R&D Research Lead — Hybrid, High-Impact Processing

The Kraft Heinz Company; Glenview (KY); Hybrid; USD 142,000 - 177,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

401k

Paid Time Off

Flexible Work Arrangements

Training

Job summary

The Kraft Heinz Company in Glenview, IL seeks a Research Lead to own end-to-end processing initiatives from concept through commercialization, partnering with cross-functional teams to deliver Right-First-Time solutions.

You will lead pilot lines, develop documentation, apply CQV/FMEA/CPRA tools, and mentor engineers while traveling up to 25% and working in a hybrid on-site/remote environment.

Qualifications

• BS/MS/PhD in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related discipline.
• Minimum 11 years of experience in R&D Processing or Engineering in consumer goods or related industry.
• Hands-on experience in end-to-end processing development projects, including pilot trials and scale-up.

Responsibilities

• Execute end-to-end technical delivery across complex processing projects, including concept development and commercialization handover.
• Develop and maintain detailed technical documentation and specs.
• Apply CQV, FMEA, CPRA to mitigate risks and ensure launch readiness.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to define requirements and milestones.
• Lead pilot line trials and scale-up activities; present technical content for governance.

Skills

R&D processing leadership

Technical delivery

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Documentation

Regulatory compliance

Technical communication

Travel readiness

Education

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

Tools

MS Project

Smartsheet

Jira

SAP

Job description

The Kraft Heinz Company in Glenview, IL seeks a Research Lead to own end-to-end processing initiatives from concept through commercialization, partnering with cross-functional teams to deliver Right-First-Time solutions.

You will lead pilot lines, develop documentation, apply CQV/FMEA/CPRA tools, and mentor engineers while traveling up to 25% and working in a hybrid on-site/remote environment.