Scientist, R&D - Packaging Development

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401k plan

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

The Kraft Heinz Company in Glenview is seeking a Packaging Scientist to lead innovation, renovation, and maintenance of packaging across iconic brands like Kraft Mac & Cheese and Velveeta. You will manage technical timelines, perform lab and plant trials, write specifications, and document results to drive quality and growth.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in Packaging or related field (or Master’s with experience), strong communication, and the ability to travel up to 30% to support

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field with a minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience, or Master’s degree with minimum one (1) year of related experience.
• Proficient in understanding packaging environment in areas such as packaging materials, packaging equipment/materials interaction, and packaging laboratory test methods.
• 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 adapt to new materials and processes rapidly.
• Manage multiple assignments/tasks concurrently with ability to prioritize work.
• Willingness to travel 30%.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support packaging innovation, commercialization, cost savings, and sustainability projects for iconic brands Kraft Mac & Cheese and Velveeta.
• 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.

Skills

Packaging materials understanding

Communication skills

Analytical mindset

Adaptability

Project management

Willingness to travel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Packaging/Engineering

Job description

Job Description

Job Purpose

The Packaging Scientist role 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 innovation, commercialization, cost savings, and sustainability projects for iconic brands Kraft Mac & Cheese and Velveeta.

• 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

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field with a minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience, or Master’s degree with minimum one (1) year of related experience

• Proficient in understanding packaging environment in areas such as packaging materials, packaging equipment/materials interaction, and packaging laboratory test methods.

• 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 adapt to new materials and processes rapidly.

• 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 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 aphysical, 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

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.