Scientist, R&D - Product Dev

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401k

Paid time off

Flexible work arrangements

Employee assistance program

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Job summary

Kraft Heinz is seeking an R&D Scientist to lead product development for Shelf Stable Meals within the Hydration, Desserts, and Meals BU. You will drive projects across iconic brands such as Velveeta Shells & Cheese, Kraft Deluxe Mac & Cheese, and Cracker Barrel Mac & Cheese, delivering growth and innovative solutions.

Position is based at the Heinz Innovation Center in Glenview, IL. The role requires 2+ years of relevant experience (or 1 year with a Master’s) in related fields, strong

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering or a related scientific field with a minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience, or Master’s degree with minimum one (1) year of related experience.
• Process cheese experience preferred but not required.
• Understanding of ingredient functionality and interrelationship of ingredients and process.
• Highly motivated and able to multi-task varying degrees of complex projects.
• 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.
• Willingness to travel approximately 30% of the time.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of new product formulations, portfolio renovation, productivity, and supply continuity initiatives across multiple brands and product formats.
• Drive projects from ideation through commercialization, including benchtop development, final production, and raw material to finished product specification.
• Manage multiple development projects simultaneously to deliver against R&D timelines.
• Build strong relationships and collaborate with internal and external partners to optimize product development processes.
• Apply ingredient and process knowledge, experimental design, and data interpretation to make sound technical recommendations.
• Champion innovation and productivity and influence cross-functional partners to advance project goals.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues across and beyond the immediate team.
• Coordinate commercialization activities across internal and external manufacturing facilities.
• Lead product testing, qualification, and commercialization in both laboratory and production environments.

Skills

Communication skills

Project management

Multi-tasking

Critical thinking

Leadership

Collaboration

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s in Food Science/related

Master’s in related field

Job description

This Research & Development Scientist role leads product development initiatives for the Shelf Stable Meals team within the Hydration, Desserts, and Meals BU. The person in this role will drive technical projects across iconic brands including Velveeta Shells & Cheese, Kraft Deluxe Mac & Cheese, and Cracker Barrel Mac & Cheese, helping deliver growth, strengthen product superiority, and future-proof products against ingredient and industry headwinds through innovative solutions.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Lead development of new product formulations, portfolio renovation, productivity, and supply continuity initiatives across multiple brands and product formats
• Drive projects from ideation through commercialization, including benchtop development, final production, and raw material to finished product specification
• Manage multiple development projects simultaneously to deliver against R&D timelines
• Build strong relationships and collaborate with internal and external partners to optimize product development processes
• Apply ingredient and process knowledge, experimental design, and data interpretation to make sound technical recommendations
• Champion innovation and productivity and influence cross-functional partners to advance project goals
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues across and beyond the immediate team
• Coordinate commercialization activities across internal and external manufacturing facilities
• Lead product testing, qualification, and commercialization in both laboratory and production environments

Expected Experience & Required Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering or a related scientific field with a minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience, or Master’s degree with minimum one (1) year of related experience
• Process cheese experience preferred but not required
• Understanding of ingredient functionality and interrelationship of ingredients and process
• Highly motivated and able to multi-task varying degrees of complex projects
• 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 approximately 30% of the time. Travel could include (but not limited to): to internal plants, co-manufacturers, and suppliers

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

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

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)

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.