Research Scientist Popcorn & Kid Snack

Job Location: Hershey, PA 

Summary: 
The research scientist, Popcorn & Kid Snacking is responsible for developing new seasoning blends, flavors, and product improvements for the SkinnyPop and Pirate’s Booty brands as well as other brands in the popcorn and kid snacking platform. This role will work hands on in the lab and pilot plant to create, evaluate, and optimize flavors that deliver exceptional consumer experiences while meeting brand, cost, and operational requirements.

The research scientist partners closely with cross functional teams including Marketing, Consumer Insights, Sensory, Quality, Procurement, Engineering, and Operations to bring new flavors from concept through commercial scale up. The ideal candidate is curious, creative, technically strong in food formulation or flavor systems, and passionate about salty snack innovation.

Summary of major duties:
Flavor and Seasoning Deveopment.
• Partnering with HSY preferred seasoning suppliers, develop new seasoning blends, flavor systems, and product concepts for SkinnyPop and Pirate’s Booty. 
• Conduct benchtop formulation work including seasoning blending, flavor adjustments, and prototype creation. 
• Evaluate ingredient functionality, flavor delivery mechanisms, and processing impact on finished product. 
• Prepare samples for sensory panels, consumer testing, and cross functional evaluations. 
• Document formulations, specifications, and technical learnings.
Product Testing, Sensory & Consumer Learning
• Partner with Sensory & Consumer Insights to design and execute sensory evaluations and consumer tests. 
• Analyze results, identify key insights, and refine formulas accordingly. 
• Conduct shelf life and stability testing as needed.
Process Improvement Support
• Support pilot runs to validate new flavors, seasoning application parameters, and scale up feasibility. 
• Assist cross functional teams with troubleshooting technical challenges. 
• Partner with Operations to ensure smooth transition of new seasonings to production lines.
Collaboration & Project Support
• Work closely with Marketing on innovation briefs and flavor direction.
• Participate in cross‑functional meetings and provide technical input on timelines, risks, and feasibility.
• Support cost optimization and continuous improvement initiatives for existing products.

Minimum knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform major duties/responsibilities: 
Food Science or Food Engineering is desirable. The candidate will have knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP),  typical lab analytical techniques, baking and/or snacks technologies, and research methodology.  Candidates should be comfortable operating laboratory, pilot plant and plant equipment and possess excellent math and computer skills. Familiarity with new product development process is beneficial. 

Technical Skills
• Strong understanding of food formulation, seasoning systems, savory flavors, and ingredient functionality.
• Familiarity with salty snack manufacturing (e.g., popcorn, puffed/expanded snacks) is a plus.
• Ability to run benchtop seasoning blends, prototype builds, and sensory preparations.
• Basic knowledge of food safety, labeling, and regulatory principles.
• Ability to analyze sensory and consumer data to guide product decisions.

Soft Skills & Behaviors
• Strong curiosity, creativity, and willingness to experiment.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Collaborative and comfortable working in a cross-functional, fast-paced environment.
• Detail‑oriented with strong documentation habits.
 

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:  
Education and Experience:  BS degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, Chemistry, or related field with 2-4 years’ experience, MS in Food Science or related field with 0-2 years’ experience.  Intern and prior research project work will be considered.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS
• Ability to work in lab, pilot plant, and manufacturing environments.
• Occasional travel (5–10%) to plants, suppliers, or pilot facilities.
• Ability to lift materials and equipment (up to ~25 lbs) as needed for lab or pilot work.

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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.  

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