Associate Scientist, R&D - Product Dev

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vi

Vision

401k

Life insurance

Disability

Paid time off

Company holidays

Flexible work arrangements

Wellbeing programs

Employee assistance program

Job summary

The Kraft Heinz Company is hiring for multiple product development roles to direct and execute projects across North America R&D teams. Candidates should have a technical background and strong communication skills to apply scientific principles to new situations.

The role requires managing multiple tasks with minimal guidance and a collaborative problem-solving mindset. Key components include bench-top experiments, pilot/plant scale-up, and development of new formulations while delivering cost

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in a technical field (Food/Dairy/Chemical Eng).
• Strong knowledge of design of experiments and food chemistry.
• Experience with analytical testing and product formulations.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks with minimal guidance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to travel up to 30%.

Responsibilities

• Conduct bench top experiments in the lab and assess flavor, texture, color, and shelf-life.
• Lead scale-up of formulas in Pilot Plant and Product Plant environments.
• Develop and document product formulations and specifications.
• Collaborate with Packaging, Quality, Operations, Marketing and Sales on projects.
• Support feasibility studies, costing, and technical documentation for production.

Skills

Design of Experiments

Food chemistry

Analytical testing

Formulations and processing

Good communication

Self-starter

Multitasking

Education

B.S. or M.S. in Food, Dairy, Meat Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field

Job description

Role Summary

We are hiring for multiple product development roles providing direction for and execution of projects across our North America R&D teams. These candidates will be implementing and driving technical projects to meet business initiatives across several top Kraft Heinz brands, including Philadelphia Cream Cheese, Lunchables, OM Bites, and more. This candidate must have a technical background and excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to apply prior learning or scientific principles to new situations. This position requires an individual to manage multiple assignments/ tasks concurrently and demonstrate the ability to complete work with minimal guidance. Exhibiting a collaborative mindset and applying creative solutions are a must.

Job Description

We are hiring for multiple product development roles providing direction for and execution of projects across our North America R&D teams. These candidates will be implementing and driving technical projects to meet business initiatives across several top Kraft Heinz brands, including Philadelphia Cream Cheese, Lunchables, OM Bites, and more. This candidate must have a technical background and excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to apply prior learning or scientific principles to new situations. This position requires an individual to manage multiple assignments/ tasks concurrently and demonstrate the ability to complete work with minimal guidance. Exhibiting a collaborative mindset and applying creative solutions are a must.

About Us

The Kraft Heinz Company is one of the largest food and beverage companies in the world, with eight $1 billion+ brands and global sales of approximately $25 billion. We’re a globally trusted producer of high-quality, great-tasting, and nutritious foods for over 150 years. While Kraft Heinz is co-headquartered in Chicago and Pittsburgh, our brands are truly global, with products produced and marketed in over 40 countries. These beloved products include condiments and sauces, cheese and dairy, meals, meats, refreshment beverages, coffee, infant and nutrition products, and numerous other grocery products in a portfolio of more than 200 legacy and emerging brands.

We spark joy around mealtime with our iconic brands, including Kraft, Oscar Mayer, Heinz, Philadelphia, Lunchables, Velveeta, Planters, Maxwell House, Capri Sun, Ore-Ida, Kool-Aid, Jell-O, Primal Kitchen, and Classico, among others.

No matter the brand, we’re united under one vision: To sustainably grow by delighting more consumers globally. Bringing this vision to life is our team of 39,000+ food lovers, creative thinkers, and high performers worldwide. Together, we help provide meals to those in need through our global partnership with Rise Against Hunger. We also stand committed to responsible, sustainable practices that extend to every facet of our business, our consumers, and our communities. Every day, we’re transforming the food industry with bold thinking and unprecedented results. If you share our passion – and are ready to create the future, build a legacy, and lead as a global citizen – there’s only one thing to do: join our table and let’s make life delicious!

Our Culture of Ownership, Meritocracy & Collaboration

We're not afraid to think differently. Embrace new ideas. Dream big. We empower our people at every level – from entry-level intern to senior leader – to own their work. We share a responsibility to think like Owners – to be mindful of the collective and sustained success of Kraft Heinz – which we apply to every situation, every day. As part of Kraft Heinz, you're supported to grow and achieve. You’re expected to bring your authentic self to work every day, to lead with humility, and drive outstanding performance at every level – and you’ll be rewarded. You’re given opportunities to leave a mark and build a legacy. But you won’t do it alone. You’re supported by passionate teammates along the way, and our collective, collaborative spirit fuels our incredible progress.

Key Components

• Conduct bench top experiments in the lab
• Test new products for flavor, texture, color, nutritional content, shelf‑life, and adherence to government and industry standards
• Lead Pilot Plant and Product Plant scale‑up of formulas
• Create product formulations, conduct shelf‑life studies, and document product specifications
• Develop and commercialize new products, renovating existing products, reviewing and evaluating ingredients, and delivering cost savings
• Work collaboratively with Packaging, Quality, Operations, Project Management, Marketing, Sales to drive, scope, implement projects to meet the business objectives
• Support and lead feasibility assessments, prototype development, costing, development of recipe and factory documentation, recipe development, technical approval, shelf‑life assessments and technical support for initial factory production

Qualifications

• B.S. degree or M.S. in Food, Dairy, Meat Science, Chemical Engineering, or related technical field
• Strong understanding of Design of Experiments, food chemistry, analytical testing, formulations and processing used in food manufacturing
• Previous dairy experience is preferred
• Good communication, critical thinking and investigation skills
• Self-starter with a passion to learn
• Handle multiple assignments/tasks concurrently with the ability to prioritize work
• Willingness to travel up to 30%
• Internship or Co‑op Experience in the food or consumer products industry preferred

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 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

• 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 [e-mail] for assistance.