Associate Scientist, R&D - Packaging Dev

Kraft Heinz; Illinois; On-site; USD 69,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401k plan

Paid time off

Flexible work arrangements

Wellbeing programs

Life insurance

Job summary

Kraft Heinz is seeking an Associate Scientist, R&D - Packaging Development to support packaging initiatives across innovation, renovation, and brand maintenance in North America Away from Home. You will lead lower-complexity projects, partner with cross-functional teams, design plant trials, and develop testing protocols to bring packaging solutions to market.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in packaging or related field, strong packaging knowledge, and the ability to travel up to 30%.

Qualifications

• Foundational knowledge of packaging science, materials, and testing protocols with hands-on application
• Ability to work in office, lab, and manufacturing environments
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Self-motivated with attention to detail and willingness to learn
• Willingness to travel up to 30% to internal plants, co-manufacturers, or suppliers

Responsibilities

• Support and 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
• Serve as a proactive technical resource by leading lower-complexity initiatives and supporting more complex projects
• Partner with cross-functional teams to execute projects across innovation, renovation, sustainability, brand maintenance, cost optimization, and other strategic priorities
• Assess project risks and feasibility to support sound technical 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 with supervisor guidance and possess the ability to prioritize between a variety of business initiatives
• Apply scientific learning to new situations while demonstrating critical thinking and problem-solving skills

Skills

Packaging knowledge

Materials testing

Cross-functional teamwork

Verbal and written communication

Attention to detail

Prioritization

Education

Bachelor's degree in Packaging, Engineering, Materials Science, or adjacent technical discipline

Job description

Job Description

Associate Scientist, R&D - Packaging Development

The Kraft HeinzAway from Home R&Dteam is seeking anAssociateScientist, R&D - Packaging Development.This role supports development initiatives across innovation, renovation, and brand maintenance within our North American Away from Home business, while also leading lower-complexity projects. The position offers the opportunity to build technical packaging capability and leadership through close partnership with cross-functional teams and hands‑on work that brings packaging solutions to market.

Job Duties:

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

• Serve as a proactive technical resource by leading lower-complexity initiativesandsupporting more complex projects

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

• Assess project risks and feasibility to support sound technical 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 andmaintainpackaging specifications, manufacturing procedures, finished product specifications, and related database documentation

• Manage multiple assignmentssimultaneouslywith supervisor guidance andpossessthe ability to prioritize between a variety of business initiatives

• Apply scientific learning to new situations whiledemonstratingcritical thinking and problem‑solving skills

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor'sdegree in Packaging, Engineering, Material Science, oranadjacent technical discipline

• Experience or strong interest inthe food or consumerpackaged goodsindustry

• Foundational knowledge of packaging science, materials, and testing protocols, with hands‑on application through academic or industry experience

• Understanding of packaging functionalityand the interaction between packaging, product, and processing

• Ability to workeffectively inoffice, laboratory, and manufacturing environments

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• Self‑motivated approach, strong attention to detail, sense of urgency, and eagerness to learn

• Willingness to travel 30%based on business needs, including visits tointernalplants, co‑manufacturers,suppliers, or other R&D sites

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.

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 savingfor the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family's needs. Coveragefor 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 aphysical, 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 [e-mail] for assistance.