Scientist, R&D - Packaging Dev

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401k

Flexible work arrangements

Training programs

Paid time off

Job summary

Kraft Heinz in Glenview, IL is seeking a Packaging Development Scientist to drive innovation, renovation, and maintenance of packaging. You will manage timelines, conduct lab and plant trials, write specs, and document results to support growth and quality objectives across brands like Heinz, Classico, Stove Top and A1.

The role requires hands-on experience with packaging development, ability to lead multiple complex projects, and travel up to 30%.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Packaging, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead packaging projects spanning innovation, commercialization, cost savings, and ESG within multiple brands.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and external vendors to leverage packaging technologies.
• Manage technical timelines, identify risks, and develop contingency plans.
• Conduct lab tests, pilot plant trials, and large-scale factory trials to optimize packaging performance.
• Write detailed specifications and maintain clear technical documentation.

Skills

Packaging development

Project management

Lab & plant trials

Cross-functional collaboration

Documentation

Education

BS in Packaging

MS in Packaging

Chemical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Job Purpose

The Packaging Scientist will have the opportunity to drive innovation, renovation, and maintenance of packaging, enabling growth and ensuring quality objectives and business continuity for Kraft Heinz. This role will manage technical timelines, conduct lab, and plant trials, write specifications, and ensure clear documentation. From crafting and performing tests to analyzing data, presenting results cross-functionally, and commercializing pipeline opportunities, this role will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our packaging solutions.

Job Description

Scientist, R&D – Packaging Development

Job Purpose

The Packaging Scientist will have the opportunity to drive innovation, renovation, and maintenance of packaging, enabling growth and ensuring quality objectives and business continuity for Kraft Heinz. This role will manage technical timelines, conduct lab, and plant trials, write specifications, and ensure clear documentation. From crafting and performing tests to analyzing data, presenting results cross-functionally, and commercializing pipeline opportunities, this role will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our packaging solutions.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Lead and support packaging projects spanning innovation, commercialization, cost savings, and ESG within the Heinz, Classico, Stove Top and A1 Brand
• Consistently deliver results on projects across multiple packaging material types from concept to commercialization.
• Quickly learn and apply knowledge on new product categories and/or processing/packaging areas.
• Function as the packaging lead and work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure timely execution across multiple projects.
• Simultaneously lead multiple projects with complex scopes, demonstrating exceptional project management skills
• Collaborate with internal technical packaging authorities, packaging vendors, external manufacturers to leverage technologies and applications.
• Manage technical timelines, effectively identify and communicate risks, and develop contingency plans.
• Conduct lab tests, pilot plant trials, and large-scale factory trials to optimize packaging performance within manufacturing facilities.
• Write detailed specifications to ensure consistent, high-quality products.
• Maintain clear and comprehensive technical documentation.

Expected Experience & Required Skills

• BS/MS in Packaging, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• Bachelor’s degree plus minimum 2 years of relevant experience, or Master’s degree plus minimum 1 year of relevant experience
• Relevant experience: Packaging Development, commercialization, and distribution environment.
• Hands-on experience developing or supporting rigid bottles, closures and film packaging components strongly preferred; willingness to quickly learn and apply new packaging technologies valued
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Initiative-taking analytical person with a drive to achieve objectives in a complex environment.
• Ability to plan and execute well-thought-out design experiments, anticipate next steps, and quickly evaluate alternatives when facing challenges.
• Adaptive learner with the ability to learn new materials and processes rapidly.
• Ability to navigate and manage packaging specification systems (such as documentation, updates, and data accuracy) to support quality and compliance
• Manage multiple assignments/tasks concurrently with ability to prioritize work.
• Willingness to travel 30%.

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

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

$77,800.00 - $97,300.00

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, Heinz Innovation 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.