Sr Scientist, R&D - Product Development (Hydration, Desserts and Meals)

Kraft Heinz; Glenview (IL); On-site; USD 88,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the food industry is seeking a Senior Scientist in R&D to lead product development initiatives for their Shelf Stable Meals segment. The ideal candidate will manage multiple projects, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and drive innovation in product testing and commercialization. This role requires a strong background in food science and a proven track record in product development.

Benefits

Healthcare

Wellbeing programs

401k

Qualifications

• 4+ years of product development and commercialization experience in CPG or similar industry.
• Experience with spray-drying and process cheese preferred.
• Willingness to travel up to 30%, including US and Canada.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple research projects and lead commercialization processes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive project execution.
• Mentor colleagues and coordinate activities with manufacturing facilities.

Skills

Project Management

Problem Solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering

Master’s Degree (preferred)

Tools

Spray-drying

Dry powder blending

Job description

Sr Scientist, R&D - Product Development (Hydration, Desserts and Meals)

Join to apply for the Sr Scientist, R&D - Product Development (Hydration, Desserts and Meals) role at Kraft Heinz.

Job Description

Senior Scientist, Product Development (Hydration, Desserts & Meals)

This role is part of the Research and Development (R&D) team, leading product development initiatives within the Shelf Stable Meals segment, focusing on brands like Kraft Mac and Cheese, Velveeta Shells and Cheese, and Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese. The candidate will lead technical projects aligned with growth, productivity, ESG, and brand strategies.

The ideal candidate has a proven track record of leading complex projects independently, demonstrating collaboration and innovative problem-solving skills in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple research projects, prioritizing effectively across business initiatives.
• Lead commercialization processes, troubleshoot challenges, and ensure successful product launches.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, acting as the lead product developer to drive project execution.
• Communicate project updates, identify hurdles, and propose solutions.
• Translate research findings into actionable business strategies.
• Champion innovation and influence cross-functional partners.
• Mentor colleagues and coordinate activities with manufacturing facilities.
• Lead product testing, qualification, and commercialization efforts in lab and production settings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s preferred) in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related fields.
• 4+ years of product development and commercialization experience in CPG or similar industry.
• Experience with spray-drying, process cheese, and dry powder blending preferred.
• Strong communication, project management, and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to travel up to 30%, including US and Canada.
• Ability to deliver innovative, consumer-centric solutions and manage multiple projects effectively.

Compensation and Benefits

Base salary range: $88,000 - $110,000, plus performance-based bonus. Benefits include healthcare, wellbeing programs, 401k, and more. Location: Glenview R&D Center. Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer.