R&D Intern

Job Description

About The Hershey Company:

The Hershey Company is a global leader in chocolate and confectionery, known for its iconic brands like Hershey’s, Reese’s, Kit Kat, and Kisses. The company’s Technical Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania, serves as a hub for research and development, where innovation drives the creation of new products and improvements to existing ones.

R&D Intern Job Description:

This R&D Intern position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the heart of The Hershey Company’s innovation efforts. You’ll be a part of the Research & Development team, responsible for evaluating new technologies and ingredients to enhance existing processes and products, as well as developing new product opportunities.

Responsibilities:

• Project Work: You’ll be actively involved in designing and conducting experiments, analyzing data, and reporting results.
• Hands-on Experience: You’ll utilize benchtop development techniques, evaluate prototypes, and execute experiments on pilot-scale equipment.
• Collaboration: You’ll work independently and within various teams, interacting with scientists, product developers, marketing, consumer research, and management.
• Exploration: You’ll have the chance to delve into different areas within R&D, including product development, technical front-end innovation, process excellence, or sensory sciences.
• Leadership and Problem-Solving: You’ll demonstrate your ability to lead, solve technical problems, analyze data, and present results effectively.

Qualifications:

• Education: Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Processing Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Material Science, Ag and Biological Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering (junior or senior level).
• GPA: Minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Experience: Prior internships or relevant experience are highly valued.
• Skills and Abilities:
• Strong interest in hands-on work and applying technical rigor.
• Highly motivated and comfortable working in a laboratory and pilot plant environment.
• Excellent written and communication skills.
• Proficient in computer programs like Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and evaluation skills.
• Excellent troubleshooting capabilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Openness to change and adaptability.
• Reliable transportation.

Key Considerations:

• This position requires working in a space with exposure to major allergens.
• You’ll be immersed in the world of chocolate and confectionery innovation at The Hershey Company.
• The internship duration is from May 2025 to August 2025.