Research Assistant, Salty

Why Hershey: At The Hershey Company, our culture is rooted in purpose and inspired by Milton Hershey’s enduring vision that business should create opportunity for others. Through our commitment to corporate philanthropy, we create positive impact by supporting communities, helping children thrive, and operating as a business for good. This includes our deep and long standing partnership with Milton Hershey School, where we invest in education, workforce readiness, and hands on engagement to help students succeed beyond the classroom. Supported by strategic grantmaking, product donations, cross brand collaboration, and strong employee volunteerism, Hershey offers a place to work where making a difference—locally and globally—is part of how we do business every day. About The Hershey Company

The Hershey Company is an industry-leading snacks company known for making more moments of goodness through its iconic brands. With a strong portfolio across chocolate, confectionery, and salty snacks, Hershey delights consumers every day. Our beloved brands include Hershey’s, Reese’s, KitKat®, Dots Pretzels, Lesser Evil, Jolly Rancher, Twizzlers, Ice Breakers, and more.    At Hershey, we are committed to making a meaningful difference in the communities where we live, work, and do business. This commitment originated with our founder, Milton Hershey, and continues to shape who we are today.   Guided by our employee value proposition, **Lead Today. Create Tomorrow, **we empower our people to drive impact now while shaping what comes next. Our  One Hershey  mindset brings teams together across functions, geographies, and businesses, enabling us to operate with speed, collaboration, and shared purpose.   The Hershey Company is proud to be recognized as a top employer in the United States, reflecting our commitment to our people, culture, and purpose. How will you fit in the big picture?

The Research Assistant, Process Development provides hands-on support for the development and optimization of manufacturing processes across Hershey's growing salty snacks portfolio, including popcorn, extruded snacks, pretzels, fried snacks, and baked crackers. Based at the Hershey Technical Center in Hershey, PA, this role supports pilot plant, laboratory, and manufacturing trials that help bring innovative products and technologies to market.   Working closely with Process Development Engineers and cross-functional partners, the Research Assistant will play an important role in executing experiments, collecting technical data, preparing samples, maintaining equipment, and supporting day-to-day operations within the pilot plant and laboratory environments. What will you do?

Support pilot plant and laboratory trials by preparing materials, operating equipment under supervision, collecting samples, and documenting observations. Assist with the setup, operation, cleaning, and maintenance of pilot-scale food processing equipment. Prepare product samples for sensory, consumer, and internal evaluations. Conduct basic analytical testing and maintain accurate technical records. Support ingredient and supply inventory management, lot tracking, and laboratory organization. Maintain a safe, clean, and compliant work environment while following all quality, sanitation, and safety procedures. Collaborate with engineers and cross-functional teams to support process development activities and technology advancement initiatives.

Minimum Education & Requirements

High School Diploma/GED with 3-4 years of related experience, OR Bachelor's degree in a non-related field with no prior experience required. Technical or professional certification preferred. Basic understanding of food processing, manufacturing operations, or mechanical systems preferred. Experience working in laboratory, pilot plant, manufacturing, food production, or other technical environments is a plus. Strong attention to detail and ability to