Research Engineer, Process Technology Development R&D

Job Location: Hershey, PA
 

Summary: 
Reporting to the Manager, Process Technology Development R&D and working at The Hershey Company’s Technical Center, the Research Engineer, Process Technology Development R&D position provides project leadership by assisting on high complexity projects, leading workstreams within larger projects, and/or leading low complexity projects with support. A low to medium level of autonomy is required depending on the workstream. A successful candidate is expected to have a basic knowledge of technical competencies with a focus on technical breadth.  This candidate is expected to communicate project updates to cross-functional team members and management. 

Specific Role Focus Area: 
• Assist in the development and validation of new process technologies to enable R&D and other business objectives
• Test ideas through experimental design, collect and analyze data using analytical process tools to provide recommendations 
• Leverage hands-on skills involving running laboratory and pilot plant equipment including equipment assembly, preparation, and operation
• Bring technical rigor to troubleshoot technical issues and determine the next steps through structured problem-solving methods
• Champion assigned projects through innovation processes by owning process specifications that deliver quality products
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners to assist in the product development process including performing prototyping and development from bench top to pilot to commercial scale.
• Lead in-plant initiatives such as processing trials, sample production runs, and new product start-ups
• Present project results in both written and oral forms
• Progress technical research by disciplined application of scientific method through project management 
• Transfer knowledge to Product Development, Commercialization and/or Operations teams 
• Partner with Supply Chain to provide technical support to drive quality and value improvement in products and process

This role will interact and partner with: 
• Technical and professional employees within Global R&D including Product Development
• Manufacturing, Operations, and Plant Quality Assurance 
• Quality and Regulatory Compliance 
• Sensory
• Legal
• Procurement
• Marketing 
• Commercialization Engineering 
• External business partners, suppliers, research institutes, and universities

Summary of major duties:
Project Leadership for Technology Development

• Lead 20%, Assist 45%, Supervise 5%
• Actively seek new technologies and innovation opportunities
• Assist with the planning and execution of large-scope projects
• Champion assigned projects through Hershey’s processes
• Test ideas through experimentation using analytical process tools
• Determine the next steps for projects through problem-solving
• Collaborate with cross-functional groups on the ideation, identification, development, and commercialization of new technologies
• Troubleshoot technical questions
• Provide leadership and instruction to technicians

Process development; lab & pilot-plant equipment operation

• Operate or direct the operation of lab or pilot-plant equipment in the
• performance of tests or experiments
• Lead the development of new processes through research and experimentation to deliver project results
• Hands-on work involving running lab, pilot plant, and factory equipment

Research design/data analysis/report writing/ presentation   

• Design and execute experiments, analyze data, and provide conclusions using appropriate statistical tools
• Prepare all project reports as required
• Create and deliver presentations of significant results to drive business decisions

Minimum knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully perform major duties/responsibilities:  
• Sound technical knowledge and capability of applying knowledge to research projects
• Comfortable working with and operating pilot plant and/or lab equipment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Good mathematical skills
• Strong computer skills with working knowledge of MS Teams and Office applications including Excel and PowerPoint
• Ability to work both on teams and independently in an evolving, fast-changing business environment where priority changing is common
• Understanding of principles of food chemistry and ingredient functionality
• Must be willing to travel up to 50% of the time, averaging 20-30% travel

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:  

Education and Experience: BS in Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, Biological Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering field with 0-2 years of related experience. Technical/professional certification(s) preferred. Experience working in or around food processing, snacks and/or confectionery products is preferred but not required.

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