Senior Research Engineer, Process Technology Development R&D

Job Location: Hershey, PA
Summary:

Its an exciting time to join The Hershey Company. Were at the forefront of implementing transformative technologies across our entire supply chain to deliver our vision of being a Leading Snacking Powerhouse. To do this were investing tremendously into our technical talent and looking for the very best and brightest engineers to deliver on our goals.

Currently our Research & Development (R&D) team is growing to support our strategic business initiatives including the development of new products in the fast-growing non-chocolate confectionery category. In this role youd initially be leading technology development projects for brands such as Jolly Rancher, Twizzlers, Reese, Hershey, Cocoa Science, and Salty, and others while partnering with Product Development teams to support their innovation pipeline.

Reporting to the Manager, Process Technology R&D and working at The Hershey Companys Technical Center located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, the Senior Research Engineer, Process Technology Development R&D position provides project leadership to high complexity projects, leading workstreams within larger projects, and/or leading low complexity projects with minimal support. A medium to high level of autonomy is required depending on the workstream. A successful candidate is expected to combine STEM fundamentals and especially engineering fundamentals for solving technical project objectives. This candidate is expected to communicate project updates to cross-functional team members and management. Work assignments could extend across Hersheys entire product portfolio including megabrands such as Hersheys, Reeses and Kit Kat as well as fast growing Salty brands such as Dots, Skinny Pop, and strategic growth platforms in spaces such as the Better-For-You positioned Zero Sugar products.

Summary of major duties:

Project Leadership for Technology Development
Actively seek new technologies and innovation opportunities
Assist with the planning and execution of large-scope projects
Champion assigned projects through Hersheys processes
Test ideas through experimentation using analytical process tools
Determine the next steps for projects through problem-solving
Collaborate with cross-functional groups on the ideation, identification, development, and commercialization of new technologies
Troubleshoot technical questions
Provide leadership and instruction to technicians

Process Development; lab & pilot-plant equipment operation
Lead the development of new processes through research and experimentation to deliver project results
Operate or direct the operation of lab or pilot-plant equipment in the performance of tests or experiments
Hands-on work involving running lab, pilot plant, and factory equipment

Research design/data analysis/report writing/presenting results
Design and execute experiments, analyze data, and provide conclusions using appropriate statistical tools
Prepare all project reports and documentation as required
Create and deliver presentations of significant results to drive business decisions

Minimum knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully perform major duties/responsibilities:

Ability to recognize and prioritize key business needs with some guidance from manager and team
Strong demonstration of collaboration skills
Ability to lead lower complexity technical workstreams independently
Ability to make decisions based on consumer and/or customer needs
Ability to work independently in a flexible work environment with dynamic priorities
Attention to scientific important details
Strong listening skills
Sound technical knowledge and capability of applying knowledge to research projects
Comfortable working with and operating pilot plant and/or lab equipment
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Good mathematical skills
Strong computer skills with working knowledge of MS Teams and Office applications including Excel and PowerPoint
Ability to work both on teams and independently in an evolving, fast-changing business environment where changing priorities is common
Understanding of principles of food chemistry and ingredient functionality
Must be willing to travel up to 50% of the time (2 weeks/month), overall out of town travel averaging 20-30% (1 week/month)

This role will interact and partner with:
Technical and professional employees within Global R&D including Product Development
Manufacturing, Operations, and Plant Quality Assurance
Quality and Regulatory Compliance
Sensory
Legal
Procurement
Marketing
Commercialization Engineering

External business partners, suppliers, research institutes, and universities

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

• Candidates must have at minimum a BS degree in Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, Biological Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering field with 4-6 years of related experience or a MS degree in Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, Biological Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering field with 2-4 years of related experience.
• Technical/professional certification(s) preferred.
• Experience working in food processing and non-chocolate sweet confectionery products is preferred.
• Experience in Hershey portfolio (CMG, S&R, Cocoa Science, Better for you, Salty, etc.) is a plus.

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