Location: Hershey, PADuration: 13-15 months starting May 2026 - June 2027Continuous Improvement - Food Science Co-Op (2026-2027)This posting is for a co-op position on the US Continuous Improvement team focusing on product and process optimization and supply chain technical support located in Hershey, PA. Students will gain real world experience in the Consumer Packaged Goods and Food Processing Industry and develop professionally in a progressive manner with an increasing amount of responsibility. This position is a unique opportunity to apply food science skills to real world problems focusing on the optimization of both processes and products. Co-ops will work directly food scientists and engineers to support efforts such as ingredient evaluations, lab testing, product reformulations, and process improvements. This position is intended for students who are interested in and capable of working full-time for a duration of 13 to 15 months starting in May/June 2026.Responsibilities:Typical Student assignments & responsibilities may include:Designing and conducting pilot and production scale processes and tests, documenting and evaluating data, writing technical reports and presenting resultsIngredient, supplier and formula evaluations based on established procedures under guidance of technical professionalsPerform lab and production trials to evaluate formula changesPlan and execute production trials to evaluate process changes aiming to reduce cost or improve efficiencyWorking with multidisciplinary teams including personnel from manufacturing, product development, analytical research, quality assurance, industrial engineering, electrical engineering, packaging engineering, equipment manufacturers, and installation contractorsDesigning, troubleshooting, and optimizing manufacturing processes and productsIdentification, development and specification of ingredients and/or processes that may be new to Hershey or confectionery industrySupporting technical professionals in preparing chocolate and confectionery samplesSupport of manufacturing trials which could include off-shift coverageThe Continuous Improvement group provides technical resources to support the US supply chain.This includes:Hands-on plant optimization and troubleshooting of processes and product formulationsSupport of reformulation of existing products by evaluating recipes and process parameters through plant testingValidation of reformulation and processes from lab to manufacturing implementationInvestigation and validation of alternative manufacturing technologies for existing productsSupport of our growth and margin improvement efforts with specific focus on ingredients and key commoditiesIdentifying, researching, and implementing new technologies to improve supply chain executionExecution of strategic commodity projects to improve supply chain flexibility and provide opportunities for margin protection and improvementApplication of food science knowledge and lean / six sigma methodology to analyze data and provide recommendationsEducationAt the time of employment, must currently be enrolled with good standing as an undergraduate student majoring in Food Science, or a similar program at the sophomore level or higher.Key CompetenciesPassionate with a strong desire to make a differenceIntellectually curious and able to deal with ambiguityStrong problem solving, critical thinking, and analytical skillsAbility to apply understanding of sciences (biology, chemistry, food technology, engineering) and mathematics to provide technical support to the businessAction oriented with good planning and prioritization skillsExcellent verbal and written communication skillsThe ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneouslyAbility to work both independently and in multidisciplinary groups/teams with a high level of motivationGood organizational and interpersonal skills along with creativity, flexibility, and initiativeA desire to work hands-on in the laboratory, pilot plant, and manufacturing environments with equipment & products.Proficiency with common Windows based computer software programs, including Microsoft Office 365 suiteExperience or familiarity with statical software such as Minitab is preferredRequirementsEligibility to work in the United States for any employerA valid Drivers' License and a means of reliable transportationWillingness and ability to travel and work in our North American manufacturing facilities or other assignments as required, up to 50% of the timeAvailability to work on a flexible schedule from time to time including off-shifts and weekendsAbility to lift fifty poundsPlease 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.
