Staff Scientist, Salty R&D
About The Position
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.
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.
- 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.
Responsibilities
- 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.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Wellness programs that support your physical and mental health
- Competitive pay
- Annual incentive opportunities
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off
- Company holidays
- Flexible ways of working where applicable
- Career development programs
- Learning opportunities
- Internal mobility
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
