Packaging R&D Associate: Innovation & Trials Lead

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Prescription Drug

Dental

Vision

Screenings/Assessments

Paid Time Off

Company Holidays

Leave of Absence

Flexible Work Arrangements

Recognition

Training

Employee Assistance Program

Wellbeing Programs

Family Support Programs

401k

Life Insurance

AD&D

Disability

Job summary

Kraft Heinz is seeking an Associate Scientist, R&D – Packaging Development in Glenview, IL to support innovation, renovation, and brand maintenance. You will lead lower‑complexity projects and partner with cross‑functional teams to bring packaging solutions to market.

You will develop test plans, run trials, and create packaging specifications while advancing technical capability and leadership within the Away from Home R&D group.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging, Engineering, Material Science, or adjacent technical discipline
• Experience or strong interest in the food or consumer packaged goods industry
• Foundational knowledge of packaging science, materials, and testing protocols with hands‑on application
• Understanding of packaging functionality and interaction with product and processing
• Ability to work in office, lab, and manufacturing environments
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Self-motivated with attention to detail, urgency, and ability to learn
• Willingness to travel 30% based on business needs

Responsibilities

• Lead packaging commercialization from concept to launch, including material specs, trials, testing, drawings, artwork, and start‑up procedures
• Proactive technical resource by leading lower‑complexity initiatives and supporting more complex projects
• Partner with cross‑functional teams to execute on innovation, renovation, sustainability, brand maintenance, and cost optimization
• Assess project risks and feasibility to support sound technical decisions
• Design and execute plant trials across products and packaging materials
• Develop and lead packaging performance testing and evaluations
• Write technical trial plans, testing protocols, and summary reports
• Create and maintain packaging specifications, manufacturing procedures, finished product specs, and related documentation
• Manage multiple assignments with supervisor guidance and prioritize initiatives
• Apply scientific learning to new situations with critical thinking and problem‑solving

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Self-motivated

Attention to detail

Sense of urgency

Eagerness to learn

Education

Bachelors in Packaging/Engineering/Materials Science

Job description

Kraft Heinz is seeking an Associate Scientist, R&D – Packaging Development in Glenview, IL to support innovation, renovation, and brand maintenance. You will lead lower‑complexity projects and partner with cross‑functional teams to bring packaging solutions to market.

You will develop test plans, run trials, and create packaging specifications while advancing technical capability and leadership within the Away from Home R&D group.