Senior Scientist, R&D - Packaging Development, Global Disruptive Innovation

Kraft Heinz, Inc.; Glenview (IL); On-site; USD 83,000 - 104,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

Wellbeing programs

Paid time off

Job summary

Kraft Heinz seeks a Senior Scientist, Packaging Developer in Glenview, IL to lead packaging development across primary, secondary, and tertiary formats. You will collaborate with cross-functional pods, contribute to consumer insights, and ensure packaging testing and qualifications meet design principles while scaling solutions for plant trials and launches.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Packaging/Engineering with 4+ years of experience, strong communication, and a growth mindset.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 4+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience with agile product development and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead packaging development across primary, secondary, tertiary formats.
• Collaborate with cross-functional pods and R&D leads.
• Design and execute packaging testing and qualifications.
• Scale solutions for plant trials and product launches.

Skills

Packaging development

Strong communication

Problem solving

Agile methodologies

Education

Bachelor's in Packaging/Chemical Eng/Mechanical Eng or related

Master's degree (preferred)

Job description

Job Description Are you ready for a challenging and unique type of Packaging R&D role? This position is a Senior Scientist, Packaging Developer on the Global Disruption Innovation R&D team, where the individual will be challenged to immerse themselves with the consumer and develop new innovative solutions. This individual will work with one to three small cross‑functional teams (“pods”) where collaboration, trust, and ownership drive the team forward while engaging in the Agile @ Scale framework at Kraft Heinz. As a Senior Scientist, you will be a critical part of the Build and In-Market Validation Phases of the project where promising disruptive concepts are brought to life. You will collaborate with the cross‑functional Core Pod Team to understand the key design principles and guardrails to incorporate into the product design. Iterative development will begin with scrappy prototypes and benchtop experiments with promising solutions progressing through pilot plant and factory scale‑up. While working with the R&D Technical Lead for sprint‑to‑sprint activities, the Package Developer will have a clear line of ownership and accountability for specific technical workstreams with significant influence over solution development. Success is measured by validating consumer behavior and quantitative metrics across Desirability, Feasibility, and Viability objectives and key results. In addition to this Senior Scientist's technical contributions, they will also support cross‑functional aspects of the project in areas related to consumer insights, marketing, and financial viability.

What's on the menu?

• Collaborate with R&D Technical Lead to prioritize package development tasks
• Be the packaging “voice” on cross‑functional team
• Elevate the consumer experience thru packaging
• Lead execution of all aspects of package development (primary, secondary, tertiary, etc)
• Explore and evaluate potential suppliers and development partners
• Complete rapid prototyping and iterative solution development that achieve design principles
• Innovate within Procurement, Legal, Food Safety and Quality project guardrails
• Scale promising solutions for plant trials and product launch
• Design & execute packaging testing & qualifications
• Adopt Agile ways of working and Agile @ Scale playbook, provide feedback on developing process
• Support cross‑functional project workstreams as needed
• Contribute to required technical documentation, including specifications

Desire to learn and apply Agile Ways Of Working Proven proficiency across all aspects of package development and the commercialization process. Experience with multiple packaging formats/technologies preferred. (4+ years) Strong drive for results, willingness to experiment, and values progress over perfection Comfortable operating with high levels of autonomy and complexity Willingness to think and do things differently Growth mindset, model lifelong curiosity and learning Excellent communication, influencing & problem-solving skills

Role Location: Glenview

Bachelor's degree in Packaging, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related scientific field with a minimum of four (4) years of relevant experience, OR a Master's degree with a minimum three (3) years of related experience

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: $83,400.00 - $104,200.00 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.