Research Lead, R&D - E2E Complex Projects, Process

Kraft Heinz; Glenview (IL); On-site; USD 141,500 - 176,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, &

Vision Coverage

Paid Time Off

Company Holidays

Flexible Work Arrangements

401(k)

Job summary

Kraft Heinz in Glenview is seeking an experienced Research Lead to own the technical delivery of complex processing projects from concept through commercialization. You will partner with cross-functional teams to translate processing concepts into manufacturable, Right-First-Time solutions while emphasizing technical rigor and executional excellence.

Responsibilities include leading pilot line trials, developing detailed technical documentation, and applying CQV/FMEA/CPRA tools to mitigate risks

Qualifications

• BS/MS/PhD in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 11 years of experience in R&D processing/engineering in consumer goods, food & beverage, pharma, or similar industries.
• Hands-on experience with emulsions/shear processing, fermentation, extrusion, thermal processing & validation, aeration, drying, or powder mixing.

Responsibilities

• Execute end-to-end technical delivery across complex processing projects from concept to commercialization.
• Develop and maintain detailed technical docs like Manufacturing Procedure Specs and Transformation Flowsheets.
• Apply processing commercialization tools (CQV, FMEA, CPRA) to mitigate risks and ensure launch readiness.
• Partner with R&D, Quality, Operations, and external suppliers to define processing requirements and success criteria.
• Lead pilot line trials and scale-up activities for robust commercial processing solutions.
• Prepare and present technical content for governance milestones and reviews.
• Maintain compliance with regulatory and safety requirements throughout project execution.
• Support cost optimization and value engineering to improve margins and sustainability.
• Mentor junior and experienced processing engineers on the team.

Skills

R&D Processing

Project Management

Technical Communication

Documentation

Pilot & Scale-up

Cross-functional Collaboration

Education

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

Tools

SAP

Jira

Smartsheet

MS Excel

Job description

Job Description

As a Research Lead on the End-to-End (E2E) Complex Projects team, you will serve as a deep technical processing expert responsible for hands‑on execution of complex, high‑impact processing projects from concept through commercialization. You will own the technical delivery of assigned initiatives, partnering closely with cross‑functional stakeholders to translate processing concepts into manufacturable, Right‑First‑Time solutions. This role prioritizes technical rigor, executional excellence, and applied engineering expertise over portfolio strategy or people management.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Execute end-to-end technical delivery across assigned complex processing projects, including technical briefing, concept development, technical design, learning plans, pilot runs, capital design, and commercialization handover to Operations/Supply Chain.
• Develop and maintain detailed technical documentation including Manufacturing Procedure Specifications, Transformation Flowsheets, and Process Design Scopes, ensuring processing parameters meet defined quality, shelf-life, consumer experience, and manufacturing performance requirements.
• Apply processing commercialization tools (CQV, FMEA, CPRA) to systematically identify and mitigate technical risks, drive design decisions, and ensure Right-First-Time launch readiness.
• Partner with Platform R&D, GDI R&D, Packaging R&D, Quality, Operations, and external suppliers to define processing requirements and success criteria, resolve technical trade-offs, and maintain project timelines and milestones.
• Lead and support pilot line trials and scale‑up activities, translating learnings into robust commercial processing solutions.
• Contribute to STAR and Tech Review Board processes, preparing and presenting technical content that clearly communicates design rationale, risk status, and commercialization readiness.
• Maintain compliance with all regulatory and safety requirements throughout project execution.
• Support cost optimization and value engineering efforts that improve margin, sustainability, and reinvestment priorities.
• Serve as an informal technical mentor to junior and experienced processing engineers on the team, sharing applied expertise and supporting capability development.

Key Outputs & Deliverables

• Deliver successful technical execution across concurrent complex processing projects within innovation and platform portfolios, meeting committed timelines, budgets, and technical performance targets.
• Achieve and sustain >95% Right-First-Time (RTF) launches across assigned projects, ensuring processing solutions meet manufacturability, quality, regulatory, and supply chain readiness criteria at first commercial production.
• Produce high-quality processing technical deliverables — including Manufacturing Procedure Specifications, Transformation Flowsheets, Process Design Scopes, FMEAs, and CQV documentation — that meet enterprise engineering standards.
• Generate clear, data-driven technical recommendations and risk assessments that enable informed go/no-go decisions at governance milestones.
• Contribute to team capability by sharing technical learnings, best practices, and processing expertise across the broader E2E projects organization.

Expected Experience & Required Skills

• BS/MS/PhD degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related discipline.
• Minimum 11 years of experience in R&D Processing or Engineering roles within consumer goods, food & beverage, pharma, or a similar industry.
• Demonstrated experience in emulsions / shear processing, fermentation, extrusion, thermal processing & validation, aeration, drying, or powder mixing preferred.
• Demonstrated hands‑on experience executing end‑to‑end processing development projects, including pilot trials and scale‑up to industrial production.
• Strong applied knowledge of processing commercialization tools including CQV, FMEA, CPRA, Process Design Scopes, and Transformation Flowsheets.
• Strong project management skills, with experience maintaining detailed project plans, schedules, and risk logs on multi‑stakeholder initiatives.
• Proficiency with project tools (MS Project, Smartsheet, Jira, or equivalent), advanced Excel skills; familiarity with ERP systems (SAP).
• Strong technical communication skills with the ability to synthesize complex processing data into clear recommendations for cross‑functional audiences.
• Experience with pilot line setup, scale‑up, and industrial production launches, including multi‑site experience preferred.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% of the time.

Work Environment & Schedule

This position is considered a normal office environment with moderate travel to customer locations, stores, manufacturing facilities, etc.; offices are open workspaces. We believe the office is a critical driver of innovation, connection, and development, but also realize providing flexibility to our employees is critical. To create a more agile and modern workplace, this position will be able to work virtually for up to two days each week and will be expected to work in‑person at the assigned work location at least three days per workweek.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain all duties or responsibilities that are required of the role. Duties or responsibilities may change or be added with or without notice.

Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz’ strategy and values.

New Hire Base Salary Range

$141,500.00 - $176,900.00

Bonus

This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.

The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors.

Benefits

Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.

Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well‑being lifestyle for our employees and their families.

Benefits

• Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments
• Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training
• Emotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
• Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)

Glenview R&D Center

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact [e-mail] for assistance.