Sr Principal Scientist, R&D - Protein Chemist

The Kraft Heinz Company; Glenview (IL); Hybrid; USD 121,000 - 151,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus eligibility

Healthcare coverage

401(k) plan

Job summary

The Kraft Heinz Company is seeking a Sr.Principal Scientist, R&D– Protein Chemist in Glenview, IL. You will apply deep protein chemistry expertise to guide ingredient interactions, product design, and process optimization, collaborating across cross‑functional teams.

Based at our R&D Innovation Center with a hybrid schedule, you’ll drive research from concept to commercialization, maintain patent landscape awareness, and stay current on protein science and regulatory trends.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s with minimum 8 years relevant industry experience or Master’s with 7 years or PhD with 6 years in applied protein chemistry or food formulation.
• Strong understanding of protein structure and behavior in real food systems.
• Experience with protein characterization, interactions, and analytical/modelling approaches.

Responsibilities

• Apply knowledge of protein functionality to improve texture, stability, and performance.
• Lead formulation work using dairy and meat proteins in various products; translate to plant-based proteins if possible.
• Collaborate with Product Development, Process Engineering, Nutrition, Regulatory, and Marketing for product innovation.

Skills

Protein chemistry

Emulsification

Gelation

Food formulation

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's with 8+ years

Master's with 7+ years

PhD with 6+ years

Job description

Job Description

Sr.Principal Scientist, R&D– Protein Chemist** **

Job Purpose

The Kraft Heinz Next Generation Ingredients R&D team isseekinga 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 thatleveragethe functional and nutritional benefits of dairy and meat proteins.As a seniorresearchleader within our team,you willuse your deep technicalexpertisein protein chemistry toinform product design,optimizeprocesses, and provide strategic direction oningredient interactions, ingredient/process interactions, and strategy around protein ingredientsacross the Kraft Heinz portfolio.This role requires a strong technical background, intellectual curiosity, and excellent communication and collaboration skills. This isa great opportunityfor a technical expert that is looking to thrive in both the lab and businesssetting.

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.Additionalexperience or ability to translateknowledgeto plant-based proteins is a plus.
• Partnerswith 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;identifyopportunities for joint research and technology scouting.
• Support scale-up and manufacturing by addressing protein-related processing challenges.
• Develop andmaintaina 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 strategiesandmaintainrelevant external network

Expected Experience & Required Skills

• Bachelor’swithminimum8 yearsrelevantindustry experience OR Master’s withminimum7 yearsrelevantindustryexperience OR PhD withminimum6 years of relevant industry experience in applied protein chemistry or food formulation, with a focus on dairy and/or meat proteins.Degreein Food Science, Biochemistry, Dairy/Meat Science, or a related fieldis highly preferred.
• Fundamental understanding of proteinstructure,from theprimaryamino acidsequencethroughsecondary,tertiary, and quaternarystructures.
• Strong understanding of how proteins behave in real food systems and during processing.
• Deepexpertiseinproteincharacterizationandprotein-based ingredient interactions, including protein-protein interactions, protein-carbohydrate interactions, and protein-lipid interactions, and the analyticaland modeling approaches used to study them.
• Experience withadjacentingredient fundamentals and their interaction, specifically to proteins, dairy, and non-dairy, and/or enzymes.
• Stronggraspof 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,includingthe ability to work effectively with cross-functional teamsand engage non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage complexity,navigateambiguity, and think creatively.
• Possess excellent industry external ecosystem,with experienceestablishingand leading collaborative research with outside partners.

Work Environment

This positionoperatesprimarily 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

Physicaldemands include butare notlimited to:

• 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 50lbs(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 andutilizerequired Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including lab coats, gloves, hairnets, safety glasses, and hearing protection where applicable.

This job description is not designed to cover orcontainall duties or responsibilities that are requiredofthe role. Duties or responsibilities may change or be added 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:

$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.

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 savingfor the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coveragefor 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 aphysical, 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.