Location: Hershey, PA
How will you fit in the big picture?We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Controls & Electrical Engineer to lead the design, implementation, and commissioning of advanced automation and electrical systems across our manufacturing network. This role is ideal for an engineer who combines strong technical expertise with project leadership, problem-solving, and the ability to influence cross-functional teams.
In this role, you will help deliver capital projects, improve operational performance, enable digital manufacturing initiatives, and establish scalable controls standards across our facilities. You will serve as a trusted technical resource while mentoring developing engineers and driving engineering excellence.
You will have the opportunity to work with advanced automation technologies, shape engineering standards, lead meaningful capital investments, and directly influence the future of digital manufacturing while continuing to develop both technical and leadership capabilities
What will you do?Technical Leadership- Design, develop, and assess industrial control systems for manufacturing and packaging operations.
- Lead the specification, design, programming, installation, commissioning, and startup of automation systems.
- Develop and maintain electrical architectures, control system standards, and engineering best practices.
- Provide technical leadership in PLC, HMI, SCADA, motion control, industrial networking, and instrumentation applications.
- Support machine integration, manufacturing data enablement, and digital transformation initiatives.
Project Execution- Lead the controls and electrical portions of capital projects from concept through startup.
- Manage project scope, budget, schedule, technical risks, and resource requirements.
- Develop control narratives, functional specifications, electrical schematics, network architectures, and commissioning plans.
- Coordinate with equipment suppliers, system integrators, contractors, and plant teams to support successful project execution.
- Participate in Factory Acceptance Testing, Site Acceptance Testing, startup, and troubleshooting activities.
Operational Excellence- Diagnose and resolve complex automation, electrical, and controls issues.
- Drive reliability, safety, cybersecurity, and maintainability improvements.
- Ensure compliance with electrical codes, industry standards, company engineering standards, and cybersecurity requirements.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives that increase productivity, quality, and operational efficiency.
Collaboration & Mentorship- Partner with process engineering, packaging engineering, project management, digital engineering, operations, maintenance, and quality teams.
- Communicate complex technical concepts effectively to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Mentor engineers, co-ops, and contractors while helping elevate team technical capabilities.
- Influence engineering decisions through technical expertise, data-driven recommendations, and collaborative leadership.
Minimum RequirementsRequired:- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- 5+ years of experience designing and implementing industrial automation and electrical systems.
- Experience leading controls and electrical workstreams on capital projects.
- Strong knowledge of industrial control systems in manufacturing environments.
- Demonstrated experience with PLC/PAC programming, industrial networks and protocols, HMI/SCADA systems, motion control, electrical power distribution, control panel design, instrumentation, and process control.
- Ability to travel to manufacturing locations as required.
Preferred:- Experience in food, consumer packaged goods, pharmaceutical, chemical, or another highly automated manufacturing environment.
- Experience with FactoryTalk, Ignition, Siemens TIA Portal, or related automation platforms.
- Knowledge of EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, MQTT, OPC UA, and industrial cybersecurity principles.
- Understanding of NFPA, NEC, UL 508A, machine safety, and functional safety standards.
What Success Looks Like:- Lead medium-to-large controls and electrical projects with minimal supervision.
- Serve as a recognized technical expert within the organization.
- Influence engineering standards and technical direction.
- Deliver automation solutions that improve safety, reliability, quality, and productivity.
- Develop the next generation of engineers through coaching and mentorship.
- Drive continuous improvement and innovation across the manufacturing network.
Benefits and PerksAt Hershey, we offer competitive pay and a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support your wellbeing, financial security, and life outside of work.
- Health & Wellbeing: Medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus wellness programs that support your physical and mental health
- Financial Security: Competitive pay, annual incentive opportunities, and a 401(k) with company match
- Time Off & Flexibility: Paid time off, company holidays, and flexible ways of working where applicable
- Growth & Development: Career development programs, learning opportunities, and internal mobility
Benefits may vary based on role, location, and eligibility.
The anticipated base salary range for this role is $103,200 to $129,000 per year. The actual base salary offered will depend on a variety of job-related factors, including, but not limited to, experience, skill set, education, and training. In addition to a market-competitive base salary, our Total Rewards package includes performance-based incentives and a comprehensive, competitive benefits package designed to support overall physical, mental, and financial well-being (as applicable). Learn more about Hershey's benefits and all the resources Hershey provides to support our employees' physical, emotional, and financial well-being by visiting the Hershey Digital Employee Experience at www.askHRbenefits.hersheys.com
