Job Description
Sr Scientist, R&D - Packaging Development - Complex Projects
Job Purpose
Are you passionate about packaging innovation and ready to make a significant impact on iconic brands? Join our dynamic and cross-functional team at Kraft Heinz Research & Development as a Senior Packaging Scientist! We are seeking an exceptional individual to lead packaging development projects across our Platforms, working with renowned brands like Jell-O, Kraft Mac & Cheese, Stove Top, and Crystal Light.
As a Senior Packaging Scientist, you will lead the technical development and commercialization of complex projects. You will scope, develop, validate, and scale innovative technologies that balance business needs such as sustainability, compliance, and value engineering across our brands. Communication and teamwork are essential for this role as you partner with multiple business units and cross-functional teams. This role requires an independent, self-driven individual capable of managing multiple concurrent assignments with minimal guidance.
What's On the Menu?
Complete the design and development of primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging formats with a strong understanding of numerous packaging materials (Flexible films, rigid plastics, barrier technologies, fiber, etc.).
Lead technical problem solving for packaging projects through complex Designs of Experiment (DOE), statistical analysis, and structured root-cause investigations to evaluate, validate, and troubleshoot new technologies.
Contribute to technical documentation and knowledge sharing (e.g., summaries, test reports, learnings) to support team capability-building and consistency.
Translate technical research findings and trial data into clear business cases, documented test reports, and actionable business decisions for cross-functional stakeholders.
Manage multiple assignments/projects concurrently and possess the ability to prioritize between a variety of business initiatives.
Own all phases of packaging commercialization including material selection, spec creation, trials, lab testing, shelf-life, and iterative development in laboratory and production environments.
Support prototyping development for consumer testing, pilot line setup, and scale-up as required to enable commercialization.
Adapt and apply scientific principles to new situations, technologies, and products.
Exhibit a collaborative attitude and apply innovative solutions to day-to-day challenges.
Recipe For Success: Apply now if this sounds like you!
Bachelor's degree in Packaging, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering (or related field) with minimum 4 years of experience; or Master's with 3 years; or PhD with 2 years of relevant CPG experience.
Actively challenges the status quo, identifies inefficiencies in legacy processes, and introduces methodologies to optimize how work gets done.
Takes personal pride in delivering high-quality, robust packaging solutions that elevate brands and delight consumers.
Proven ability to solve complex primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging challenges ranging across innovation, sustainability, and cost optimization.
Strong communication and influencing skills, deep understanding of roles and responsibilities of cross-functional teams, and willingness to lead, coach, and motivate junior engineers.
Demonstrated history of driving complex projects from front-end ideation through to commercial launch.
Thorough understanding of commercialization processes including feasibility screenings, risk identification, and working through manufacturing line constraints.
Expert ownership of Packaging R&D timelines, risk mitigation plans, and designs of experiment.
Proficient in navigating and maintaining packaging specification systems (PLM, SAP, etc.) to ensure absolute data quality and accuracy.
Highly organized with a demonstrated ability to manage and prioritize multiple assignments/tasks concurrently without loss of quality.
Willingness to travel 20-40% to manufacturing plants and vendor facilities.
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:
$89,800.00 - $112,200.00
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
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 NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com for assistance.