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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