Research Scientist Pretzel & Bold Snacking

Job Location: Hershey, PA

Summary: 
The Scientist, Pretzel and Bold Snacking, Seasons supports the development of new seasoning blends, flavor systems, and coating technologies for the Dot’s Pretzels brand and the broader Bold Snacking portfolio. This role works hands on in the lab and pilot plant to create bold, high impact flavor experiences that align with brand strategy and meet consumer expectations for taste, aroma, texture, and overall sensory delight.

The Scientist partners closely with cross-functional teams—including Marketing, Consumer Insights, Sensory, Quality, Procurement, Engineering, and Operations—to bring new flavors and coating systems from concept through commercialization. The role requires strong technical curiosity, hands-on formulation skills, and an interest in bold flavor innovation.

The ideal candidate is detail oriented, creative, organized, and excited to help bring iconic and next generation bold snack flavors to life.

This role reports to Manager, Pretzel and Bold Snacking, Seasons, and is based at Hershey Technical Center.

Summary of major duties:
Flavor Development & Innovation Execution
• Partner with Hershey Preferred suppliers, develop seasoning blends, slurry systems, and coating formulations for Dot’s Pretzels and Bold Snacking products.
• Conduct benchtop development including blending, seasoning trials, and prototype preparation.
• Evaluate ingredients, carriers, spices, and aroma compounds to build bold, differentiated flavor profiles.
• Support iterative development through sensory evaluations and data-driven refinements.
• Document formulas, technical notes, and development learnings clearly and accurately.

Pilot Plant Work & Scale-Up Support
• Participate in pilot plant trials to test seasoning/coating systems on pretzels and other bold snacking formats.
• Assist with optimization of slurry performance, adhesion behavior, seasoning uniformity, and drying parameters.
• Support early plant testing with Operations, Engineering, and Quality.
• Help troubleshoot product performance issues during development and early commercialization stages.

Sensory and Consumer Learning
• Prepare prototypes for sensory panels and consumer tests.
• Work with Sensory & Consumer Insights to interpret data and identify actionable improvements.
• Apply sensory learnings to refine flavor intensity, balance, aroma, and overall consumption experience.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Participate in project team meetings, providing technical updates and feasibility assessments.
• Partner with Marketing to explore flavor direction and support concept development.
• Support Procurement by evaluating new ingredients, suppliers, and flavor technologies.

Documentation, Quality, and Compliance
• Maintain accurate formulation records, process notes, and ingredient documentation.
• Adhere to regulatory, quality, and food safety guidelines related to seasoning systems and coated snacks.
• Support creation of product specifications and technical transfer documents.

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

Technical Skills
• Understanding of savory seasoning systems, flavor chemistry, and ingredient functionality.
• Basic knowledge of coating technologies (slurry systems, oil carriers, tumbling/drum application).
• Familiarity with sensory evaluation methods and data interpretation.
• Understanding of pretzel or snack manufacturing processes a plus (baking, drying, oil interactions).
• Ability to conduct hands-on formulation, build prototypes, and operate benchtop equipment.

Soft Skills & Behaviors
• Creative, curious, and excited about bold flavor development.
• Strong organization, attention to detail, and documentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with changing priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable working collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:  
Education and Experience:    
• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemical/Food Engineering, Culinary Science, or related field required. 
• Master’s degree preferred
• 1–4 years of experience in product development, flavor development, or seasoning formulation (salty snacks strongly preferred). 
• Prior experience commercializing new products or flavors at scale. 
• Experience managing or mentoring technical talent preferred.

• Travel up to 15–25% to supplier sites, manufacturing plants, or pilot facilities.
• Ability to support multi site production and development schedules.

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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