Entry Level Software Developer Jobs in Lancaster, PA

Location: Hershey, PA
Duration: Two (2) 17-week Terms (Either Fall 2026 / Spring 2027, or Fall 2026 / Summer 2027)
This job opportunity is at the West Hershey Plant in Hershey, PA. We are one of the world's largest chocolate manufacturing facilities and several of Hershey's famous brands are manufactured in our plant.
In this co-op position, the student will be working in an industrial environment and be expected to assume a very "hands-on" role. The co-op will be given challenging, productive assignments like those of an entry-level, full-time engineer, allowing him/her to experience a sense of accomplishment and contribution. Specific duties will mainly involve working with milk chocolate processing equipment and will require the student to work directly with Production, Maintenance, Contractors, Equipment Vendors, Engineering, Quality Assurance, and other support team members depending on the assignment. The successful candidate will demonstrate integrity, strong communication and people skills, analytical mindset, project leadership, and technical acumen.
Although Process Engineering will be the focus, the student will also interact frequently with Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical, and Controls engineers. This allows the co-op to understand what role each engineering discipline plays in a manufacturing plant. Many of the concepts that the co-op learns in this position can be applied to other industries.
Responsibilities:
The student will work under the direct supervision and guidance of an experienced engineer and perform the same tasks. Responsibilities will increase as appropriate as the co-op term progresses. Typical assignments are:

1. Investigate and troubleshoot problems
2. Design and optimize processes and equipment
3. Prepare proper documentation of project work, including process flow diagrams, P&ID's, and engineering calculations.
4. Develop scopes of work, functional specifications, and cost estimates
5. Function as project manager by writing and implementing projects
6. Purchase components and equipment
7. Coordinate installation work and equipment startups

Required Skills/Experience:

1. Verbal and written communication and interactive skills are critical in this assignment
2. Proficiency with Microsoft Office software such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams. Knowledge of AutoCAD and SAP is useful but not required.
3. Must have completed sophomore year and have a minimum 2.8 GPA
4. Required major is Chemical Engineering
5. Eligibility to work in the United States for any employer.
6. Availability to work 40 hours per week.
7. Availability to work on a flexible schedule from time to time including occasional long days (12hr) and weekends (rare).
8. Must have a valid Driver's License and reliable transportation

Work Schedule:
A minimum of two co-op terms are required. The terms can be rotational assignments, or two terms can be consecutive. (Terms are typically Spring, Summer, and Fall, approximately 4 months each.)
Due to the nature of the co-op assignment in a factory setting, remote work is not possible.
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.