Engineer - Physical Automation

Job Location: Hershey, PA 

Summary:

Reporting to the Dir Engineering, Physical Automation & Packaging Systems based in Hershey, PA and working at the Tech Center, Manufacturing Locations, and Remote, the Physical Automation Engineer with minimal direction participates in the development, execution, and implementation of low to medium complexity projects requiring functional & industry expertise, functional knowledge, & advocacy while developing business relationships to help deliver business results.  A successful candidate is expected to be developing capability to demonstrate and apply technical knowledge and expertise.  Developing ability to develop and share technical expertise within functional area and cross functionally within the organization.   Developing problem solving skills & ability to think critically.  Developing capability to communicate technical subject matter written and verbally cross functionally and with manager.  Developing capability to influence cross functional team members and building personal networks to provide solutions.

Specific Role Focus Area:

Responsible for designing, integrating, and optimizing advanced automation systems—including collaborative robotics, vision systems, and process controls—to enhance process and packaging operations. This team’s core mission is to drive scalable, safe, and efficient automation solutions that reduce labor dependency, minimize material waste, and improve overall throughput. Working closely with cross-functional partners in operations, maintenance, safety, and IT, the team leads both greenfield deployments and continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring seamless integration of physical automation technologies into existing and future production environments.

This role will interact and partner with:

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

Travel Requirements:

This position requires domestic travel (depending on projects, travel can range from 30-50 percent) at times to support on-going business needs.  International travel would only be for equipment research if we source international (which is typically 1 week in duration) and varies by project.

Capital Project Development and Execution:

• Provide technical analyses, develop alternatives (cost estimates, feasibility, specifications, and interpretation of requirements) and prepare recommendations.
• Design and provide the optimal automation solution for a given project. These solutions will include packaging, process, and control support for all phases of the capital projects including development of system concepts, design, cost estimating, system installation, check-out, commissioning, training, and successful transition of deliverables, including system operation manuals, maintenance documents, and technical knowledge to the plant staff as defined in Hershey’s Project Management process.
• Identify process and manufacturing alternatives that meet new business requirements or establish functional excellence. Evaluate and participate in cross-functional processes to diagnose root cause issues and provide options for resolution.
• Evaluate and participate in cross-functional processes in order to diagnose root cause issues and provide options for resolution.

Ensures all packaging systems project implementation activities are in full compliance with all corporate capital control policies and procedures. 

Advanced Technology Discovery:

• Evaluation of manufacturing opportunities for advanced automation solutions either known or unknown to Hershey or industry.
• R&D of advanced automation solutions internally and in collaboration with external equipment manufacturers.

Proof of concept testing for solution validation prior to capital development and upscaling to manufacturing processes. 

Collaboration and Networking:

• Network and build relationships with external equipment manufacturers and suppliers to identify/develop new technologies to help grow the Hershey Company’s technical capabilities.
• Develop relationships with internal business teams to provide direction and build sound packaging systems solutions for innovation and cost savings initiatives.
• Provides Physical Automation technical development, schedule, and budgeting recommendations during project development assessments.

Collaborate with Sr Engineering peers to refine the skills required to provide Physical Automation engineering functional evaluations, comprehensive project scopes, equipment schedules, and capital budgets.

Growth and Development:

• Identify personal development gaps and develop action plans for growth in role and responsibility.
• Work with internal mentor to refine and implement development action plans and increase opportunities for exposure to Hershey functions external to engineering.

Develop leadership capabilities to actively contribute as subject matter expert on project teams of increasing size and complexity.

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

• Entry level ability to develop automation solutions to deliver business value in a practical, effective way. 
• Entry level ability to see beyond current situation and to create a strategy and road map to advance automation capabilities. 
• Understanding in the implementation of automation technology and integration within factory operations and employees. 
• Working Knowledge of: 
• Automation Technology - AGV’s AMR’s, Robotics. Robots, Cobots, Advance Vision and AR 
• Automation Integration with Factory Operation 
• Automation design for collaboration with Factory Team members 
• Integration with Factory IT & OT systems and securities  
• Automation Route mapping and mission deployments. 
• Must have some combination of knowledge and basic experience in the design, application, and maintenance of:
• Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC's) (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, etc.) Electrical and electronic industrial instrumentation
• Automation and process control
• Industrial computer systems and networks Distributed control systems
• Other automation, electrical power, computer, and control technologies Proven experience with AutoCAD and Excel desired
• Hands-on problem solver, focusing on detailed problem resolution and documentation
• Must possess the ability to understand and apply sound engineering solutions keeping in mind costs, schedules and operational performance
• Exhibit sound judgment, understanding and proficiency in the development of engineering solutions and have the ability to effectively evaluate, communicate and build consensus cross-functionality associated with recommendations on increasingly complex and fast paced projects
• Strong oral and written communication skills are critical Must have strong PC skills
• Ability and willingness to work effectively in a diverse, disciplined team environment and work with limited supervision Must have the demonstrated potential to accept new and challenging work assignments
• Familiarity or previous experience with CI Tools and processes such as Lean, Six Sigma, etc. is preferred to help drive business value and enhance the incumbent’s ability to effectively communicate with the plant reliability, process & quality leads.
• When directing and managing non-THC persons contracted to support the project implementation commitments, represents the Company in a manner as outlined in the Corporate Code of Business Ethics, and ensures all contractors and suppliers adhere to applicable Company safety, security, and contractual requirements.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements: 

BS in Engineering, Automation Technology, or Engineering Technology (Mechanical / Electrical / Mechatronics / Engineering Technology majors preferred).​

0-2 years of experience.  Related Co-Op/Internship experience preferred