Staff Packaging Systems CI Engineer

The Hershey Company•Lower Swatara Township, PA

1d•$118,880 - $148,600

About The Position

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, this role leads 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. The role leads packaging-system continuous-improvement projects from opportunity identification and loss analysis through design, testing, installation, startup, commissioning, training, and performance stabilization. It develops project scopes, specifications, schedules, cost estimates, technical recommendations, and engineering deliverables for equipment selection, modifications, and layouts. The engineer plans and executes proof-of-principle tests, designed experiments, scale-up activities, manufacturing trials, and feasibility assessments, translating results into practical technical and financial recommendations. The position applies Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, packaging engineering, food science, and structured problem-solving methods to identify root causes and deliver sustainable solutions. It manages project costs, schedules, resources, risks, suppliers, and communications while partnering with cross-functional stakeholders. The engineer mentors engineers and technicians, provides technical documentation and training, and transfers improvements to plant operations and maintenance teams. Hershey prefers Hershey, Pennsylvania, but is open to remote work; travel may be up to 70%.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
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.
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.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree.
Six Sigma Black Belt.

Responsibilities

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.