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Contractor Research Scientist, Sweets and Refreshment Product Development
Job Location:
Job Location:
Hershey, PA - USA
Monthly Salary:
Not provided by the employer
Monthly Salary:
Posted:
21 May 2026 (30+ days ago)
Posted:
Application Deadline:
18 August 2026
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Vacancies:
Job Summary
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.
Position: Contractor Research Scientist Sweets and Refreshment Product Development
Location: Hershey PA 17033
Duration: 8 Months
Job Type: Temporary Assignment
Work Type: Onsite
Role Summary
The Scientist supports product development initiatives within the Sweets & Refreshment R&D team by assisting on high-complexity projects leading workstreams within larger initiatives or independently managing low-complexity projects with guidance. The role requires a low to medium level of autonomy depending on project scope.
The Scientist ensures compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) food safety and peoples safety standards in both laboratory and pilot plant environments. This position involves hands-on experimental work documentation and cross-functional collaboration.
Key Responsibilities
1. Product Development & Pilot Plant Work (60%)
- Partner with project leaders to plan and execute equipment trials
- Prepare and produce samples using pilot plant equipment and emerging technologies
- Operate clean and maintain lab and pilot plant equipment
- Follow all GMP and safety protocols during trials
2. Experimental Design & Documentation (30%)
- Develop trial plans experimental protocols and SOPs
- Conduct data entry analysis and interpretation of results
- Prepare technical reports summarizing findings and conclusions
- Present results and recommend next steps to project teams
3. Administrative & Training Activities (10%)
- Complete administrative tasks related to projects
- Participate in technical and safety training (hands-on and online)
Technical Skills (Top Priorities)
- Pilot Plant & Equipment Trials (40%)
- Ability to prepare execute and troubleshoot food processing trials
- Documentation & Communication (30%)
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to prepare technical reports and present findings
- Collaboration (30%)
- Effective teamwork across cross-functional groups (scientists engineers etc.)
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelors degree in Science Engineering or a related field
- Strong interest in the food industry
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Willingness to travel as required
- Flexibility to work overtime when needed
Preferred
- Experience in food product development
- Knowledge of hard candy and gummy technologies
Knowledge Skills & Abilities
- Understanding of food chemistry and ingredient functionality
- Ability to design and execute experiments at pilot scale
- Familiarity with food GMPs and safety standards
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word Excel PowerPoint Outlook)
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to change
- Capability to handle food allergens (dairy nuts soy wheat eggs etc.) using proper PPE
- Ability to lift up to 35 lbs
Work Environment
- Laboratory and pilot plant settings
- Office/desk work
- Manufacturing facilities for trials and testing
- Collaborative team meetings
TekWissen Group is an equal opportunity employer supporting workforce diversity.
