JOSEF SCHMID
Decatur
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven professional with extensive experience at ADM, excelling in operational efficiency and process optimization. Proven track record in leading pilot plant construction and implementing training programs, fostering team development. Expertise in process safety management and HAZOP assessments, driving significant improvements in production workflows and reducing waste.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Corn Wet Mill Refinery Superintendent
ADM
Decatur
08.2025 - Current
- Oversaw daily operations to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
- Coordinated equipment maintenance schedules, minimizing downtime and enhancing operational efficiency.
- Developed comprehensive training materials for effective onboarding of new employees.
- Implemented process improvements that streamlined production workflows and reduced waste.
Vitamin E /SFI Plant Manager
ADM
Decatur
01.2023 - 08.2025
- Oversaw day-to-day operations of Vitamin E and Sspecialty Food Ingredient facilities.
- Tracked key performance metrics such as throughput, quality, cost, and safety.
- Generated weekly operational reports to project production volumes and readiness.
- Worked alongside commercial and finance teams for annual target setting and monthly P&L updates.
Pilot Capability Manager
ADM
Decatur
05.2020 - 01.2023
- Directed team in constructing and operating pilot-scale fermentation facility.
- Administered Capex budget management for Research Process Development Group.
- Advised on piloting and scaling up various research endeavors.
- Engaged with research divisions to keep high-value projects on schedule.
- Worked with RPDG managers to synchronize project goals and evaluate risks.
Process Engineering Manager/Pilot Plant Manager
ADM
Decatur
08.2018 - 04.2020
- Managing a team of process engineers and operators working on new technology development and implementation into existing facilities
- Implementing the Research Process Development Group’s project portfolio and determining the risk adjust value of all current and future projects.
- Assisting with the rollout of FEL0 for the process engineering group.
- Leading daily operations of the FDME Pilot Plant to meet technology development and production targets.
Pilot Plant Engineer II
ADM
Decatur
08.2016 - 08.2018
- Contributed to design team for chemical pilot plant focused on FDME production.
- Played a key role in HAZOP and LOPA teams for risk assessment and management.
- Sized and selected appropriate processing equipment and instrumentation for operational efficiency.
- Supervised installation and commissioning of unit equipment to ensure compliance with standards.
- Developed standard operating procedures and DCS documentation for streamlined operations.
- Led shifts of 2-3 process technicians, achieving pilot plant goals and deadlines.
Plant Startup Engineer II
Archer Daniels Midland
Tianjin
04.2016 - 07.2016
- Led successful startup of new industrial food processing plant.
- Performed troubleshooting on equipment, implementing design changes for improved efficiency.
- Provided mentorship to local engineers on equipment handling and fundamental engineering practices.
Research Engineer II
ADM
Decatur
07.2014 - 03.2016
- Executed process optimization initiatives for industrial chemical and food plants, achieving significant cost savings.
- Conducted assessments of control systems and equipment changes across multiple processing facilities.
- Designed and implemented several improvement projects to elevate plant performance.
Pilot Plant Engineer I
ADM
Decatur
07.2011 - 06.2014
- Designed and operated Integrated Biorefinery pilot facility in collaboration with US Department of Energy.
- Engineered and installed over 20 pilot unit operations alongside engineering team.
- Produced comprehensive report outlining data and findings from pilot plant operations.
Research Engineer I
ADM
Decatur
10.2009 - 06.2011
- Designed and constructed laboratory-scale reactor systems for process optimization.
- Conducted experiments to evaluate new technologies for commercial processes.
- Assessed effectiveness of innovative methods on existing processes through experimentation.
Education
Bachelors of Science - Chemical Engineering
University Maryland
College Park, MD05.2009
Skills
- Operational efficiency and process optimization
- Process safety management
- Hazardous process design
- Chemical plant startup
- Pilot plant construction
- Equipment sizing and specification
- Metallurgy testing and corrosion analysis
- HAZOP and LOPA assessments
- P&ID creation and review
- Training programs
- Hazardous electrical classification
- Team building and development
- Production planning
Timeline
Corn Wet Mill Refinery Superintendent
ADM
08.2025 - Current
Vitamin E /SFI Plant Manager
ADM
01.2023 - 08.2025
Pilot Capability Manager
ADM
05.2020 - 01.2023
Process Engineering Manager/Pilot Plant Manager
ADM
08.2018 - 04.2020
Pilot Plant Engineer II
ADM
08.2016 - 08.2018
Plant Startup Engineer II
Archer Daniels Midland
04.2016 - 07.2016
Research Engineer II
ADM
07.2014 - 03.2016
Pilot Plant Engineer I
ADM
07.2011 - 06.2014
Research Engineer I
ADM
10.2009 - 06.2011
Bachelors of Science - Chemical Engineering
University Maryland