Sr Principal Scientist, R&D - Protein Chemist

Kraft Heinz; Glenview (IL); Hybrid; USD 120,800 - 151,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Medical benefits

Paid Time Off

Flexible Work Arrangements

Job summary

Kraft Heinz is looking for a Sr. Principal Scientist, R&D – Protein Chemist in Glenview, IL. This role focuses on overseeing research and development projects related to dairy and meat proteins, optimizing processes, and leading collaborative innovation. The position requires a strong technical background in protein chemistry and offers a hybrid work environment.

Ideal candidates will have at least 6-8 years of relevant experience, with excellent problem-solving and communication skills. You'll work in a dynamic team at the Kraft Heinz R&D Innovation Center.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 6-8 years of industry experience in applied protein chemistry or food formulation.
• Understanding protein interactions, including protein–protein and protein–carbohydrate.
• Experience with pilot plant trials and ingredient functionality testing.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing research and development projects on protein chemistry.
• Leading formulation work on dairy and meat-based products.
• Designing and executing experiments on protein behavior.

Skills

Protein functionality understanding

Formulation with dairy and meat proteins

Strong problem-solving skills

Excellent communication skills

Education

Food Science, Biochemistry, Dairy/Meat Science degree

Job description

Mentor a team of research and development professionals as an SME, overseeing research and development projects and studies in order to investigate relationships, solve technical problems, and develop new solutions for a specific application or within a specific branch of science.

Job Description

Sr. Principal Scientist, R&D – Protein Chemist

Job Purpose

The Kraft Heinz Next Generation Ingredients R&D team is seeking a highly motivated and experienced applied Protein Chemist to join our team in Glenview, IL. This role is central to our mission of developing innovative, high-quality food products that leverage the functional and nutritional benefits of dairy and meat proteins. As a senior research leader within our team, you will use your deep technical expertise in protein chemistry to inform product design, optimize processes, and provide strategic direction on ingredient interactions, ingredient/process interactions, and strategy around protein ingredients across the Kraft Heinz portfolio. This role requires a strong technical background, intellectual curiosity, and excellent communication and collaboration skills. This is a great opportunity for a technical expert that is looking to thrive in both the lab and business setting.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Apply your knowledge of protein functionality (e.g., emulsification, gelation, water binding) to improve food texture, stability, and performance.
• Lead formulation and application work using dairy and meat proteins in products such as sauces, snacks, desserts, cheese, dairy-based beverages, and meat systems. Additional experience or ability to translate knowledge to plant-based proteins is a plus.
• Partner with Product Development, Process Engineering, Nutrition, Regulatory, and Marketing teams to support product innovation from concept through commercialization.
• Evaluate new protein ingredients and technologies from suppliers and academic partners; identify opportunities for joint research and technology scouting.
• Support scale‑up and manufacturing by addressing protein-related processing challenges.
• Develop and maintain a deep understanding of the protein ingredient landscape, including emerging technologies (e.g., enzymatic modification, fermentation‑derived proteins, hybrid protein systems).
• Design and execute experiments to generate data on protein behavior under various processing and storage conditions.
• Maintain detailed documentation of experimental protocols and results.
• Prepare and file Invention Disclosure Forms (IDFs) to document novel technologies and support patent filings; conduct patent landscape analyses to assess freedom‑to‑operate, competitive activity, and whitespace opportunities, and translate findings into actionable R&D and innovation strategy.
• Stay current on protein science, food regulations, and consumer trends to inform application strategies and maintain a relevant external network.

Expected Experience & Required Skills

• Bachelor’s with minimum 8 years relevant industry experience OR Master’s with minimum 7 years relevant industry experience OR PhD with minimum 6 years of relevant industry experience in applied protein chemistry or food formulation, with a focus on dairy and/or meat proteins. Degree in Food Science, Biochemistry, Dairy/Meat Science, or a related field is highly preferred.
• Fundamental understanding of protein structure, from the primary amino acid sequence through secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures.
• Strong understanding of how proteins behave in real food systems and during processing.
• Deep expertise in protein characterization and protein‑based ingredient interactions, including protein–protein interactions, protein–carbohydrate interactions, and protein–lipid interactions, and the analytical and modeling approaches used to study them.
• Experience with adjacent ingredient fundamentals and their interaction, specifically to proteins, dairy, and non‑dairy, and/or enzymes.
• Strong grasp of food industry trends, consumer preferences, and regulatory requirements.
• Experience with pilot plant trials, ingredient functionality testing, and cross‑functional product development.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to translate science into practical solutions.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to work effectively with cross‑functional teams and engage non‑technical audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage complexity, navigate ambiguity, and think creatively.
• Possess excellent industry external ecosystem, with experience establishing and leading collaborative research with outside partners.

Work Environment

This position operates primarily in a hybrid work environment and is based at the Kraft Heinz R&D Innovation Center in Glenview, IL. Our hybrid model provides flexibility based on business needs, allowing employees to work virtually up to two days per week, with an expectation to work on‑site at least three days per week at the Glenview Innovation Center.

Physical Requirements

• Work is performed in an R&D Innovation Center laboratory, with occasional pilot plant exposure.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull materials and equipment up to 50 lbs (e.g., ingredient containers, lab apparatus, sample boxes).
• Frequent use of hands for fine motor tasks such as measuring, weighing, labeling, and operating laboratory instruments.
• Frequent repetitive motion, including handling tools, containers, and data entry.
• Occasional bending, crouching, or stooping to access low storage, equipment, or sample placement.
• Must be able to wear and utilize required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including lab coats, gloves, hairnets, safety glasses, and hearing protection where applicable.

Compensation

New Hire Base Salary Range: $120,800.00 - $151,000.00

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

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 – 401(k), 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.