Staff Scientist R&D Process Technology

About the role

Reporting to the Sr. Manager, Process Technology R&D, the Staff Engineer, Process Technology R&D provides technical leadership for complex process development programs within The Hershey Company’s Research & Development organization. This role applies process engineering and food science expertise to develop scalable process technologies that support innovation, validation, and commercialization across key product platforms. The primary focus is leading chocolate and process development work across Salty Snacks, Better-for-You, CMG, Sweets & Refreshment, focusing on Baking, Protein, Fiber, and Wafers. The role leads technical strategy and process development from early research through commercial implementation, ensuring solutions are technically sound, scalable, and aligned with business objectives. This position also contributes to strategic technical direction within R&D by leading high-complexity projects with a high degree of autonomy and partnering effectively with cross-functional teams to advance business priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex process development and validation programs across Better-for-You, Salty Snacks, CMG, Sweets & Refreshment platforms.
• Identify, evaluate, and advance new process technologies that support innovation and business growth.
• Provide technical leadership for high-complexity projects in multitexture and baked product, across multiple platforms (Salty, Sweet, BFY, etc.), including process development and finished product commercialization.
• Drive scale-up from early development through pilot and commercial implementation.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to deliver commercially viable process solutions aligned with business objectives.
• Transfer technical knowledge, process learnings, and recommendations to Product Development, Commercialization, Operations, and Manufacturing teams.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide leadership and direction to technicians supporting development activities.
• Build and maintain external technical networks with suppliers, research institutes, universities, and industry experts where appropriate.

Requirements

• BS in Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, Biological Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering field with 8 to 10 years of related experience.
• Experience working in or around food processing, snacks, Fiber, Protein, Baking, Tortilla Chips, and Wafers is preferred.

Collaboration

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

Benefits

At Hershey, we offer competitive pay and a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support your wellbeing, financial security, and life outside of work.

• Health & Wellbeing: Medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus wellness programs that support your physical and mental health
• Financial Security: Competitive pay, annual incentive opportunities, and a 401(k) with company match
• Time Off & Flexibility: Paid time off, company holidays, and flexible ways of working where applicable
• Growth & Development: Career development programs, learning opportunities, and internal mobility

Benefits may vary based on role, location, and eligibility.