Associate Sci, R&D - Packaging Dev

Kraft Heinz, Inc.; Glenview (IL); On-site; USD 69,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

Kraft Heinz, Inc. is seeking an Associate Packaging Scientist in Glenview, IL to serve as a technical leader in project execution. You will support launches, drive packaging improvements, and collaborate across R&D, manufacturing, and supply teams.

The role requires a B.S. in a technical discipline, travel up to 30%, and strong communication in office, lab, and plant environments. The position offers a competitive salary with eligible bonus and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• B.S. degree in Packaging, Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline.
• Interest or foundational experience in the food or consumer products industry.
• Demonstrated leadership potential with basic understanding of commercialization process through coursework, internships, or project experience.
• Willingness to travel up to 30% based on business needs, including visits to internal plants, distribution facilities, co-manufacturers, and suppliers.
• Ability to work effectively in office, lab, and manufacturing environments.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Evidence of self motivated behaviors with strong ownership and appropriate urgency.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, stay organized, and prioritize work.

Responsibilities

• Support development and implementation of new product launches from concept to commercialization, including technical drawings, material specifications, and graphics.
• Contribute to packaging quality improvements through testing, evaluation, and continuous optimization.
• Support more senior developers on high complexity projects and lead lower complexity initiatives as an initiative-taking technical resource.
• Collaborate with cross functional business teams to advance initiatives across innovation, renovation, sustainability, brand maintenance, and cost optimization.
• Develop, track, and manage key deliverables to ensure alignment with R&D timelines and project milestones.
• Build, maintain, and lead updates to primary packaging and trade specifications.
• Design, execute, and document plant trials involving a wide range of products and packaging materials.
• Prepare clear and accurate technical trial reports.

Skills

Verbal & written communication

Multitasking & organization

Office/lab/manufacturing adaptability

Self-motivation & ownership

Cross-functional collaboration

Travel readiness

Leadership potential

Education

B.S. degree in Packaging/Engineering/Materials Science

Job description

Job Purpose

The Associate Packaging Scientist will have the opportunity to be a technical leader by providing support in the execution of projects. The ideal candidate is someone eager to learn, follows established work plans, and contributes to accurate project execution. Effective communication and collaboration skills are important, as the role works closely with cross functional partners. A foundational background in technical packaging and the ability to apply scientific principles to new situations with guidance is essential for this role. The position requires managing multiple tasks and staying organized to ensure project delivery.

Job Description

The Associate Packaging Scientist will have the opportunity to be a technical leader by providing support in the execution of projects. The ideal candidate is someone eager to learn, follows established work plans, and contributes to accurate project execution. Effective communication and collaboration skills are important, as the role works closely with cross functional partners. A foundational background in technical packaging and the ability to apply scientific principles to new situations with guidance is essential for this role. The position requires managing multiple tasks and staying organized to ensure project delivery.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Support development and implementation of new product launches from concept to commercialization, including technical drawings, material specifications, and graphics.
• Contribute to packaging quality improvements through testing, evaluation, and continuous optimization.
• Support more senior developers on high complexity projects and lead lower complexity initiatives as an initiative-taking technical resource.
• Collaborate with cross functional business teams to advance initiatives across innovation, renovation, sustainability, brand maintenance, and cost optimization.
• Develop, track, and manage key deliverables to ensure alignment with R&D timelines and project milestones.
• Build, maintain, and lead updates to primary packaging and trade specifications.
• Design, execute, and document plant trials involving a wide range of products and packaging materials.
• Prepare clear and accurate technical trial reports.

Expected Experience & Required Skills

• B.S. degree in Packaging, Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline.
• Interest or foundational experience in the food or consumer products industry.
• Demonstrated leadership potential with basic understanding of commercialization process through coursework, internships, or project experience.
• Willingness to travel up to 30% based on business needs, including visits to internal plants, distribution facilities, co-manufacturers, and suppliers.
• Ability to work effectively in office, lab, and manufacturing environments.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Evidence of self motivated behaviors with strong ownership and appropriate urgency.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, stay organized, and prioritize work.

Work Environment & Schedule

Normal office environment with moderate travel to customer locations, stores, manufacturing facilities, etc.; offices are open workspaces

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

$68,900.00 - $86,100.00

Bonus

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

Compensation

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.

Benefits (Details)

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

Equal Opportunity Employer

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 [e-mail] for assistance.