Lead, R&D Processing — End-to-End Projects

Kraft Heinz; Glenview (IL); On-site; USD 141,500 - 176,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, &

Vision Coverage

Paid Time Off

Company Holidays

Flexible Work Arrangements

401(k)

Job summary

Kraft Heinz in Glenview is seeking an experienced Research Lead to own the technical delivery of complex processing projects from concept through commercialization. You will partner with cross-functional teams to translate processing concepts into manufacturable, Right-First-Time solutions while emphasizing technical rigor and executional excellence.

Responsibilities include leading pilot line trials, developing detailed technical documentation, and applying CQV/FMEA/CPRA tools to mitigate risks

Qualifications

• BS/MS/PhD in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 11 years of experience in R&D processing/engineering in consumer goods, food & beverage, pharma, or similar industries.
• Hands-on experience with emulsions/shear processing, fermentation, extrusion, thermal processing & validation, aeration, drying, or powder mixing.

Responsibilities

• Execute end-to-end technical delivery across complex processing projects from concept to commercialization.
• Develop and maintain detailed technical docs like Manufacturing Procedure Specs and Transformation Flowsheets.
• Apply processing commercialization tools (CQV, FMEA, CPRA) to mitigate risks and ensure launch readiness.
• Partner with R&D, Quality, Operations, and external suppliers to define processing requirements and success criteria.
• Lead pilot line trials and scale-up activities for robust commercial processing solutions.
• Prepare and present technical content for governance milestones and reviews.
• Maintain compliance with regulatory and safety requirements throughout project execution.
• Support cost optimization and value engineering to improve margins and sustainability.
• Mentor junior and experienced processing engineers on the team.

Skills

R&D Processing

Project Management

Technical Communication

Documentation

Pilot & Scale-up

Cross-functional Collaboration

Education

BS/MS/PhD in Chemical/Mechanical/Industrial Engineering

Tools

SAP

Jira

Smartsheet

MS Excel

Job description

Kraft Heinz in Glenview is seeking an experienced Research Lead to own the technical delivery of complex processing projects from concept through commercialization. You will partner with cross-functional teams to translate processing concepts into manufacturable, Right-First-Time solutions while emphasizing technical rigor and executional excellence.

Responsibilities include leading pilot line trials, developing detailed technical documentation, and applying CQV/FMEA/CPRA tools to mitigate risks