and upgrade components to increase reliability.
- Create and schedule Medium voltage PM program (transformers, GIS gear, Mains, Sub Mains)
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related technical discipline.
- 10+ years of industrial electrical and instrumentation experience
- 5+ years of industrial maintenance in a continuous process environment with demonstrated leadership experience supervising technical maintenance personnel.
- Medium voltage power distribution experience (up to 34.5 KV)
- Strong maintenance, reliability, and controls knowledge
- Excellent written and verbal interpersonal skills demonstrated in planning, prioritization, and organizational skills
- Dust and chemical exposure requiring PPE at times
- The scope of the position requires exposure to and use of chemicals, solvents, and cleaners that may be hazardous and/or cause injury if specific instructions regarding their mixture, use, and disposal/storage are not properly followed
- Seasonal temperatures will range from below freezing and up to or exceeding 100 degrees in some areas with both inside and outside work requirements.
- Some manufacturing processes within the facility are highly reliant on machinery and other processing equipment and, as a result, noise levels may reach or exceed 85 decibels and require use of hearing protection for most of the work shift.
- Able to lift and transport materials and equipment weighing up to 30 pounds on a frequent basis, up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis and up to 55 pounds overhead
- Lifting or carrying of weights over 50 pounds is rare. Employees are encouraged to request assistance in lifting or carrying objects that weigh more than 50 pounds
- Able traverse up to four miles during a workday
- Able to move about or to a work site by stooping, bending, kneeling, or squatting frequently during a workday. May require periods of prolonged sitting or standing
- Able to operate equipment or diagnose / detect issues of machinery that may be located at different heights. May require work on ladders, scaffolding or other work at heights
- Occasional work is required in and around confined spaces
- Requires a full range of physical motion to operate manual and electrically powered tools and test equipment, to move throughout the facility, including climbing stairs in all buildings, and to work at heights
ADM requires the successful completion of a background check.
REF:114980BR
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:
$46,500 - $100,600
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).
- 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.
Req/Job ID
114980BR
#LI-Onsite
Ref ID
#LI-VL1
Plant Electrical and Instrumentation Engineer - Decatur, IL | Archer Daniels Midland
See All 23 Plant Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Plant Engineer JobsPlant Engineer Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Plant Engineer Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Chemicals & Materials
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in plant engineer jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical, industrial, or chemical engineering from an accredited program
- Professional Engineer license from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation preferred for senior roles
- Three or more years of hands-on experience in a manufacturing or industrial plant environment
- Proficiency with computerized maintenance management systems such as SAP PM or Maximo
- Demonstrated knowledge of OSHA process safety management and Illinois environmental compliance standards
- Experience leading continuous improvement initiatives using Lean or Six Sigma methodologies
Plant Engineer Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a plant engineer in Illinois?
Most plant engineer roles in Illinois require a bachelor's degree in mechanical, chemical, or industrial engineering from an ABET-accredited program. For senior or public-sector positions, a Professional Engineer license issued by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation is a strong advantage and sometimes required. Candidates typically begin as process or facilities engineers, building experience in plant operations before advancing. Certifications in reliability engineering or Lean Six Sigma improve competitiveness in the Illinois market.
How much do plant engineers make in Illinois?
Plant engineers in Illinois earn a median of about $100,540 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $73,780 for the lowest 10% to over $155,650 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire plant engineers in Illinois?
Employers hiring plant engineers in Illinois right now include Sargent & Lundy, Amcor, and ADM, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Illinois's concentration of large food, pharmaceutical, and industrial manufacturing operations means plant engineers here frequently work for companies with multiple facilities across the state.
Which Illinois cities have the most plant engineer jobs?
Chicago, Mundelein, and Peoria have the most plant engineer openings in Illinois. Chicago dominates due to its density of corporate headquarters and industrial facilities, while Rockford's long-standing machinery and aerospace manufacturing base and the Joliet-Aurora corridor's logistics and chemical processing plants generate consistent demand outside the main metro.
Are there remote plant engineer jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. About 67% of plant engineer openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on, on-site nature of most plant engineering work. The portions of the role most likely to allow remote flexibility include data analysis, reporting, and project engineering tasks that don't require a physical plant presence.
How can I get hired as a plant engineer in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to process or facilities engineer associate roles at large Illinois manufacturers such as food and beverage or pharmaceutical producers, which regularly recruit new graduates. Companies like Abbott and Kraft Heinz run structured rotational engineering programs designed for candidates without direct plant experience. Relevant internships, a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certificate, or prior technician or skilled-trades experience also make a strong case to Illinois hiring managers looking to grow engineers internally.
Where can I find and apply to plant engineer jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to plant engineer jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings across industries and experience levels. Search the available roles, identify the ones that match your background and location, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 23 Plant Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Plant Engineer Jobs