Senior Packaging Systems Engineer

Location: Hershey, PA
Travel: Up to 50%

Why Hershey:

At The Hershey Company, our culture is rooted in purpose and inspired by Milton Hershey’s enduring vision that business should create opportunity for others. Through our commitment to corporate philanthropy, we create positive impact by supporting communities, helping children thrive, and operating as a business for good. This includes our deep and long standing partnership with Milton Hershey School, where we invest in education, workforce readiness, and hands on engagement to help students succeed beyond the classroom. Supported by strategic grantmaking, product donations, cross brand collaboration, and strong employee volunteerism, Hershey offers a place to work where making a difference—locally and globally—is part of how we do business every day.

How will you fit in the big picture?

Reporting to the Sr Mgr Engineering, Packaging Systems based in Hershey, PA and working at the Tech Center, Manufacturing Locations, and Remote, the Senior Packaging Systems Engineer with Minimal Direction Leads the development, execution, and implementation of medium complexity projects requiring functional & industry expertise, functional knowledge, & advocacy while leveraging business relationships to deliver business results. A successful candidate is expected to Strong capability to demonstrate and apply technical knowledge and expertise. Ability to develop and share technical expertise within functional area and cross functionally within the organization. Strong problem-solving skills & ability to think critically. Strong capability to communicate complex or technical subject matter written and verbally to different audiences at all levels of the organization. Strong capability to influence customers and leverage networks to provide solutions.

Specific Role Focus Area:

This position utilizes all aspects of conceptual Packaging Systems Engineering design, cost estimation techniques, system and project proposal development, supplier evaluations, equipment and system installation and start up, and successful transition of the system to the plant operations and maintenance staff.

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, Electrical, Packaging, Civil, Utilities) \
• Quality and Regulatory Compliance
• Procurement
• Marketing
• Operations Business Development
• Manufacturing Alliances
• External Vendors

Travel Requirements:

Travel Required

What will you do?

Capital Project Development and Execution:

Time %: 80-90%

• Provide technical analyses, develop alternatives (cost estimates, feasibility, specifications, and interpretation of requirements) and prepare recommendations.
• Design and provide the optimal packaging solution for a given project. These solutions will include packaging and control support for all phases of the capital projects including development of system concepts, design, cost estimating, system installation, check-out, commissioning, training, and successful transition of deliverables, including system operation manuals, maintenance documents, and technical knowledge to the plant staff as defined in Hershey’s Project Management process.
• Demonstrate a willingness to identify process and manufacturing alternatives that meet new business requirements or establish functional excellence. Evaluate and participate in cross-functional processes to diagnose root cause issues and provide options for resolution.
• Evaluate and participate in cross-functional processes in order to diagnose root cause issues and provide options for resolution.
• Ensures all packaging systems project implementation activities are in full compliance with all corporate capital control policies and procedures.

Collaboration and Networking:

Time %: 10-20%

• Network and build relationships with external equipment manufacturers and suppliers to identify/develop new technologies to help grow the Hershey Company’s technical capabilities.
• Provides packaging systems technical development, schedule, and budgeting recommendations during project development assessments.
• Collaborate with Sr Engineering peers to develop the skills required to provide packaging systems engineering functional evaluations, comprehensive project scopes, equipment schedules, and capital budgets.

Growth and Development:

Time %: 10-20%

• Identify personal development gaps and develop action plans for growth in role and responsibility.
• Work with and act as internal mentor to refine and implement development action plans and increase opportunities for exposure to Hershey functions external to engineering for yourself and junior level engineers.
• Continuing development of leadership capabilities to lead as subject matter expert on project teams of medium size and complexity.
• Identify opportunities to expand packaging systems team capability and demonstrate full engagement in team growth and success.

Minimum Requirements

Experience: Minimum of 4 years of major Packaging Systems experience required.​

Education: BS in Engineering or Engineering Technology (Mechanical / Electrical / Mechatronics / Engineering Technology majors preferred).​

Minimum knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform major duties/responsibilities:

• Must have basic understanding and/or knowledge of the following:
• Common packaging materials used in the food packaging industry
• High speed flow wrapping
• Secondary packaging such as carton and tray loading, statistical scales, and bagging equipment
• Tertiary packaging such as case packing and palletizing
• Machine and equipment design
• Servo and control technology
• 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. Digital and basic AI principles.
• 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
• Must possess demonstrated basic technical knowledge in the packaging controls arena
• When directing and managing non-THC persons contracted to support the project implementation commitments, represents the Company in a manner as outlined in the Corporate Code of Business Ethics, and ensures all contractors and suppliers adhere to applicable Company safety, security, and contractual requirements.

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

Benefits may vary based on role, location, and eligibility.

The anticipated base salary range for this role is $X to $X per 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

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 View phone number on aiapply.co and leave a voicemail with your contact information. You may also email a request for accommodation to View email address on aiapply.co. 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.