Lead Process Scientist, R&D—Chocolate & Snacks Tech

Hershey Company; Hershey (PA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellbeing

Financial Security

Time Off & Flexibility

Growth & Development

Job summary

The Hershey Company is seeking a Staff Scientist, Process Technology in R&D to provide technical leadership for complex process development programs. The role focuses on scaling up chocolate and related product processes across Salty Snacks, Sweets & Refreshments, and BFY categories, aligning with business goals.

Responsibilities include leading development from early research to commercialization, mentoring engineers, and partnering with Manufacturing, Quality, and Procurement to drive

Qualifications

• 8–10 years of related experience in process technology or R&D in food manufacturing.
• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering field; chemical, food, biological, or mechanical engineering preferred.
• Experience leading complex process development programs and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex process development and validation programs across multiple product platforms.
• Identify and advance new process technologies to support innovation and growth.
• Provide technical leadership for high-complexity projects from R&D to commercialization.
• Drive scale-up from early development through pilot and commercial implementation.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to deliver commercially viable process solutions.
• Transfer knowledge to Product Development, Commercialization, Operations, and Manufacturing teams.
• Mentor junior engineers and lead technicians supporting development activities.
• Build external technical networks with suppliers, research institutes, and universities.

Skills

Process engineering

Food science

Leadership

Mentoring

Education

B.S. in Chemical Engineering

B.S. in Food Engineering

B.S. in Biological Engineering

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

The Hershey Company is seeking a Staff Scientist, Process Technology in R&D to provide technical leadership for complex process development programs. The role focuses on scaling up chocolate and related product processes across Salty Snacks, Sweets & Refreshments, and BFY categories, aligning with business goals.

Responsibilities include leading development from early research to commercialization, mentoring engineers, and partnering with Manufacturing, Quality, and Procurement to drive