Sr Packaging Systems Engineer

Hershey Company; Hershey (PA); Remote; USD 103,000 - 129,000; Full time

Job summary

The Hershey Company seeks a Sr Packaging Systems Engineer to lead conceptual and detailed engineering design and execution of capital projects for North American manufacturing. Remote work with travel is required, and collaboration across engineering, operations, and quality teams is essential.

Ideal candidates have 3+ years in packaging systems, strong problem-solving skills, and a BS in a related engineering field. Travel requirements range from 35% to 50% depending on project phase.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in Packaging Systems or related industries.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong leadership and decision-making abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering design and cost estimation for capital projects in North American manufacturing.
• Coordinate equipment installation, commissioning, and startup support.
• Manage packaging system-focused capital projects and mentor interns or co-ops where applicable.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Problem solving

Education

BS in Chemical, Mechanical, Food, Agricultural, or related Engineering

Tools

MS Office

Job description

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Posted Date: Sep 16, 2026

Requisition Number: 129520

Location: Remote
Travel: 35%-50%

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 Sr Packaging Systems Engineer position will, with minimal direction, lead the conceptual and detailed engineering design, execution, and implementation of medium complexity projects requiring functional and industry expertise while leveraging relationships to deliver business results. This position requires a critical thinker who possesses strong technical knowledge, and who has demonstrated strong problem solving and optimization skills. This position will work collaboratively with both technical and business partners, with the strong 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 influence cross functional teams.

Specific Role Focus Area:

• Conceptual and detailed engineering design and cost estimation for capital projects supporting North American manufacturing.
• Implementation & Execution of capital projects to support North American Manufacturing.
• Problem solving through application of technical acumen and creative thinking.
• May manage Packaging Systems -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, Processing, 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 Packaging Materials
• External Vendors

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?

This role delivers engineering solutions for scoped areas of process engineering projects as well as areas of new technology using established design standards and methodologies. It adapts known techniques to moderately complex or novel challenges and contributes to incremental innovation within process systems. The role prepares detailed technical documentation and collaborates with cross-functional partners to develop and optimize designs. It supports equipment installation and commissioning activities to ensure successful startup. It balances practical engineering execution with effective coordination across adjacent functions.

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 packaging systems support, troubleshooting, and optimization during startup.
• With minimal direction. lead training of manufacturing personnel including operators, supervisors, QA, and maintenance on the key operating parameters of the Packaging system.
• Successful transition of deliverables and documentation to Plant Operations and Maintenance staff.

Conceptual and detailed engineering design and cost estimation for capital projects:

• Develop manufacturing alternatives that meet the business requirements and provide packaging system solutions for the project.
• PFD, Concept layout, & P&ID generation and development.
• Equipment specification & selection and evaluation of equipment suppliers.
• Cost estimating for capital projects and packaging system solutions.

Capital Project Management:

• Budget, schedule, and resource management of packaging system-focused capital projects.
• With minimal direction, lead multi-functional teams to ensure projects are executed successfully.
• Make critical decisions under pressure and with limited information.

Accountabilities

Experience:

• 3+ years of experience in Food Packaging Systems, Salty Snacks, Confectionery, Pharmaceutical or related industries
• Packaging systems engineering, packaging systems design and project management experience, including packaging systems troubleshooting and optimization.
• Knowledge and experience in Packaging systems design typical for the food and pharma industry, including:
  • A strong understanding of common packaging systems unit operations and equipment, sanitary design and construction practices, GMP’s and Food Safety, and common equipment suppliers in the following areas:
  • Vertical Form Fill Seal
  • Case Packers
  • AMRs/AGVs
• Possess a strong understanding of the design, application, and maintenance of packaging systems, food manufacturing equipment and packaging systems automation & instrumentation
• Demonstrated proficiencies in the food, pharmaceutical or other industry that is relative to Hershey manufacturing processes, construction practices, standards, and codes that support manufacturing
• Prioritize solutions and develop schedules based on an understanding of the required business objectives.
• Strong troubleshooting and optimization skills
• Must be able to execute projects in a timely manner.

General attributes and skills to include:

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

Education:

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

The anticipated base salary range for this role is $103,200 to $129,000per 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). Learn more about Hershey’s benefits and all the resources Hershey provides to support our employees’ physical, emotional, and financial well‑being by visiting the Hershey Digital Employee Experience at www.askHRbenefits.hersheys.com

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. The Hershey Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Minority/Female/Disabled/Protected Veterans. 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 [phone] and leave a voicemail with your contact information. You may also email a request for accommodation to [e-mail]. 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.