Research Scientist (Hershey)
TekWissen ®, Hershey, PA, United States
Position: Research Scientist
Location: Hershey, PA, 17033
Duration: 12 Months
Job Type: Temporary Assignment
Work Type: Onsite
Payrate: $ 30.00 - 35.00/hr.
Overview:
TekWissen is a global workforce management provider headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan that offers strategic talent solutions to our clients world-wide. Our client is an American multinational company and one of the largest chocolate manufacturers in the world. It also manufactures baked products, beverages and many more that are produced globally.
Role Overview
The Research Scientist (Contract) supports high-complexity initiatives, leads workstreams within broader projects, and independently manages low-complexity initiatives. The role requires a low to moderate level of autonomy depending on project scope.
This position focuses on developing technical expertise, strengthening problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and effectively communicating technical concepts across cross-functional teams. The candidate will progressively build influence, collaboration skills, and internal networks within the organization.
Key Responsibilities
1. Project Leadership (90%)
Lead product development projects focused on innovative chocolate products, including:
Formulation development
Ingredient development
Product transformation interactions
Execute product development across all stages:
Bench-top prototyping
Pilot plant trials
Full-scale manufacturing
Collaborate with cross-functional teams:
R&D, Manufacturing, Engineering, Marketing, Quality, and Regulatory
Assess and communicate the business and financial impact of projects
Apply scientific principles and technical rigor in all development work
Provide technical feasibility input for new product concepts
Support supply chain initiatives to improve product quality and cost efficiency
Lead ingredient shortage mitigation efforts to reduce business impact
2. Product & Process Improvement (10%)
Support continuous improvement programs for product quality and manufacturing processes
Contribute to cost optimization and process efficiency initiatives
Cross-Functional Collaboration
This role partners closely with:
Marketing
Manufacturing
Engineering
Quality & Regulatory
Project Management
Technology Development
Typical Day / Core Activities
Developing and testing chocolate formulations
Conducting analytical testing on samples
Supporting pilot plant production runs
Performing competitive product assessments (sourcing, benchmarking, analysis)
Required Skills & Competencies
Technical Skills
Experience in product development, innovation, or process optimization
Ability to learn and apply new technical knowledge in development and commercialization
Understanding of process platforms and scaling methodologies
Familiarity with multidisciplinary domains:
Sensory science
Engineering
Packaging
Research
Core Competencies
Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking
Excellent troubleshooting capability
Effective decision-making and administrative skills
Business and financial acumen
Ability to influence cross-functional teams
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Adaptability and openness to change
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in, Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Chemical Engineering, Food Process Engineering, Bioengineering or related field
2–4 years of relevant experience required
Experience in chocolate production, product innovation, or CPG industry is a plus
Top Technical Skills
Chocolate sample formulation and development
Analytical testing techniques
Pilot plant operation support
Competitive product benchmarking and analysis
TekWissen® Group is an equal opportunity employer supporting workforce diversity.
Location: Hershey, PA, 17033
Duration: 12 Months
Job Type: Temporary Assignment
Work Type: Onsite
Payrate: $ 30.00 - 35.00/hr.
Overview:
TekWissen is a global workforce management provider headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan that offers strategic talent solutions to our clients world-wide. Our client is an American multinational company and one of the largest chocolate manufacturers in the world. It also manufactures baked products, beverages and many more that are produced globally.
Role Overview
The Research Scientist (Contract) supports high-complexity initiatives, leads workstreams within broader projects, and independently manages low-complexity initiatives. The role requires a low to moderate level of autonomy depending on project scope.
This position focuses on developing technical expertise, strengthening problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and effectively communicating technical concepts across cross-functional teams. The candidate will progressively build influence, collaboration skills, and internal networks within the organization.
Key Responsibilities
1. Project Leadership (90%)
Lead product development projects focused on innovative chocolate products, including:
Formulation development
Ingredient development
Product transformation interactions
Execute product development across all stages:
Bench-top prototyping
Pilot plant trials
Full-scale manufacturing
Collaborate with cross-functional teams:
R&D, Manufacturing, Engineering, Marketing, Quality, and Regulatory
Assess and communicate the business and financial impact of projects
Apply scientific principles and technical rigor in all development work
Provide technical feasibility input for new product concepts
Support supply chain initiatives to improve product quality and cost efficiency
Lead ingredient shortage mitigation efforts to reduce business impact
2. Product & Process Improvement (10%)
Support continuous improvement programs for product quality and manufacturing processes
Contribute to cost optimization and process efficiency initiatives
Cross-Functional Collaboration
This role partners closely with:
Marketing
Manufacturing
Engineering
Quality & Regulatory
Project Management
Technology Development
Typical Day / Core Activities
Developing and testing chocolate formulations
Conducting analytical testing on samples
Supporting pilot plant production runs
Performing competitive product assessments (sourcing, benchmarking, analysis)
Required Skills & Competencies
Technical Skills
Experience in product development, innovation, or process optimization
Ability to learn and apply new technical knowledge in development and commercialization
Understanding of process platforms and scaling methodologies
Familiarity with multidisciplinary domains:
Sensory science
Engineering
Packaging
Research
Core Competencies
Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking
Excellent troubleshooting capability
Effective decision-making and administrative skills
Business and financial acumen
Ability to influence cross-functional teams
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Adaptability and openness to change
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in, Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Chemical Engineering, Food Process Engineering, Bioengineering or related field
2–4 years of relevant experience required
Experience in chocolate production, product innovation, or CPG industry is a plus
Top Technical Skills
Chocolate sample formulation and development
Analytical testing techniques
Pilot plant operation support
Competitive product benchmarking and analysis
TekWissen® Group is an equal opportunity employer supporting workforce diversity.