Sr Engineer, R&D - Packaging Dev

Kraft Heinz; Glenview (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 112,000; Full time

Job summary

Kraft Heinz is seeking a Sr Packaging Engineer in Glenview, IL to lead and execute complex packaging projects, coordinating cross-functional teams across innovation, commercialization, cost savings, and ESG initiatives. You will design tests, analyze data, and translate findings into marketable solutions while managing multiple assignments and maintaining schedule adherence.

The role requires a strong technical background with a track record in packaging innovation, plus the ability to travel up

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related field with minimum 4 years of experience, or Master’s with minimum 3 years, or PhD plus 2 years of experience.
• Strong understanding of packaging materials, equipment interaction, and test methods.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to lead, coach and motivate others.
• Proven track record of leading packaging innovation projects from concept to commercialization.

Responsibilities

• Lead packaging projects across innovation, commercialization, cost savings, and ESG.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to drive execution across projects.
• Translate research findings into actionable business opportunities and communicate results to teams.
• Travel up to 30%.

Skills

Communication

Influencing

Problem solving

Leadership

Packaging innovation

Cross-functional teamwork

Travel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Packaging, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related field

Master's degree or PhD with related experience

Tools

Packaging specification systems

Job description

Job Purpose

The Sr Packaging Engineer will have the opportunity to be a technical leader by providing direction and execution of projects. This role will be identifying, scoping, and driving technical projects to meet business initiatives. This candidate should have a proven record of executing work plans and driving for results. Proven communication and teamwork skills are essential in this role, which operates in a cross-functional environment. The candidate must also have a strong technical background and be able to apply prior learning or scientific principles to new situations. This role requires an individual to manage multiple assignments/ tasks concurrently and demonstrate the ability to complete work per timeline with minimal guidance.

Job Description

Job Purpose

The Sr Packaging Engineer will have the opportunity to be a technical leader by providing direction and execution of projects. This role will be identifying, scoping, and driving technical projects to meet business initiatives. This candidate should have a proven record of executing work plans and driving for results. Proven communication and teamwork skills are essential in this role, which operates in a cross-functional environment. The candidate must also have a strong technical background and be able to apply prior learning or scientific principles to new situations. This role requires an individual to manage multiple assignments/ tasks concurrently and demonstrate the ability to complete work per timeline with minimal guidance.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Based in the central business unit, lead and support complex packaging projects spanning innovation, commercialization, cost savings, and ESG
• Work with cross functional teams, acting as packaging lead to drive execution across multiple projects from different business units/product categories
• Understanding the business need, designing and executing tests, analyzing data, drawing conclusions, strategizing next steps, documenting, communicating results, and commercializing products
• Manage multiple assignments/ projects concurrently and possess the ability to prioritize between a variety of business initiatives
• Complete packaging testing, qualification and commercialization while working closely with cross-functional team members in laboratory and production environments
• Translate research findings into relevant business opportunities and communicate to cross-functional teams
• Adapt and apply scientific principles to new situations/products
• Specification creation and updating, with attention to detail
• Exhibiting a collaborative attitude and applying innovative solutions are a must

Expected Experience & Required Skills

• 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 Master’s degree with minimum three (3) years of related experience or PhD plus 2 years of relevant experience.
• Strong understanding of key subject matter in areas such as packaging materials, packaging equipment/materials interaction, and packaging laboratory test methods
• Excellent communication, influencing, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to lead, coach and motivate others
• Proven track record of leading packaging innovation projects from concept through successful commercialization, with direct ownership of results
• Understanding of beginning to end commercialization for new product launches
• Build out and take accountability for Packaging R&D timeline actions, ensuring tasks are clearly planned and executed
• Provides ownership of actions and understands role and responsibilities within cross functional project teams
• Willingness to quickly learn and apply new packaging technologies
• Demonstrated 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 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. 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

$89,800.00 - $112,200.00

Bonus

This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.

Compensation Note

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.

Additional Benefits & Wellbeing Programs

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.