Scientist, R&D - Packaging Dev

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

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus eligibility

Comprehensive benefits

Wellbeing programs

401k

Job summary

The Kraft Heinz Company in Glenview is seeking a Scientist, R&D – Packaging Development to drive packaging innovation, renovation, and maintenance. You will manage technical timelines, run lab and plant trials, write specifications, and document results to support commercialization across Heinz brands.

Bachelor’s or Master’s in packaging/engineering with 2+ years (1+ in MS) of relevant experience is preferred. Travel up to 30% and a performance-based bonus are part of the package.

Qualifications

• BS or 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.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Initiative-taking analytical mindset with drive to achieve objectives in a complex environment.
• Ability to plan and execute design experiments and evaluate options quickly.
• Willingness to travel up to 30%.

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.
• Function as the packaging lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams for timely execution across multiple projects.
• Simultaneously lead multiple projects with complex scopes and strong project management.
• Collaborate with internal packaging authorities, packaging vendors, and external manufacturers to leverage technologies and applications.
• 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 to ensure high quality products and maintain documentation.

Skills

Packaging Development

Project management

Lab testing

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Verbal & written communication

Travel planning

Education

BS in Packaging or related field

MS in Packaging or related field

Tools

Packaging specifications systems

Job description

Job Description

Scientist, R&D – Packaging Development

Job Purpose

ThePackaging Scientist will have the opportunity to drive innovation, renovation, and maintenance of packaging, enabling growth and ensuring qualityobjectivesand business continuity for Kraft Heinz.This rolewill managetechnical timelines,conductlab,and plant trials,writespecifications, andensureclear documentation.From crafting and performing tests to analyzing data, presenting results cross-functionally, and commercializing pipeline opportunities,thisrolewill play a crucial role in shaping the future of our packaging solutions.

EssentialFunctions &Responsibilities

• Lead and support packaging projects spanning innovation, commercialization, cost savings, and ESGwithin 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 packagingleadandworkclosely with cross-functional teams to ensuretimelyexecution across multiple projects.

• Simultaneously lead multiple projects with complex scopes,demonstratingexceptional project management skills

• Collaborate withinternaltechnicalpackagingauthorities, packagingvendors,external manufacturers toleveragetechnologies and applications.

• Manage technical timelines, effectivelyidentifyand communicate risks, and develop contingency plans.

• Conduct lab tests,pilotplant trials, and large-scale factory trials tooptimizepackaging performance within manufacturing facilities.

• Write detailed specifications to ensure consistent, high-qualityproducts.

• Maintain clear and comprehensive technical documentation.

Expected Experience& Required Skills

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

• Bachelor’s degree plus minimum 2 years of relevant experience, orMaster’sdegree plus minimum 1 year of relevant experience

• Relevant experience:Packaging Development,commercialization,and distribution environment.

• Hands‑on experience developing or supportingrigid bottles, closuresand film packaging components strongly preferred; willingness to quickly learn and apply new packaging technologies valued

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Initiative‑takinganalytical personwith a drive to achieveobjectivesin a complexenvironment.

• Ability to plan and execute well‑thought‑out design experiments,anticipatenext steps,and quicklyevaluate alternativeswhen facing challenges.

• Adaptivelearnerwith the ability tolearnnew materials and processesrapidly.

• 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 withabilityto prioritizework.

• Willingness to travel30%.

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.

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.

You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:

• 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.