Sr. Research Scientist, Continuous Improvement Salty

Hershey Company; Hershey (PA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The Hershey Company is seeking a Sr. Research Scientist to lead product and process optimization initiatives across its Salty Snacks portfolio, including SkinnyPop, Dot’s Pretzels, Pirate’s Booty, and Reese’s Filled Pretzels.

Based in Hershey, PA, you will drive Continuous Improvement projects focusing on ingredients, commodities, product design, and manufacturing efficiency. You will apply Lean/Six Sigma principles to support manufacturing optimization and business objectives, partnering with

Qualifications

• BS degree in Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Food Science, or engineering‑related field with 5‑8 years’ experience.
• MS or PhD in Food Science or related field with 2‑4 years’ experience.
• Intern and prior research project work will be considered; Salty Snacks product development experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, validation, and implementation of projects focused on ingredient sourcing, product design, and manufacturing optimization.
• Improve supply flexibility, reliability, and cost efficiency through technical solutions.
• Develop formulations, product/process specifications, project scope, and timelines.
• Conduct feasibility and proof-of-concept testing to evaluate technical and financial viability.
• Analyze results, provide recommendations, and drive process or formulation improvements to enhance capacity and efficiency.
• Prepare technical reports, summarize findings, and present recommendations to leadership.
• Partner cross‑functionally to ensure product recipes, specifications, and documentation are accurate and complete.
• Share technical expertise and effectively communicate complex concepts to diverse audiences across the organization.

Skills

Food science principles

Process engineering

Lean Six Sigma

Project management

Data analysis

Effective communication

Team collaboration

MS Office proficiency

Education

BS in Food Engineering/Chemical Engineering/Food Science

MS or PhD in Food Science or related field

Tools

Laboratory equipment operation

Job description

Reporting to the Manager, R&D Salty Process Development & Continuous Improvement, this role leads product and process optimization initiatives across Hershey’s Salty Snacks portfolio, including SkinnyPop, Dot’s Pretzels, Pirate’s Booty, and Reese’s Filled Pretzels. Based in Hershey, PA, the Sr. Research Scientist drives Continuous Improvement projects focused on ingredients, commodities, product design, and manufacturing efficiency. The role requires a high level of technical expertise, independent decision‑making, strong problem‑solving skills, and the ability to influence stakeholders across functions. Lean/Six Sigma principles are applied to support manufacturing optimization and business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead development, validation, and implementation of projects focused on ingredient sourcing, product design, and manufacturing optimization.
• Improve supply flexibility, reliability, and cost efficiency through technical solutions.
• Develop formulations, product/process specifications, project scope, and timelines.
• Conduct feasibility and proof-of-concept testing to evaluate technical and financial viability.
• Analyze results, provide recommendations, and drive process or formulation improvements to enhance capacity and efficiency.
• Prepare technical reports, summarize findings, and present recommendations to leadership.
• Partner cross‑functionally to ensure product recipes, specifications, and documentation are accurate and complete.
• Share technical expertise and effectively communicate complex concepts to diverse audiences across the organization.

Key Partnerships

• R&D Team Members
• Manufacturing & Co‑Manufacturing
• Enterprise & Salty Consumer Insights Teams
• Quality & Regulatory Compliance (QRC)
• Project Management
• Procurement

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated application of food science and process engineering principles, including understanding of process unit operations and their impact on product quality and sensory attributes.
• Knowledge of food manufacturing systems, equipment, sanitary design, construction practices, and industry suppliers.
• Basic understanding of Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) and P&IDs.
• Working knowledge of Food Science, Engineering, Quality Assurance, GMPs, Lean Manufacturing, and TPM; Green/Black Belt certification preferred.
• Experience operating laboratory, pilot plant, and manufacturing equipment in a production environment.
• Ability to independently manage projects, prioritize competing demands, and execute against business objectives.
• Strong project management, organizational, and attention-to-detail skills.
• Effective collaborator with the ability to build relationships across all organizational levels.
• Strong written, verbal, and computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Flexible schedule with the ability to work extended hours when required.

BS degree in Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Food Science, or engineering‑related field with 5‑8 years’ experience, MS or PhD in Food Science or related field with 2‑4 years’ experience.

Intern and prior research project work will be considered; Salty Snacks product development experience is preferred.

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.

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