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Associate Staff Process Engineer

Posted Date:  Nov 17, 2025
Requisition Number:  126928

Job Location: Hershey, PA Preferred (open to individuals near other Hershey plant locations)


Summary:

 

Reporting to the Senior Manager in the Process Engineering Group and working at the Technical Center in Hershey PA, the Associate Staff Process Engineer position will lead the conceptual and detailed engineering design, execution, and implementation of medium-to-high complexity projects requiring functional and industry expertise while leveraging relationships to deliver business results.  This position requires a critical thinker who possesses proven technical knowledge, and who has demonstrated proven problem solving and optimization skills.  This position will work collaboratively with both technical and business partners, with the proven capability to communicate complex technical subject matter in verbal and written form to audiences at all levels of the organization.  The successful candidate will demonstrate integrity and possess the leadership attributes required to guide and influence cross functional teams.

 

Specific Role Focus Area:

  • Conceptual and detailed engineering design and cost estimation for capital project development. 
  • Implementation & Execution of capital projects.
  • Problem solving through application of technical acumen and creative thinking
  • May manage process-focused capital projects.
  • May manage co-ops or interns, including interviewing and selection.

 

This role will interact and partner with:

  • Other Corporate Engineering functions (Project Management, Electrical, Packaging, Civil, Utilities)
  • Plant Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Safety, and Quality Assurance
  • Quality and Regulatory Compliance
  • Environmental, Health, and Safety
  • Operations Business Development
  • Technical and professional employees within Global R&D and Tech Center Operations
  • Marketing
  • Manufacturing Alliances
  • Procurement
  • External Vendors

 

Travel Expectations:

  • This position will require domestic and international travel at times to support the ongoing business. Travel is project dependent.

 

 

 

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

 

 

Time %

Summary of major duties:

1.

50-60%

 

Implementation & Execution of capital projects:   

  • Construction scope and bid package development for small to large capital projects.
  • Coordinate and oversee the Equipment and system installation, check- out, and commissioning.
  • Responsible for process support, troubleshooting, and optimization during startup.
  • Lead training of manufacturing personnel including operators, supervisors, QA, and maintenance on the key operating parameters of the process.
  • Successful transition of deliverables and documentation to Plant Operations and Maintenance staff.

2.

40-50%

Conceptual and detailed engineering design and cost estimation:

  • Develop manufacturing alternatives that meet the business requirements and provide processing solutions for the project.
  • PFD & P&ID generation and development.
  • Equipment specification & selection and evaluation of equipment suppliers.
  • Cost estimating for capital projects and process solutions.

 

3.

0-10%

Capital Project Management:

  • Budget, schedule, and resource management of process-focused capital projects.
  • Lead multi-functional teams to ensure projects are executed successfully.
  • Make critical decisions under pressure and with limited information.

 

 

 

 

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

 

Knowledge and experience in process design typical for the food and pharma industries, including:

 

  • A proven understanding of:  common process unit operations and equipment, sanitary design, and construction practices, GMP’s, Food Safety, and common equipment suppliers
  • Possess a proven understanding of the design, application, and maintenance of process piping systems, food manufacturing equipment and process automation & instrumentation
  • Demonstrated proficiencies in the food, pharmaceutical or other industry that is relative to Hershey manufacturing processes, construction practices, standards, and codes that support manufacturing
  • Prioritize solutions and develop schedules based on an understanding of the required business objectives.
  • Proven problem solving and optimization skills
  • Must be able to execute projects in a timely manner.

 

General attributes and skills to include:

 

  • Proven leadership and decision-making ability.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills.  Proven written and oral communication skills
  • Must be open and comfortable with change.
  • Must be versed with MS Office programs.

 

 

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements: 

 

Education and Experience:
  • BS in Chemical, Mechanical, Food, Agricultural, or other closely related Engineering field.
  • Minimum of 6 years of experience in Food Processing, Confectionery, Pharmaceutical or related industries
  • Process engineering, process design and project management experience, including process troubleshooting and optimization

 

 

 


Nearest Major Market: Harrisburg

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