Packaging R&D Associate Scientist - Food & CPG

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

Job summary

Kraft Heinz, Inc. seeks an Associate Scientist, R&D – Packaging Development at the Glenview, IL R&D Center. You will drive packaging development from concept through launch, coordinate trials, specifications, and artwork, and partner with cross-functional teams to support innovation and cost optimization.

The role emphasizes hands-on lab and plant work, testing protocols, documentation, and strong communication. Occasional travel is required as part of project execution.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging, Engineering, Material Science or related field required.
• Experience or strong interest in food or consumer packaged goods industry preferred.
• Foundational knowledge of packaging science, materials, and testing protocols.
• Understanding of packaging functionality and interaction with product and processing.
• Strong communication, both written and verbal; ability to work across office, lab and manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead packaging commercialization from concept to launch, including specs, trials, drawings, artwork and startup procedures.
• Advance lower-complexity projects and support more complex initiatives.
• Partner with cross-functional teams on innovation, renovation, sustainability, cost optimization and brand maintenance.
• Assess risks and feasibility for sound technical decisions.
• Design and execute plant trials and packaging performance testing to validate variables.

Skills

Packaging knowledge

Lab/QA experience

Communication skills

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Packaging, Engineering, or Materials Science

Tools

Testing protocols knowledge

Packaging materials knowledge

Job description

Kraft Heinz, Inc. seeks an Associate Scientist, R&D – Packaging Development at the Glenview, IL R&D Center. You will drive packaging development from concept through launch, coordinate trials, specifications, and artwork, and partner with cross-functional teams to support innovation and cost optimization.

The role emphasizes hands-on lab and plant work, testing protocols, documentation, and strong communication. Occasional travel is required as part of project execution.