Staff Research Scientist

Staff Research Scientist

Reporting to the Sr. Manager, Salty R&D and based at the Hershey Technical Center in Hershey, PA, the Staff Scientist, Salty R&D will provide technical leadership for medium to high complexity product development initiatives across the Hershey Salty Snacks portfolio. This role operates with a high level of autonomy, partnering cross-functionally to deliver innovation, renovation, and maintenance projects from concept through commercialization. The successful candidate will leverage strong scientific expertise, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to develop next-generation baked and salty snack products while supporting key brands across the Dot's and filled pretzel platforms.

What will you do?

• Lead product development projects from concept through commercialization, partnering with Marketing, suppliers, Manufacturing, Engineering, QRC, Project Management, and Innovation teams.
• Drive development of next-generation baked and salty snack products through formulation, process development, and scale-up.
• Identify and evaluate emerging ingredients, technologies, and industry trends through supplier engagement and industry events.
• Design, execute, document, and communicate research related to salty snack formulation and baking processes.
• Analyze technical and consumer data to generate actionable insights and recommendations.
• Provide technical expertise supporting innovation, renovation, and maintenance initiatives across the Salty Snacks portfolio.
• Support product and research data accuracy and enrichment within S4 and other Hershey systems.
• Mentor junior scientists and provide technical guidance to Manufacturing and cross-functional partners.
• Build and leverage relationships with suppliers, consultants, and industry experts to accelerate business results.
• Travel domestically up to 25-30% as required.

Minimum Education & Requirements

• 5+ years of relevant experience in food science, product development, or related technical disciplines.
• Proven record of successfully commercializing new products and delivering product improvements.
• Experience with baked snack formulation, processing, sensory evaluation, analytical testing, and scale-up activities.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multiple projects simultaneously with limited supervision.
• Strong collaboration skills and experience working across functions and with external partners, including suppliers, consultants, and co-manufacturers.
• Experience mentoring junior scientists and providing technical leadership to cross-functional teams.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and the ability to learn new systems and platforms.
• Ability to occasionally support projects outside standard business hours, including nights or weekends.

Education: BS, MS, or PhD in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, or a related technical discipline. Experience with baked snacks formulation and processing is required.

Benefits and Perks

At Hershey, we offer competitive pay and a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support your wellbeing, financial security, and life outside of work.

Health & Wellbeing: Medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus wellness programs that support your physical and mental health

Financial Security: Competitive pay, annual incentive opportunities, and a 401(k) with company match

Time Off & Flexibility: Paid time off, company holidays, and flexible ways of working where applicable

Growth & Development: Career development programs, learning opportunities, and internal mobility

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.