Future Opportunities Process Development Engineer Co-Op (2026)

Job Title: Future Opportunities Process Development Engineer Co-Op (2026)

Location: Hershey, PA
Duration: Spring: January - May | Summer: May - August | Fall: August - December 2026

We are currently prioritizing recruitment for the Spring and Summer 2026 Co-Ops. However, we do have Fall 2026 openings as well. Please refer to the application questions to confirm your availability.

Overview:
We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Process Development Engineer to join our team. This role is critical to the successful development and commercialization of new products and processes. The Product Commercialization engineering group is responsible for delivering successful manufacturing solutions for the growth and innovation efforts at Hershey. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in experimental design, data analysis, and process engineering, with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement. The goal of the position is to provide students with real-world engineering experience in the food industry while working with professional engineers on their projects to meet the company's objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manufacturing Feasibility: Assess manufacturing feasibility by testing and evaluating products and processes in the Hershey pilot plant, manufacturing sites, or at vendor locations.
• Design and Execute Experiments: Develop and implement experimental plans to evaluate product and process performance.
• Data Analysis: Analyze trial data to draw meaningful conclusions and guide decision-making.
• Trial Execution: Execute trial protocols in pilot plant and vendor facilities, ensuring accurate documentation and reporting.
• Equipment Sizing: Perform engineering calculations, including mass balances, pressure drop, and heat/mass transfer to determine appropriate equipment specifications for new processes and scale-up activities.
• Startup Support: Provide technical support during new product startups to ensure a smooth transition to manufacturing.
• Sample Production: Support product development with the production of product samples for consumer testing and sales initiatives.
• Process Documentation: Develop process flow diagrams and identify/document key processing parameters for each unit operation from raw ingredient receiving to finished product.

Qualifications:

• Must be an undergraduate student majoring in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Biological Engineering, Food Engineering, or similar program from an ABET accredited engineering program at the sophomore level or higher.
• Eligibility to work in the United States for any employer.
• A valid Drivers' License and a means of reliable transportation
• Availability to work 40 hours per week
• Willingness and ability to travel and work in our North American manufacturing facilities or other assignments as required, up to 25% of the time
• Availability to work on a flexible schedule from time to time, including off-shifts and weekends

Preferred Skills:

• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to apply understanding of sciences and mathematics to provide technical support to the business.

• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in statistical analysis tools.

• A desire to work hands-on in the laboratory, pilot plant, and manufacturing environments with equipment & products.

• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and adapt to changing priorities.

• Familiarity with DOE (Design of Experiments) methodologies.
• Knowledge of process simulation and modeling tools.

Please be advised that The Hershey Company welcomes all applicants to internships. However, Hershey will not provide immigration-related support for these internships.

Hershey also will not provide immigration-related sponsorship (such as H-1B) for entry-level roles should you later apply for one of those roles in the future.