Sr Engineer, Salty R&D
On-siteHershey, Pennsylvania, United States
Job Summary
Provide process development expertise across salty and baked snack platforms, including thermal processing, extrusion, frying, baking, drying, seasoning application, oil systems, and airflow control. Design and support process validation experiments to optimize throughput, yield, texture, color, moisture, energy use, and product consistency. Lead pilot-scale and full-scale trials for new processes, equipment modifications, and technology introductions while partnering with Operations and Engineering on commissioning and validation. Troubleshoot complex manufacturing challenges related to texture variability, oil quality, seasoning adhesion, expansion, airflow, and heat distribution. Develop process guides, operating windows, critical control parameters, technical documentation, scale-up recommendations, and engineering SOPs. Serve as an engineering lead on cross-functional innovation teams connecting formulation, process design, equipment capability, and manufacturing execution. Contribute to long-term platform capability roadmaps and continuous improvement opportunities in frying technology, extrusion, baking systems, airflow, seasoning application, productivity, and energy reduction.
Required Qualifications
- BS degree in Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, Chemistry, or related engineering field
- 6-8 years' experience
- MS or PhD in Food Engineering or related field
- 2-4 years' experience
- Salty Snacks process development experience
- Experience with two or more of the following: popcorn, extrusion, frying, pretzels, baked snacks
- Demonstrated success scaling new products or processes into manufacturing
- Experience with DOE, statistical tools, and data-driven root cause analysis (e.g., Six Sigma)
- Experience leading plant trials and troubleshooting manufacturing issues
- Ability to work in plant, pilot, and lab environments
- Ability to travel 20-50% depending on project and plant support needs
- Must be capable of lifting approximately 40 lbs. during pilot-scale and equipment work
- Must be comfortable working around heat, oil systems, noise, and industrial equipment
Desired Qualifications
- Intern and prior research project work
- Experience with popcorn, extrusion, frying, pretzels, baked snacks
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