R&D Product Development Scientist - Food Innovation

Kraft Heinz; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 78,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

Kraft Heinz is seeking a Scientist for R&D Product Development in the Glenview, IL area. You will lead product development projects across multiple brands, driving commercialization, conducting testing, analyzing data, and supporting product launches in a fast-paced, cross-functional team.

The role emphasizes problem-solving, strong communication, and the ability to manage multiple assignments with travel up to 30%.

Qualifications

• BS in Food Science, Food Engineering, Dairy Science, Meat Science, Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering, or related field plus 2+ years of relevant experience; or MS with 1+ year; or PhD with no required experience.
• Product development and commercialization experience
• Understanding of ingredient functionality and interrelationship of ingredients and process
• Knowledge of consumer goods, food chemistry, analytical testing, formulations and processing used in food manufacturing
• Excellent communication, influencing, prioritization, and project management skills
• Strong critical thinking and ability to connect to the big picture
• Ability to lead, coach, and motivate others
• Manage multiple assignments concurrently and prioritize effectively
• Willingness to travel up to 30% (US/Canada internal plants, co-manufacturers, suppliers)

Responsibilities

• Support and lead the commercialization of reformulated or new products and transition from development to production
• Interact with Operations, Business Units, Vendors, Quality, Regulatory, Finance and Marketing to drive results
• Conduct risk and feasibility assessments on all projects
• Create and edit formulas, processing procedures and finished product specifications
• Execute benchtop, pilot plant and plant trials to support goals and shelf-life assessments
• Coordinate with cross-functional teammates to organize product tastings and sensory evaluations
• Manage multiple assignments concurrently with supervisor guidance and prioritize between initiatives
• Adapt and apply scientific principles to new situations and exhibit problem-solving skills
• Travel up to 30% domestically and to Canada for internal plants, co-manufacturers, and suppliers

Skills

Product development

Project management

Communication

Teamwork

Problem solving

Education

BS in Food Science

MS in Food Science

PhD (preferred or applicable)

Job description

Kraft Heinz is seeking a Scientist for R&D Product Development in the Glenview, IL area. You will lead product development projects across multiple brands, driving commercialization, conducting testing, analyzing data, and supporting product launches in a fast-paced, cross-functional team.

The role emphasizes problem-solving, strong communication, and the ability to manage multiple assignments with travel up to 30%.