The Hershey Company

Staff Engineer R&D Process Technology

The Hershey Company$100K — $130K *
Food & Beverages
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BS in Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, Biological Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
  • 8 to 10 years of related experience in process development.
  • Experience in food processing, particularly with snacks, Fiber, Protein, Baking, and Wafers is preferred.
  • Strong background in process engineering and food science.
  • Ability to lead and mentor junior engineers and technicians.

Responsibilities

  • Lead complex process development and validation programs across various product platforms.
  • Identify, evaluate, and advance new process technologies for innovation and business growth.
  • Provide technical leadership for high-complexity projects, particularly in multitexture and baked products.
  • Drive scale-up from early development to commercial implementation.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure process solutions meet business objectives.
  • Transfer knowledge and process insights to Product Development, Operations, and Manufacturing teams.
  • Build external technical networks with suppliers, research institutes, and industry experts.

Benefits

  • Opportunities for mentoring and leadership development.
  • Engagement with innovative projects in a well-recognized company.
  • Collaboration with cross-functional teams in a dynamic environment.
Full Job Description
Job Overview

Reporting to the Sr. Manager, Process Technology R&D, the Staff Engineer, Process Technology R&D provides technical leadership for complex process development programs within The Hershey Company's Research & Development organization. This role applies process engineering and food science expertise to develop scalable process technologies that support innovation, validation, and commercialization across key product platforms.

The primary focus of this position is leading chocolate and process development work across Salty Snacks, Better-for-You, CMG, Sweets & Refreshments, focusing on Baking, Protein, Fiber, and Wafers. The role leads technical strategy and process development from early research through commercial implementation, ensuring solutions are technically sound, scalable, and aligned with business objectives.

This position also contributes to strategic technical direction within R&D by leading high-complexity projects with a high degree of autonomy and partnering effectively with cross-functional teams to advance business priorities.

Accountabilities

  • Lead complex process development and validation programs across Better-for-You, Salty Snacks, CMG, Sweets & Refreshments platforms.
  • Identify, evaluate, and advance new process technologies that support innovation and business growth.
  • Provide technical leadership for high-complexity projects in multitexture and baked product, across multiple platforms (Salty, Sweet, BFY, etc.,) including process development and finished product commercialization.
  • Drive scale-up from early development through pilot and commercial implementation.
  • Partner with cross-functional teams to deliver commercially viable process solutions aligned with business objectives.
  • Transfer technical knowledge, process learnings, and recommendations to Product Development, Commercialization, Operations, and Manufacturing teams.
  • Mentor junior engineers and provide leadership and direction to technicians supporting development activities.
  • Build and maintain external technical networks with suppliers, research institutes, universities, and industry experts where appropriate.


Minimum Education & Requirements

BS in Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, Biological Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering field with 8 to 10 years of related experience.

Experience working in or around food processing, snacks, Fiber, Protein, Baking, Tortilla Chips, and Wafers is preferred.

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

About The Hershey Company

The Hershey Company Careers

Join the sweetest team on earth at The Hershey Company, a global leader in chocolate and sugar confections. With a rich heritage of innovation and leadership, The Hershey Company offers unparalleled job opportunities in an environment that champions diversity, creativity, and growth. Work You’ll Do Embark on a fulfilling career journey with The Hershey Company, where you can contribute to a range of exciting projects that help shape the future of the confectionery industry. At Hershey, you will work alongside a diverse team of professionals who are passionate about delivering joy through their products and innovations. Transform your professional life by engaging in roles that leverage your unique skills and aspirations. Whether in marketing, research and development, production, or sales, each position at Hershey is designed to foster leadership and professional growth. Lead with Innovation At The Hershey Company, innovation is at the core of everything we do. From creating delightful new treats to enhancing our sustainable practices, our team is constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the confectionery space. Join a company where your ideas and leadership can make a tangible impact on our products and processes, driving growth and excellence in the industry. Explore Career Opportunities The Hershey Company is committed to nurturing talent and providing its employees with the tools they need for success. Explore a variety of job opportunities and internships that can help you build a rewarding career. Our positions are designed to challenge your skills and help you grow as a professional. Be Part of Our Culture Experience a company culture that values teamwork, integrity, and respect. At Hershey, we believe in creating an inclusive environment where every employee can thrive. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in our everyday operations and the positive atmosphere our team members enjoy. Benefits and Growth Invest in your future with The Hershey Company’s comprehensive benefits package, designed to support your health, well-being, and financial security. Embrace opportunities for career advancement through professional development programs and continuous learning initiatives. Networking and Professional Development Enhance your career prospects through Hershey’s robust networking opportunities. Connect with industry leaders, participate in global conferences, and engage in diversity training programs that prepare you for leadership roles within the company. Join Our Team Search for open positions that match your skills and interests on The Hershey Company’s careers page. We are looking for passionate, innovative, and driven individuals to join our team and help us continue our legacy of success and leadership in the confectionery industry. Stay Connected Keep up to date with the latest career tips, company news, and industry insights—all from the people who work at The Hershey Company. Subscribe to our careers blog and personalize your job alerts to find out about the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await you at Hershey. Explore, innovate, and grow with The Hershey Company. Discover how your career can flourish in an environment dedicated to nurturing talent and celebrating success. Join us and be part of a team that’s making a difference in the sweetest way possible!
Learn more about The Hershey Company
Size
16,620 employees
Market Cap
$48.1 billion
Industry
Net Income
$1.2 billion
Founded
1894
5 Year Trend
+3.8%
Revenue
$8.1 billion
NASDAQ

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