Packaging Engineer I: Develop & Optimize Packaging

The Hershey Company; Hershey (PA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellbeing benefits

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Career development

Job summary

The Hershey Company in Hershey, PA is seeking a Packaging Engineer to design, test, and implement packaging solutions for new and existing products under guidance from senior engineers. The role emphasizes product protection, cost effectiveness, and sustainability.

You will collaborate with commercial partners, operations, procurement, and suppliers to align packaging strategies with manufacturing capabilities and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• BS in Packaging Engineering preferred with 1–3 years packaging development experience.
• BS in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or related science field with 1–4 years of experience in Packaging Development.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Basic understanding of packaging concepts and materials.

Responsibilities

• Develop and commercialize packaging solutions meeting project objectives, product protection, quality, cost, sustainability, and manufacturing requirements.
• Design, review, test, and recommend packaging concepts for primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging.
• Evaluate packaging materials, structures, and automation impacts to optimize efficiency while maintaining product integrity and retail performance.
• Develop and execute testing methodologies, analyze results, and communicate technical findings to stakeholders.
• Coordinate equipment, line, and distribution trials to validate packaging materials and designs.
• Support project success through effective communication, presentations, and proactive project management.
• Manage multiple projects to meet timelines and deliverables.
• Identify and resolve packaging‑related performance issues and implement long‑term corrective actions.

Skills

Packaging concepts

Mechanical aptitude

Cross‑functional collaboration

Communication

Supply chain understanding

Education

BS in Packaging Engineering

BS in Mechanical/Chemical Eng or related

Tools

SAP

Outlook

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

The Hershey Company in Hershey, PA is seeking a Packaging Engineer to design, test, and implement packaging solutions for new and existing products under guidance from senior engineers. The role emphasizes product protection, cost effectiveness, and sustainability.

You will collaborate with commercial partners, operations, procurement, and suppliers to align packaging strategies with manufacturing capabilities and regulatory requirements.