The Hershey Company

Staff Scientist, Salty R&D

The Hershey Company • $95K — $115K *
Hershey, PA 17033In-Person
Food & Beverages
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of relevant experience in food science or product development.
  • Proven record of successfully launching new products.
  • Experience in baked snack formulation and processing.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects with minimal supervision.
  • Strong collaboration skills across functions and external partners.
  • Mentoring experience for junior scientists and technical teams.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ability to learn new systems.

Responsibilities

  • Lead product development from concept to commercialization.
  • Develop next-generation baked snack products through formulation and scaling.
  • Evaluate new ingredients and industry trends via supplier engagement.
  • Execute and document research on snack formulation and baking processes.
  • Analyze data for insights to support innovation across product lines.
  • Mentor junior scientists and provide technical guidance to teams.
  • Establish and maintain supplier and industry expert relationships.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness programs.
  • Competitive pay and annual incentive opportunities.
  • 401(k) with company match for financial security.
  • Paid time off, company holidays, and flexible working options.
  • Career development programs and learning opportunities.
Full Job Description
How will you fit in the big picture?

Reporting to the Sr. Manager, Salty R&D and based at the Hershey Technical Center in Hershey, PA, the Staff Scientist, Salty R&D will provide technical leadership for medium to high complexity product development initiatives across the Hershey Salty Snacks portfolio. This role operates with a high level of autonomy, partnering cross-functionally to deliver innovation, renovation, and maintenance projects from concept through commercialization. The successful candidate will leverage strong scientific expertise, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to develop next-generation baked and salty snack products while supporting key brands across the Dot's and filled pretzel platforms.

What will you do?

  • Lead product development projects from concept through commercialization, partnering with Marketing, suppliers, Manufacturing, Engineering, QRC, Project Management, and Innovation teams.
  • Drive development of next-generation baked and salty snack products through formulation, process development, and scale-up.Identify and evaluate emerging ingredients, technologies, and industry trends through supplier engagement and industry events.
  • Design, execute, document, and communicate research related to salty snack formulation and baking processes.Analyze technical and consumer data to generate actionable insights and recommendations.
  • Provide technical expertise supporting innovation, renovation, and maintenance initiatives across the Salty Snacks portfolio.
  • Support product and research data accuracy and enrichment within S4 and other Hershey systems.
  • Mentor junior scientists and provide technical guidance to Manufacturing and cross-functional partners.
  • Build and leverage relationships with suppliers, consultants, and industry experts to accelerate business results.
  • Travel domestically up to 25-30% as required.


Minimum Education & Requirements

  • 5+ years of relevant experience in food science, product development, or related technical disciplines. This aligns with Hershey's job level guidance requiring 5+ years of relevant experience for comparable senior technical leadership roles.
  • Proven record of successfully commercializing new products and delivering product improvements.
  • Experience with baked snack formulation, processing, sensory evaluation, analytical testing, and scale-up activities.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead multiple projects simultaneously with limited supervision.
  • Strong collaboration skills and experience working across functions and with external partners, including suppliers, consultants, and co-manufacturers.
  • Experience mentoring junior scientists and providing technical leadership to cross-functional teams.
  • Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and the ability to learn new systems and platforms.
  • Ability to occasionally support projects outside standard business hours, including nights or weekends.

Education:
  • BS, MS, or PhD in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
  • Experience with baked snacks formulation and processing is required.


Benefits and Perks

At 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.

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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
Food & Beverages
Net Income
$1.2 billion
Founded
1894
5 Year Trend
+3.8%
Revenue
$8.1 billion
NASDAQ
HSY
* Ladders Estimates

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