Lead Packaging Scientist, R&D

Kraft Heinz; Glenview (IL); On-site; USD 104,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Kraft Heinz in Glenview, IL, is seeking a Principal Scientist, R&D – Packaging Dev to lead growth and innovation in packaging for Lunchables and Adult Snacking. You will own end-to-end packaging development, from concept through commercialization, collaborating with Core, Innovation, and Club Marketing to deliver high‑quality, cost‑advantaged solutions.

The role requires deep packaging expertise, strong leadership, and the ability to translate consumer insights into practical packaging designs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Packaging, Mechanical, Materials, Chemical Engineering or related degree with 7+ years experience, or master’s with 6+ years, or PhD with 5+ years.
• Expert understanding of packaging materials, barrier properties, functionality, testing methods, and commercialization.
• Excellent communication, influencing, project management and problem-solving skills.
• Strong ability to lead, coach and motivate others.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments concurrently.
• Willingness to travel 30%.

Responsibilities

• Work with internal teams to understand portfolio and strategy opportunities and define plans with timing and deliverables.
• Identify and quantify growth spaces and new usage occasions.
• Build business cases for innovation bets and present to leadership.
• Translate consumer insights into packaging design requirements.
• Lead end-to-end packaging commercialization on key platform projects from scale-up to launch.
• Partner with Brand/Insights to define packaging-focused consumer tests.
• Lead multiple large initiatives with cross-enterprise impact.
• Serve as technical/commercialization expert for junior developers.
• Execute research plans with patent reviews, prototyping, lab testing, and qualification.
• Build relationships with suppliers and industry partners to drive technology pathways.
• Translate research findings into meaningful recommendations and drive adoption.
• Lead functional training and process improvements for the packaging organization.
• Maintain a high degree of autonomy.

Skills

Packaging expertise

Project management

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s in Packaging, Mechanical, Materials, Chemical Engineering or related degree

Master’s degree in related field

PhD in related field

Job description

Kraft Heinz in Glenview, IL, is seeking a Principal Scientist, R&D – Packaging Dev to lead growth and innovation in packaging for Lunchables and Adult Snacking. You will own end-to-end packaging development, from concept through commercialization, collaborating with Core, Innovation, and Club Marketing to deliver high‑quality, cost‑advantaged solutions.

The role requires deep packaging expertise, strong leadership, and the ability to translate consumer insights into practical packaging designs.