Scientist, R&D - Packaging Dev

The Kraft Heinz Company; United States; On-site; USD 78,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kraft Heinz Company is seeking a Scientist, R&D – Packaging Development to lead innovation, renovation, and maintenance of packaging. The role manages technical timelines, conducts lab and plant trials, writes specifications, and ensures clear documentation across Kraft Heinz brands including Heinz, Classico, Stove Top and A1.

You'll work with cross-functional teams, lead multiple projects, develop packaging solutions, and travel up to 30%.

Qualifications

• 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.
• 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 design experiments, anticipate next steps, and quickly evaluate alternatives.
• Adaptive learner with the ability to learn new materials and processes rapidly.
• Ability to navigate packaging specification systems to support quality and compliance.
• Willingness to travel 30%.

Responsibilities

• Lead packaging projects spanning innovation, commercialization, cost savings, and ESG for multiple brands.
• Deliver results on projects across packaging material types from concept to commercialization.
• Learn and apply knowledge on new product categories and packaging areas.
• Act as packaging lead and coordinate with cross-functional teams for timely execution.
• Lead multiple projects with complex scopes and manage timelines.
• Collaborate with internal packaging authorities, vendors, and external manufacturers to leverage technologies.
• Identify risks, communicate contingencies, and manage project plans.
• Conduct lab tests, pilot plant trials, and large-scale factory trials.
• Write detailed specifications and maintain clear technical documentation.
• Support packaging materials through development and commercialization processes.

Skills

Packaging Development

Data analysis

Communication skills

Project management

Design of experiments

Adaptability

Packaging specs systems

Travel 30%

Education

BS/MS in Packaging or Engineering

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 asthe 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,pilot plant 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, Mechanical Engineering,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-taking analytical personwith a drive to achieveobjectivesin a complexenvironment.
• 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 travel30%.

Work Environment & Schedule

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 savingfor the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coveragefor 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.