Scientist – R&D - Packaging Development

Job Description

Job Purpose: 

The Kraft Heinz Away from Home R&D team is seeking a Scientist, R&D – Packaging Development. This role leads packaging development initiatives across innovation, renovation, and brand maintenance within our North American Away from Home business, while independently managing projects of greater scope and complexity. The position offers the opportunity to deepen technical packaging expertise, lead commercialization work end to end, and influence cross-functional teams to bring packaging solutions to market.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities: 

• Lead packaging commercialization activities for new and renovated package launches from concept through implementation, including material specifications, trials and testing, technical drawings, artwork and graphics development, start-up procedures

• Independently lead packaging development projects across multiple brands and business priorities, managing broader scope and complexity 

• Serve as the packaging technical lead on assigned projects, driving alignment and execution across cross-functional teams

• Partner with cross-functional teams to execute projects across innovation, renovation, sustainability, brand maintenance, cost optimization, and other strategic priorities

• Assess project risks, feasibility, and technical tradeoffs to support sound decision-making

• Design and execute plant trials across a range of products and packaging materials to advance project objectives

• Develop and lead packaging performance testing and evaluations to ensure robust analysis of packaging variables

• Write detailed technical trial plans, testing protocols, and summary reports

• Create and maintain packaging specifications, manufacturing procedures, finished product specifications, and related database documentation

• Manage multiple assignments simultaneously, prioritize effectively across competing business needs, and adjust plans as project conditions evolve

• Apply technical knowledge and scientific thinking to solve packaging challenges, anticipate next steps, and identify practical solutions in a complex environment

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Packaging, Engineering, Material Science, or an adjacent technical discipline

• Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in the food or consumer packaged goods industry, with packaging experience in a relevant category or business environment

• Strong knowledge of packaging science, materials, and testing protocols, with hands-on application in commercial packaging development

• Ability to plan and execute well-thought-out design experiments, anticipate next steps, and adjust course when facing challenges. 

• In-depth understanding of packaging materials, functionality, and the interaction between packaging, product, and processing

• Ability to lead technical work across office, laboratory, and manufacturing environments

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present technical findings clearly across functions

• Highly motivated, detail-oriented problem solver with a sense of urgency and the ability to deliver results in a complex environment

• Outstanding prioritization, project management, and problem-solving skills

• Willingness to travel up to 30% based on business needs, including visits to internal plants, co-manufacturers, suppliers, or other R&D sites

Work Environment & Schedule

This position is considered a normal office environment with moderate travel to customer locations, stores, manufacturing facilities, etc.; offices are open workspaces 

This job description is not designed to cover or contain all duties or responsibilities that are required of the role. Duties or responsibilities may change or be added with or without notice

Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz’ strategy and values.

New Hire Base Salary Range:

$77,800.00 - $97,300.00

Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.

The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors

Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.

Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.

You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:

• Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments

• Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training

• Emotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs

• Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)

Glenview R&D Center, Heinz Innovation Center

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact [email protected] for assistance.