Packaging Systems Engineer

Location: Hershey, PA Preferred 

Reporting to the Sr Mgr Engineering, Packaging Systems based in Hershey, PA and working at the Tech Center, Manufacturing Locations, and Remote, the Packaging Systems 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:

This position utilizes all aspects of conceptual Packaging Systems Engineering design, cost estimation techniques, system and project proposal development, supplier evaluations, equipment and system installation and start up, and successful transition of the system to the plant operations and maintenance staff.

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, Electrical, Packaging, Civil, Utilities)
• Quality and Regulatory Compliance
• Procurement
• Marketing
• Operations Business Development
• Manufacturing Alliances
• External Vendors

Travel Requirements:

Travel Required - up to 50%

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 packaging solution for a given project. These solutions will include packaging 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
  
  

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 packaging systems technical development, schedule, and budgeting recommendations during project development assessments.
• Collaborate with Sr Engineering peers to refine the skills required to provide packaging systems 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: 

• Must have basic understanding and/or knowledge of the following:
• Common packaging materials used in the food packaging industry
• High speed flow wrapping
• Secondary packaging such as carton and tray loading, statistical scales, and bagging equipment
• Tertiary packaging such as case packing and palletizing
• Machine and equipment design
• Servo and control technology
• 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
• Must possess demonstrated basic technical knowledge in the packaging controls arena

• 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

Education & Experience:

• BS in Engineering or Engineering Technology (Mechanical / Electrical / Mechatronics / Engineering Technology majors preferred).​
• 0-2 years of experience.  Related Co-Op/Internship experience preferred.