Associate Engineer/Engineer/Sr. Engineer - Process Optimization

The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) is a leading snack food company and the largest North American manufacturer of quality chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery products. With revenues of over $4 billion and more than 13,000 employees worldwide, The Hershey Company markets such well-known brands as Hershey's, Reese's, Hershey's Kisses, Kit Kat, Almond Joy, Mounds, Jolly Rancher, Twizzlers, Ice Breakers, and Mauna Loa, as well as innovative new products such as Take 5 candy bar and Hershey's Cookies. In addition to its traditional confectionery products, Hershey offers a range of products specifically developed to address the nutritional interests of today's health-conscious consumer. These products include sugar-free Hershey's, Reese's and York candies, and PayDay Pro energy bar.A lot more goes into the making of Hershey's success than just great ingredients. Behind our global reputation lies a history of innovation, a constant commitment to quality and leadership, and leading edge processes. Plus something even more special...the expertise and collaboration of our people. The Process Optimization group in the Continuous Improvement Department provides process engineering support to lead process and product optimization projects to improve production efficiencies, minimize production waste, optimize product weight control, develop and implement formula modifications, and provide technical troubleshooting assistance to Hershey's Global Manufacturing Facilities. The Process Optimization Engineer is responsible to identify, study, recommend, and implement process and product efficiency improvements including the design, implementation, and documentation of manufacturing feasibility trials and product sample generation, sensory testing coordination, and project implementation coordination with manufacturing staff; develop process solutions including conceptual and detailed engineering design, PFD and P&ID generation, capital cost estimation, system and project proposal development, supplier evaluations, bid specification development, equipment and system installation and commissioning, and successful transition of deliverables to plant operating and maintenance staff, including system operation manuals, maintenance documents, and technical knowledge; provide capital project management services as required to deliver optimization projects including cost, schedule, and resource management, as well as leading multi-functional teams in project execution; participate in continuous improvement teams in Hershey's Global manufacturing Facilities. The job incumbent will be required to provide the optimal processing solution for the given project. This individual must demonstrate a willingness to identify process and manufacturing alternatives that meet new business requirements or establish functional excellence. • The incumbent will be responsible for identifying, evaluating, managing, and implementing process and product optimization projects that will require detailed planning and design. Complexity and definition of scope will vary based on the incumbents experience. • The incumbent must be able to apply engineering theory and calculations in developing process solutions while keeping in mind costs, schedules and operational performance. • The incumbent must be a hands-on problem solver, focusing on detailed problem resolution and documentation. • The incumbent will participate on multi-functional teams by providing high quality technical support. A leadership role in these teams may be expected. • The incumbent should possess the appropriate knowledge in design of process systems for the food industry commensurate with their years of professional experience, including: 1) a preliminary understanding of common process unit operations and equipment used in the food industry 2) a preliminary understanding of sanitary design and construction practices used in the food industry 3) a basic understanding of GMP's 4) a general knowledge of common equipment suppliers in the food industry. • The incumbent should possess the appropriate knowledge, commensurate with their years of professional experience, of 1) the design, application, and maintenance of process piping systems, valves, piping specialties, and process automation and instrumentation 2) developing and working with basic PFD's and P&ID's. • The incumbent must be capable of having responsible charge for capital assignments up to $1M. • The incumbent must have demonstrated proficiencies commensurate with their years of professional experience of process engineering and continuous improvement in the food industry that is relative to Hershey manufacturing processes, construction practices, standards and codes that support manufacturing and provide a competitive business advantage. • The incumbent must demonstrate the ability to prioritize, and have an understanding of the required business objectives, developing solutions and schedules, and efficient and expedient project executions. • The incumbent must exhibit sound judgment in the development of engineering solutions, and have the ability to effectively evaluate and communicate recommendations to engineering problems. • The incumbent must provide technical analyses, develop alternatives (cost estimates, feasibility, specifications, and interpretation of requirements) and prepare recommendations for engineering solutions. • The incumbent must demonstrate the appropriate negotiating skills to process projects and other job related duties from inception to completion, including vendor negotiation, OEM relationships and contractual agreements. • The incumbent must evaluate and participate in cross-functional processes in order to diagnose root cause issues and provide options for resolution. • The incumbent must possess excellent oral and written communication skills. • The incumbent must possess strong PC skills. • The incumbent must possess ability and willingness to work in a team environment and work with limited supervision. • The incumbent must possess leadership and interpersonal skills. • The incumbent must possess the demonstrated potential to accept new and challenging work assignments. • The incumbent must possess salesmanship and personal integrity to drive best solution for the department and the company. • The position may require extensive domestic and international travel at times to support the on-going business needs of the corporation. Minimum Educational Requirements: Bachelor of Science in Chemical, Agricultural, Food, or Mechanical Engineering   Preferred Skills / Requirements: Preferred Skill: Foreign languages (Spanish, Portuguese, Asian languages, etc.)   This position can be filled at one of three levels depending on experience:   Associate Engineer Minimum: 0 yrs -- Typical incumbent: 0-2 yrs With B.S.   Engineer Minimum: 2 yrs -- Typical Incumbent: 2-5 yrs Typical Incumbent with Masters (Science/Eng): 1 -2 yrs   Sr. Engineer Minimum:  4 yrs -- Typical incumbent: 4-7 yrs Typical Incumbent with Masters (Science/Eng): 2-4 yrs     If interested, please apply online at http://track.jobviper.com/ViewJob.asp?id=516968-3-503 Interested? Please apply via our website at www.hersheys.com/careers. All applicants must submit a questionnaire and resume online to be considered. Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V.