Associate Scientist, R&D - Packaging Dev

The Kraft Heinz Company•Glenview, IL

8d•$68,900 - $86,100•Hybrid

About The Position

The Kraft Heinz Away from Home R&D team is seeking an Associate Scientist, R&D – Packaging Development. This role supports development initiatives across innovation, renovation, and brand maintenance within our North American Away from Home business, while also leading lower-complexity projects. The position offers the opportunity to build technical packaging capability and leadership through close partnership with cross-functional teams and hands-on work that brings packaging solutions to market.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Packaging, Engineering, Material Science, or an adjacent technical discipline
Experience or strong interest in the food or consumer packaged goods industry
Foundational knowledge of packaging science, materials, and testing protocols, with hands-on application through academic or industry experience
Understanding of packaging functionality and the interaction between packaging, product, and processing
Ability to work effectively in office, laboratory, and manufacturing environments
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Self-motivated approach, strong attention to detail, sense of urgency, and eagerness to learn
Willingness to travel 30% based on business needs, including visits to internal plants, co-manufacturers, suppliers, or other R&D sites

Responsibilities

Support and lead packaging commercialization activities for new and renovated package launches from concept through implementation, including material specifications, trials and testing, technical drawings, artwork and graphics development, start-up procedures
Serve as a proactive technical resource by leading lower-complexity initiatives and supporting more complex projects
Partner with cross-functional teams to execute projects across innovation, renovation, sustainability, brand maintenance, cost optimization, and other strategic priorities
Assess project risks and feasibility to support sound technical decision-making
Design and execute plant trials across a range of products and packaging materials to advance project objectives
Develop and lead packaging performance testing and evaluations to ensure robust analysis of packaging variables
Write detailed technical trial plans, testing protocols, and summary reports
Create and maintain packaging specifications, manufacturing procedures, finished product specifications, and related database documentation
Manage multiple assignments simultaneously with supervisor guidance and possess the ability to prioritize between a variety of business initiatives
Apply scientific learning to new situations while demonstrating critical thinking and problem-solving skills