Staff engineer process

Location: Remote

How will you fit in the big picture?

Reporting to the Director of Engineering – Salty Snacks in the Salty Snacks Engineering Group and working remotely, traveling as needed, 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 who possesses advanced technical knowledge, and who has demonstrated exceptional problem solving and optimization skills. This position will work collaboratively with both technical and business partners, with the advanced capability to communicate complex technical subject matter in verbal and written form to audiences at all levels of the organization. The successful candidate will demonstrate integrity and possess the leadership attributes required 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 & Execution of capital projects.
• Mentor peers on food industry processes, construction practices, standards, and codes.
• Problem solving through application of technical acumen and creative thinking.
• May manage process-focused capital projects.
• May manage 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 Salty Pilot Plant Operations
• Marketing
• Manufacturing Alliances
• Procurement
• External Vendors

Travel Expectations:

This position will require domestic and international travel at times to support the ongoing business. Travel is project dependent, but on average 35% -50% travel over time but may be 60% to 80% during certain project phases.

What will you do?

Conceptual and detailed engineering design and cost estimation:

• Develop manufacturing alternatives that meet the business requirements and provide processing solutions for the project.
• 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 the 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 the 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.

Accountabilities

1. Lead Development and Optimization of Process Equipment Designs and enhances manufacturing systems by preparing PFDs, P and IDs, specifications, and scopes of work. Ensures designs meet safety, quality, production rate, and performance standards. Solves complex technical challenges by evaluating alternatives, conducting tests, and validating performance.
2. Execute and Coordinate Advanced Technical Projects Leads small teams or works independently to execute project plans with clear milestones and technical deliverables. Prioritizes tasks, manages technical risks, and ensures timely completion based on data-driven decision-making. Validates solutions through structured testing and iterative refinement.
3. Lead Installation, Checkout, and Commissioning Oversees installation and startup activities to ensure equipment performs to design intent. Troubleshoots complex issues during commissioning and drives resolution to meet schedule and safety requirements. Ensures documentation is complete and handed over to operations.
4. Collaborate to Develop Manufacturing Solutions Works with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and OEMs to ensure solutions are feasible and aligned with production needs. Communicates engineering decisions clearly and provides rationale based on performance data. Balances trade-offs to optimize operability, maintainability, and cost.
5. Drive Process Optimization and Technology Adoption Identifies improvement opportunities through data evaluation, loss analysis, and experimentation. Introduces new technologies or methods to enhance system performance. Ensures improvements are standardized and sustained across similar operations.

Minimum Education & Requirements

Experience:

• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in Food Processing, Confectionery, Pharmaceutical or related industries.
• Process engineering, process design and project management experience, including process troubleshooting and optimization.
• Knowledge and experience in process design typical for the food and pharma industries, including:
• An advanced understanding and application of: common Salty Snacks process unit operations and equipment, sanitary design, and construction practices, GMP’s and Food Safety, and common equipment suppliers in the following areas:
• Powder and liquid storage
• Weighing and delivery
• Blending systems
• Depositing systems
• Baking and frying technology
• Seasoning technology
• Possess an advanced understanding of the design, application, and maintenance of process piping systems, food manufacturing equipment and process automation & instrumentation.
• Demonstrated proficiencies in the food, pharmaceutical or other industry that is relative to Hershey Salty Snacks manufacturing processes, construction practices, standards, and codes that support manufacturing.
• Prioritize solutions and develop schedules based on an understanding of the required business objectives.
• Exceptional problem solving and optimization skills.
• Must be able to execute projects in a timely manner.

Education:

• BS in Chemical, Mechanical, Food, Agricultural, or other closely related Engineering field.

General attributes and skills to include:

• Recognized and experienced leadership and decision-making ability.
• Excellent interpersonal skills. Advanced written and oral communication skills.
• Must be open and comfortable with change.
• Must be versed with MS Office programs.

Salary Information

The anticipated base salary range for this role is $118,800 to $148,600 per year. The actual base salary offered will depend on a variety of job‑related factors, including, but not limited to, experience, skill set, education, and training. In addition to a market-competitive base salary, our Total Rewards package includes performance‑based incentives and a comprehensive, competitive benefits package designed to support overall physical, mental, and financial well‑being (as applicable).

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

You may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our online application process as a result of a disability. You can request an accommodation via phone or email. To request an accommodation via phone, please call +1 877-804-1794 and leave a voicemail with your contact information. You may also email a request for accommodation to ApplicationHelp@hersheys.com. Please be sure to include “Accommodation Needed” in the subject line. This will ensure that your email is routed to the appropriate contact who will handle your request.