Packaging R&D Associate Scientist: Innovation & Trials

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

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonus

Job summary

Kraft Heinz is seeking an Associate Scientist, R&D - Packaging Development at the Glenview, IL R&D Center. The role supports packaging initiatives across innovation, renovation, and brand maintenance, while leading lower-complexity projects and building technical packaging capability through close cross-functional collaboration.

You will design plant trials, develop testing protocols, and manage multiple assignments with guidance. Travel up to 30% to plants and supplier sites is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging, Engineering, Materials Science, or related technical discipline.
• Interest or experience in 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, detail-oriented, sense of urgency, and eager to learn.
• Willingness to travel up to 30% to plants, co-manufacturers, suppliers, or other R&D sites.

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.
• Lead lower-complexity initiatives and support more complex projects.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to execute projects across innovation, renovation, sustainability, brand maintenance, cost optimization, and other priorities.
• Assess project risks and feasibility to support sound technical decision-making.
• Design and execute plant trials across products and packaging materials to advance 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 documentation.
• Manage multiple assignments with supervisor guidance and priority management.
• Apply scientific learning to new situations with critical thinking and problem-solving.

Skills

Packaging science

Materials testing

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Packaging/Engineering/Materials Science

Job description

Kraft Heinz is seeking an Associate Scientist, R&D - Packaging Development at the Glenview, IL R&D Center. The role supports packaging initiatives across innovation, renovation, and brand maintenance, while leading lower-complexity projects and building technical packaging capability through close cross-functional collaboration.

You will design plant trials, develop testing protocols, and manage multiple assignments with guidance. Travel up to 30% to plants and supplier sites is required.