Staff Packaging Systems CI Engineer

Location: Hershey, PA preferred, open to remote

Up to 70% Travel

Why Hershey 

At The Hershey Company, we make more moments of goodness through some of the world's most iconic brands, including Hershey's, Reese's, Kit Kat®, Jolly Rancher, Twizzlers, Dot's Pretzels, Lesser Evil and more. Our team supports a global portfolio of over 90 brands, creating opportunities to shape strategies and drive impact across a breadth of businesses that few companies can offer. While many organizations focus on a handful of brands, Hershey provides exposure to a diverse portfolio of category-leading brands enjoyed by consumers around the world. What truly sets us apart is our legacy. Inspired by Milton Hershey's belief that business should create opportunity for others, we have been making a positive impact for more than a century through our commitment to communities, philanthropy, and our longstanding partnership with Milton Hershey School. When you join Hershey, you become part of a company where purpose, growth, and making a difference are woven into how we do business every day. 

How will you fit in the big picture? 

The Staff Packaging Systems CI Engineer advances Hershey's multi-year Enterprise Continuous Improvement plan by identifying, developing, and implementing packaging-system improvements across the manufacturing network. Working independently and through cross-functional teams, you will lead complex initiatives from concept through sustainable plant handoff to improve cost, capacity, quality, safety, and supply continuity across Hershey's Global Confectionery and Salty businesses. 

What will you do? 

• Lead packaging-system continuous-improvement projects from opportunity identification and loss analysis through design, testing, installation, startup, commissioning, training, and performance stabilization. 

• Develop project scopes, specifications, schedules, cost estimates, technical recommendations, and engineering deliverables for equipment selection, modifications, and layouts. 

• Plan and execute proof-of-principle tests, designed experiments, scale-up activities, manufacturing trials, and feasibility assessments; translate results into practical technical and financial recommendations. 

• Apply Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, packaging engineering, food science, and structured problem-solving methods to identify root causes and deliver sustainable solutions. 

• Manage project cost, schedule, resources, risk, suppliers, and communication while partnering with Manufacturing, R&D, Engineering, Finance, Quality and Regulatory Compliance, Marketing, contractors, and equipment suppliers. 

• Mentor engineers and technicians, provide clear technical documentation and training, and transfer improvements successfully to plant operations and maintenance teams. 

Minimum Requirements 

Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline. A master's degree is welcome. 

Experience: Minimum 5 years of relevant packaging-systems engineering, process design, project management, troubleshooting, or continuous-improvement experience in a manufacturing environment. 

• Demonstrated ability to lead complex packaging or manufacturing improvement projects involving multiple unit operations and cross-functional stakeholders. 

• Working knowledge of food-manufacturing systems, sanitary design, Good Manufacturing Practices, manufacturing validation, equipment suppliers, and plant implementation. 

• Six Sigma Green Belt required; Six Sigma Black Belt preferred. Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing and TPM. 

• Strong project planning, technical analysis, written and verbal communication, and Microsoft Office skills. 

• Ability to travel up to 70%, support project work outside standard hours when needed, and work in manufacturing environments with regulated food allergens while following all site safety, food-safety, and allergen-control 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 begin on Day 1. 

• 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.