Sr Engineer Automation

Sr Engineer Automation

Reporting to the Director – Physical Automation & Packaging Systems Engineering, the Sr Engineer – Automation is a senior member of the Physical Automation Engineering group supporting Global Operations Engineering. Based in Hershey, PA with responsibility across U.S. manufacturing locations, this role independently leads the development, execution, and implementation of medium to high complexity physical automation projects. The position applies advanced engineering judgment, deep technical expertise, and cross-functional leadership to deliver safe, scalable, and efficient automation solutions including robotics, machine vision, and integrated control systems. Domestic travel typically ranges from 30–50% depending on project needs, with limited international travel for equipment research.

Specific Role Focus Area: Responsible for designing, integrating, and optimizing advanced automation systems—including collaborative robotics, vision systems, and process controls—to enhance process and packaging operations. This team's core mission is to drive scalable, safe, and efficient automation solutions that reduce labor dependency, minimize material waste, and improve overall throughput. Working closely with cross-functional partners in operations, maintenance, safety, and IT, the team leads both greenfield deployments and continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring seamless integration of physical automation technologies into existing and future production environments.

This role will interact and partner with: Technical and professional employees within Global R&D and Tech Center Operations Plant Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, and Quality Assurance Other Corporate Engineering functions (Project Management, Packaging Systems, Electrical, Packaging Materials, Civil, Utilities) Quality and Regulatory Compliance Procurement Marketing Operations Business Development Manufacturing Alliances External Vendors

Travel Requirements: This position requires domestic travel (depending on projects, travel can range from 30-50 percent) at times to support on-going business needs. International travel would only be for equipment research if we source international (which is typically 1 week in duration) and varies by project.

Major Duties/ Responsibilities: Capital Project Development and Execution: Lead technical analyses, develop automation alternatives, cost estimates, feasibility studies, specifications, and recommendations. Design and deliver optimal automation solutions across all phases of capital projects from concept through commissioning and handover. Ensure compliance with corporate capital governance, safety standards, and project execution processes. Serve as senior technical escalation for troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and resolution of complex automation challenges. Advanced Technology Discovery: Identify, evaluate, and develop emerging automation technologies aligned with enterprise manufacturing strategy. Lead proof-of-concept development and pilot testing in collaboration with OEMs and internal stakeholders. Translate validated concepts into scalable, repeatable standards and deployment roadmaps. Collaboration and Networking: Network and build relationships with external equipment manufacturers and suppliers to identify/develop new technologies to help grow the Hershey Company's technical capabilities. Develop relationships with internal business teams to provide direction and build sound packaging systems solutions for innovation and cost savings initiatives. Provides Physical Automation technical development, schedule, and budgeting recommendations during project development assessments. Collaborate with Sr Engineering peers to refine the skills required to provide Physical Automation engineering functional evaluations, comprehensive project scopes, equipment schedules, and capital budgets. Growth and Development: Identify personal development gaps and develop action plans for growth in role and responsibility. Work with internal mentor to refine and implement development action plans and increase opportunities for exposure to Hershey functions external to engineering. Develop leadership capabilities to actively contribute as subject matter expert on project teams of increasing size and complexity.

Minimum knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform major duties/responsibilities: Proven ability to develop automation solutions to deliver business value in a practical, effective way. Proven ability to see beyond current situation and to create a strategy and road map to advance automation capabilities. Understanding in the implementation of automation technology and integration within factory operations and employees. Working Knowledge of: Automation Technology - AGV's AMR's, Robotics. Robots, Cobots, Advance Vision and AR Automation Integration with Factory Operation Automation design for collaboration with Factory Team members Integration with Factory IT & OT systems and securities Automation Route mapping and mission deployments. Must have some combination of knowledge and basic experience in the design, application, and maintenance of: Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC's) (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, etc.) Electrical and electronic industrial instrumentation Automation and process control Industrial computer systems and networks Distributed control systems Other automation, electrical power, computer, and control technologies Proven experience with AutoCAD and Excel desired Hands-on problem solver, focusing on detailed problem resolution and documentation Must possess the ability to understand and apply sound engineering solutions keeping in mind costs, schedules and operational performance Exhibit sound judgment, understanding and proficiency in the development of engineering solutions and have the ability to effectively evaluate, communicate and build consensus cross-functionality associated with recommendations on increasingly complex and fast paced projects Strong oral and written communication skills are critical Must have strong PC skills Ability and willingness to work effectively in a diverse, disciplined team environment and work with limited supervision Must have the demonstrated potential to accept new and challenging work assignments Familiarity or previous experience with CI Tools and processes such as Lean, Six Sigma, etc. is preferred to help drive business value and enhance the incumbent's ability to effectively communicate with the plant reliability, process & quality leads.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements: Education and Experience: BS in Engineering, Automation Technology, or Engineering Technology (Mechanical / Electrical / Mechatronics / Engineering Technology majors preferred).​ Minimum of 4 years of relevant automation engineering experience including capital project execution.