Sr Engineer Automation

Job Overview

Reporting to the Director – Physical Automation & Packaging Systems Engineering, the Sr Engineer – Automation is a senior member of the Physical Automation Engineering group supporting Global Operations Engineering. Based in Hershey, PA with responsibility across U.S. manufacturing locations, this role independently leads the development, execution, and implementation of medium to high complexity physical automation projects. The position applies advanced engineering judgement, deep technical expertise, and cross‑functional leadership to deliver safe, scalable, and efficient automation solutions including robotics, machine vision, and integrated control systems.

Domestic travel typically ranges from 30–50% of time depending on project needs, with limited international travel for equipment research.

Responsible for designing, integrating, and optimizing advanced automation systems—including collaborative robotics, vision systems, and process controls—to enhance process and packaging operations. The team’s core mission is to drive scalable, safe, and efficient automation solutions that reduce labor dependency, minimize material waste, and improve overall throughput. Working closely with cross‑functional partners in operations, maintenance, safety, and IT, the team leads both greenfield deployments and continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring seamless integration of physical automation technologies into existing and future production environments.

• Technical and professional employees within Global R&D and Tech Center Operations
• Plant Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, and Quality Assurance
• Other Corporate Engineering functions (Project Management, Packaging Systems, Electrical, Packaging Materials, Civil, Utilities)
• Quality and Regulatory Compliance
• Procurement
• Marketing
• Operations Business Development
• Manufacturing Alliances

Domestic travel is required (30–50% of time) to support ongoing business needs. International travel would only be for equipment research and is typically one week long and varies by project.

• Lead technical analyses, develop automation alternatives, cost estimates, feasibility studies, specifications, and recommendations.
• Design and deliver optimal automation solutions across all phases of capital projects from concept through commissioning and handover.
• Ensure compliance with corporate capital governance, safety standards, and project execution processes.
• Serve as senior technical escalation for troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and resolution of complex automation challenges.

• Identify, evaluate, and develop emerging automation technologies aligned with enterprise manufacturing strategy.
• Lead proof‑of‑concept development and pilot testing in collaboration with OEMs and internal stakeholders.
• Translate validated concepts into scalable, repeatable standards and deployment roadmaps.

• Network and build relationships with external equipment manufacturers and suppliers to identify and develop new technologies that help grow the Hershey Company’s technical capabilities.
• Develop relationships with internal business teams to provide direction and build sound packaging systems solutions for innovation and cost savings initiatives.
• Provide Physical Automation technical development, schedule, and budgeting recommendations during project development assessments.
• Collaborate with Sr Engineering peers to refine the skills required to provide Physical Automation engineering functional evaluations, comprehensive project scopes, equipment schedules, and capital budgets.

• Identify personal development gaps and develop action plans for growth in role and responsibility.
• Work with internal mentor to refine and implement development action plans and increase opportunities for exposure to Hershey functions external to engineering.
• Develop leadership capabilities to actively contribute as subject matter expert on project teams of increasing size and complexity.