Scientist, R&D - Product Dev

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

Job summary

Kraft Heinz is seeking a Scientist for R&D Product Development in the Glenview, IL area. You will lead product development projects across multiple brands, driving commercialization, conducting testing, analyzing data, and supporting product launches in a fast-paced, cross-functional team.

The role emphasizes problem-solving, strong communication, and the ability to manage multiple assignments with travel up to 30%.

Qualifications

• BS in Food Science, Food Engineering, Dairy Science, Meat Science, Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering, or related field plus 2+ years of relevant experience; or MS with 1+ year; or PhD with no required experience.
• Product development and commercialization experience
• Understanding of ingredient functionality and interrelationship of ingredients and process
• Knowledge of consumer goods, food chemistry, analytical testing, formulations and processing used in food manufacturing
• Excellent communication, influencing, prioritization, and project management skills
• Strong critical thinking and ability to connect to the big picture
• Ability to lead, coach, and motivate others
• Manage multiple assignments concurrently and prioritize effectively
• Willingness to travel up to 30% (US/Canada internal plants, co-manufacturers, suppliers)

Responsibilities

• Support and lead the commercialization of reformulated or new products and transition from development to production
• Interact with Operations, Business Units, Vendors, Quality, Regulatory, Finance and Marketing to drive results
• Conduct risk and feasibility assessments on all projects
• Create and edit formulas, processing procedures and finished product specifications
• Execute benchtop, pilot plant and plant trials to support goals and shelf-life assessments
• Coordinate with cross-functional teammates to organize product tastings and sensory evaluations
• Manage multiple assignments concurrently with supervisor guidance and prioritize between initiatives
• Adapt and apply scientific principles to new situations and exhibit problem-solving skills
• Travel up to 30% domestically and to Canada for internal plants, co-manufacturers, and suppliers

Skills

Product development

Project management

Communication

Teamwork

Problem solving

Education

BS in Food Science

MS in Food Science

PhD (preferred or applicable)

Job description

Scientist, R&D Product Development – Multiple Role

Are you passionate about Food innovation and ready to make a significant impact on iconic brands? Join the dynamic and cross‑functional team at Kraft Heinz Research & Development as a Scientist! We are seeking an exceptional individual to join one of several teams to lead product development projects across multiple brands such as our Canadian meals category working with brands such as Crave, Kraft Dinner, and Heinz Beans, or our Elevation team working on brands such as Philadelphia cream cheese, Heinz sauces & condiments, and our Away From Home business.

The candidate will be an R&D resource for technical projects to meet business initiatives focused on innovation, productivity, quality improvement, and brand maintenance. Bringing a problem‑solving mindset is critical to this position. Responsibilities include designing and executing product testing, analyzing data, drawing and documenting conclusions, communicating results, and supporting product commercialization. Strong communication and teamwork skills are essential in a dynamic, cross‑functional environment. This position requires managing multiple assignments, tasks, and timelines concurrently.

What’s on the menu?

• Support and lead the commercialization of reformulated or new products and successful transition from development to production
• Interact with Operations, Business Units, Vendors, Quality, Regulatory, Finance and Marketing to drive for results
• Conduct risk and feasibility assessments on all projects
• Create and edit formulas, processing procedures and finished product specifications that deliver consistent, high‑quality products
• Execute benchtop, pilot plant and plant trials to support project goals as well as shelf‑life assessments
• Coordinate with cross‑functional teammates to organize product tastings and sensory evaluations
• Manage multiple assignments/research projects concurrently with supervisor guidance and possess the ability to prioritize between a variety of business initiatives
• Adapt and apply scientific principles to new situations/products, exhibit critical thinking and problem‑solving skills
• Willingness to travel up to 30%. Travel could include (but not limited to): United States and Canada internal plants, co‑manufacturers, and suppliers.

Required Qualifications

• BS in Food Science, Food Engineering, Dairy Science, Meat Science, Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering, or related field plus a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience; or master’s degree plus a minimum of 1 year of relevant experience; or PhD with no relevant experience required.
• Product development and commercialization experience
• Understanding of ingredient functionality and interrelationship of ingredients and process
• Knowledge of consumer goods, food chemistry, analytical testing, formulations and processing used in food manufacturing
• Excellent communication, influencing, prioritization, and project management skills
• Strong critical thinking skills and ability to make connections to the big picture
• Ability to lead, coach, and motivate others
• Manage multiple assignments/tasks concurrently with the ability to question the priority of work
• Willingness to travel up to 30%; travel could include (but not limited to): United States and Canada internal plants, co‑manufacturers, and suppliers.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain all duties or responsibilities required of the role. Duties and responsibilities may change or be added at any time, 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.

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.