Sr. Engineer, Product Commercialization

Sr. Engineer, Product Commercialization

Supporting North American manufacturing for The Hershey Company, the Senior Engineer, Product Commercialization Engineering creates conceptual and detailed engineering designs and prepares cost estimates for capital projects and process solutions. Further, this engineer implements, executes and manages small- to medium-sized capital projects. The ideal candidate for this role will have non-chocolate sugar confectionery (gummies, chews, hard candy, chewing gum, mints, licorice, panning, etc.) engineering experience in process development engineering, process engineering, or plant engineering.

Duties and Responsibilities

This position reports to the Senior Manager, Product Commercialization Engineering and works collaboratively with other engineers, manufacturing business units, Quality and Regulatory Compliance, Marketing and Sales teams, and vendors. The successful candidate demonstrates integrity, strong communication and people skills, an analytical mindset, project leadership and technical expertise. They may have the following day-to-day duties:

• Developing manufacturing alternatives that meet business requirements and provide a processing solution for the new innovation or capacity expansion project.
• Working closely with product development scientists and quality personnel to understand ingredient functionality, in-process conversions, and finished product specifications.
• Designing and setting up pilot plant systems/tests to mimic the “future” manufacturing system. During testing, collect critical information and data to help identify and size key unit operations. (Vendor equipment testing may also be required for scale-up.)
• Planning and executing plant trials to validate manufacturing feasibility, identify process risks, determine output rates, and confirm rework/waste assumptions.
• Generating and developing process flow diagrams and piping and instrumentation diagrams.
• Selecting equipment and evaluating equipment suppliers. (Could involve co-manufacturing evaluations for new products.)
• Providing capital cost estimates and engineering review documents for the various stages of the Commercial and Capital approval gate processes.
• Developing construction scope/bid packages and coordinating and overseeing equipment installation, check-out and commissioning.
• Transitioning deliverables and documentation to plant operations and maintenance staff.
• Managing budgets, schedules and resources for small- to medium-sized capital projects.
• Leading multi-functional teams for ensuring successful project execution.

The expectation is that the individual relocates to the Central PA area as 80-90% of this role must be completed on site in the office, Pilot Plant, or at a Plant. This candidate can expect an average of 50% domestic or international travel time.  10-20% of the job responsibilities can be completed remotely.

Education and Training

Candidates must have at minimum a bachelor’s in chemical, mechanical, food or agricultural engineering, or other closely related field.

Experience and Skills

• Ideal candidates possess at least 4 years’ experience in non-chocolate sugar confectionery engineering with experience in process engineering, process design and project management, including process troubleshooting and optimization. In addition, we look for the following experience and skills:
  • Knowledge and experience in process design typical for the food and pharmaceutical industry, including a basic understanding of:
  • Common process unit operations, equipment, and equipment suppliers
  • Sanitary design and construction practices
  • Good manufacturing processes
  • Design, application and maintenance of process piping systems, food manufacturing equipment, and process automation and instrumentation
• Demonstrated proficiencies in the food, pharmaceutical or other industry that is relative to Hershey manufacturing processes, construction practices, and standards and codes that support manufacturing.
• Proven ability to prioritize solutions and develop schedules based on business objectives.
• Demonstrated troubleshooting and optimization skills.
• Desire to develop skills in the chocolate confectionery area.

The Hershey Company is the leading North American manufacturer of quality chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery and chocolate-related grocery products. The company also is a leader in the gum and mint category. As a leading consumer packaged goods company, our ability to predict and adapt to a complex regulatory environment while executing strategic projects is critical to our continued success.

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The Hershey Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The policy of The Hershey Company is to extend opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual's race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other categories protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

The Hershey Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Minority/Female/Disabled/Protected Veterans

If you require a reasonable accommodation as part of the application process, please contact the HR Service Center (askhr@hersheys.com).