Posted Date:
Mar 30, 2026
Requisition Number:
128145
Job Location: Hershey, PA Preferred Summary:
Reporting to the Manager of Controls & Security Tech Solutions group and working out of the Technical Center in Hershey PA, the Sr Controls Engineer leads the development, execution, and implementation of medium to high complexity projects requiring functional and industry expertise, functional knowledge and advocacy. They must have proven capability to demonstrate and apply, as well as develop and share, technical expertise within their functional area and cross-functionally within the organization. A successful candidate must have proven problem-solving skills and possess the ability to think critically. They must possess a capability to communicate technical subject matter, written and verbally, cross functionally with their manager. Successful candidate must have proven capability to communicate complex or technical subject matter, both written and verbally, to audiences at all levels of the organization with proven capability to influence stakeholders and leverage personal networks to provide engineering solutions. Specific Role Focus Area:
- Leads the development/assessment of state-of-the-art control systems suitable for a manufacturing facility that meet project requirements and business objectives.
- Leads selection, design, installation and commissioning of control systems and automated equipment in the execution of capital projects, meeting budget, schedule, and scope.
- Manages small capital projects, including cost, schedule, and resources (internal and contract)
- Problem solving through application of experience, research, and critical thinking.
- Strong technical expertise in manufacturing automation systems and components.
- Strong understanding of Hershey processes, equipment, and regulatory requirements.
- Effective communicator with multifunctional team members and Hershey management.
This role will interact and partner with:
- Technical and professional employees within Global Engineering
- Plant Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations and Quality Assurance
- Quality and Regulatory Compliance
- Procurement
- External Vendors
Travel Expectations:
- This role will require travel, domestic and international, based on project assignments. Average 30% over time but may be 60% to 80% during certain project phases.
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
Capital Project Development:
- Participates in a multifunctional team in the development of capital projects, preparing manufacturing feasibility assessments and capital cost estimates for multiple capital projects.
- Evaluate new technologies.
- Proficient in the use and application of Hershey Engineering Standards and relevant industry standards.
- Proven capability to apply applicable control system technologies, programming methods, instrumentation and other processes that benefit Hershey capital project requirements and business objectives.
Capital Project Execution:
- Leads the design of process control systems and evaluation/selection of packaging and process equipment control systems suitable for implementation in a manufacturing facility and within the project scope, budget, and timeline.
- Ensure network infrastructure, machinery networks, and installations are in conformance with the Hershey Industrial Control Network guidelines and cybersecurity policies.
- Prepare electrical schematics, bid specifications for processes, equipment, equipment installation, electrical distribution infrastructure and industrial control network infrastructure.
- Oversees the controls portion of installation, checkout and startup of processes and equipment, managing cost, schedule, and resources (internal and external) in a multifunctional team environment.
- Participate in process and packaging optimization during startup and early production.
- Hone control system troubleshooting skills for processes and equipment.
- Communicate with and train manufacturing personnel including operators and supervisors in operations of implemented control systems.
- Communicate with and train maintenance and specialist personnel in the technical details of implemented control systems.
Skills Development:
- Work with senior control engineers on complex engineering projects.
- Develop additional proficiencies with the Hershey Skills Diversification Program
Minimum knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform major duties/responsibilities: Confectionery, Food, Consumer Goods or Pharmaceutical experience is desirable. The preferred candidate will have demonstrated knowledge and experience that is required to design, specify, estimate, install, configure, program, troubleshoot and maintain state of the art control systems for discrete, batch and continuous process systems. Candidates are required to have basic knowledge of Industrial Control Network architectures, hardware, design, topologies, protocols.
- Demonstrated working knowledge in the application and programming of PLCs/PACs, Rockwell and Siemens preferred.
- Demonstrated knowledge in the application and programming of motion control systems, Rockwell and Siemens preferred.
- Demonstrated knowledge in the application and configuration of HMI/SCADA systems, FactoryTalk SE/ME and Ignition preferred.
- Demonstrated knowledge of common process instrumentation (temperature, level, pressure, flow, mass).
- Basic knowledge of regulatory requirements for electrical installations.
- Experience with electrical schematics, P&IDs, control system design, and project estimation is required.
- Experience in developing, specifying, and installing 480 VAC, 120 VAC, and 24 VDC power systems is beneficial.
- Technical Troubleshooting skills, including hands-on problem-solving experience focusing on detailed problem resolution and documentation.
- Demonstrated leadership and decision-making skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Must be open to and comfortable with change.
- Must be able to execute projects to a defined schedule and budget.
- Open to travel (including International) based on assignment (>30%).
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:
- BS in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related Engineering Field.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in controls engineering for Food Processing, Confectionery, Pharmaceutical or related industries.
The Hershey Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The policy of The Hershey Company is to extend opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual's race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other categories protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. The Hershey Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Minority/Female/Disabled/Protected Veterans. You may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our online application process as a result of a disability. You can request an accommodation via phone or email. To request an accommodation via phone, please call +1 877-804-1794 and leave a voicemail with your contact information. You may also email a request for accommodation to ApplicationHelp@hersheys.com. Please be sure to include "Accommodation Needed" in the subject line. This will ensure that your email is routed to the appropriate contact who will handle your request.
Nearest Major Market: Harrisburg
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