Staff Engineer Process

Location: Hershey, PA

About the role

Reporting to the Senior Manager in the Process Engineering Group and working at the Technical Center in Hershey, PA, the Staff Process Engineer (Engineer V) position will lead the conceptual and detailed engineering design, execution, and implementation of high-complexity projects requiring functional and industry expertise while leveraging relationships to deliver business results. This position requires a critical thinker with advanced technical knowledge and demonstrated exceptional problem-solving and optimization skills. The successful candidate will collaborate with both technical and business partners, communicating complex technical subject matter effectively to audiences at all organizational levels. This role demands integrity and leadership to guide and influence cross-functional teams and contribute to critical meetings with Senior Management.

Specific Role Focus Area: Conceptual and detailed engineering design and cost estimation for capital project development, implementation and execution of capital projects, mentoring peers on food industry processes, construction practices, standards, and codes, problem-solving through technical acumen and creative thinking. May manage process-focused capital projects and co-ops or interns, including interviewing and selection.

This role will interact and partner with:

• Other Corporate Engineering functions (Project Management, Electrical, Packaging, Civil, Utilities)
• Plant Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Safety, and Quality Assurance
• Quality and Regulatory Compliance
• Environmental, Health, and Safety
• Operations Business Development
• Technical and professional employees within Global R&D and Tech Center Operations
• Marketing
• Manufacturing Alliances
• Procurement
• External Vendors

Responsibilities

Conceptual and detailed engineering design and cost estimation:

• Develop manufacturing alternatives that meet business requirements and provide processing solutions for projects.
• PFD & P&ID generation and development.
• Equipment specification, selection, and evaluation of equipment suppliers.
• Cost estimating for capital projects and process solutions.

Implementation & Execution of capital projects:

• Construction scope and bid package development for small to large capital projects.
• Coordinate and oversee equipment and system installation, check-out, and commissioning.
• Responsible for process support, troubleshooting, and optimization during startup.
• Lead training of manufacturing personnel including operators, supervisors, QA, and maintenance on key operating parameters of the process.
• Successful transition of deliverables and documentation to Plant Operations and Maintenance staff.

Capital Project Management:

• Budget, schedule, and resource management of process-focused capital projects.
• Lead multi-functional teams ensuring projects are executed successfully.
• Make critical decisions under pressure and with limited information.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in Food Processing, Confectionery, Pharmaceutical, or related industries in process engineering, process design, and project management, including process troubleshooting and optimization.
• BS in Chemical, Mechanical, Food, Agricultural, or other closely related Engineering field.
• Advanced understanding and application of common process unit operations and equipment, sanitary design, construction practices, GMP’s, Food Safety, and common equipment suppliers.
• Advanced understanding of the design, application, and maintenance of process piping systems, food manufacturing equipment, and process automation & instrumentation.
• Demonstrated proficiency in food, pharmaceutical, or related industry manufacturing processes, construction practices, standards, and codes.
• Ability to prioritize solutions and develop schedules based on business objectives.
• Exceptional problem-solving and optimization skills.
• Ability to execute projects in a timely manner.

Skills

• Recognized and experienced leadership and decision-making ability.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Advanced written and oral communication skills.
• Comfortable with change.
• Proficient with MS Office programs.

Travel Expectations

This position may require domestic and international travel to support ongoing business needs. Travel is project-dependent.

Why Hershey

At The Hershey Company, our culture is rooted in purpose and inspired by Milton Hershey’s enduring vision that business should create opportunity for others. Through our commitment to corporate philanthropy, we create positive impact by supporting communities, helping children thrive, and operating as a business for good. This includes our deep and long-standing partnership with Milton Hershey School, where we invest in education, workforce readiness, and hands-on engagement to help students succeed beyond the classroom. Supported by strategic grantmaking, product donations, cross-brand collaboration, and strong employee volunteerism, Hershey offers a place to work where making a difference—locally and globally—is part of how we do business every day.