Innovative Packaging R&D Associate Scientist

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

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%.