Assoc Sci, R&D - Packaging Dev

Kraft Heinz • Glenview, IL

8d

About The Position

The Kraft Heinz Away from Home R&D team is seeking an Associate Scientist, R&D – Packaging Development. The role supports innovation, renovation, and brand-maintenance initiatives across the North American Away from Home business and leads lower-complexity projects. It offers the opportunity to build technical packaging capability and leadership through cross-functional partnership and hands-on work bringing packaging solutions to market.

The position supports and leads packaging commercialization for new and renovated package launches, from concept through implementation. Work includes packaging specifications, trials and testing, technical drawings, artwork and graphics development, and start-up procedures. The role also assesses project risks and feasibility, designs plant trials, develops packaging performance evaluations, prepares technical plans and reports, and maintains packaging and manufacturing documentation.

The position is based at the Glenview R&D Center and requires willingness to travel 30% based on business needs, including visits to internal plants, co-manufacturers, suppliers, and other R&D sites.

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.

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, and start-up procedures.
• Lead lower-complexity initiatives and support more complex projects as a proactive technical resource.
• Partner with cross-functional teams on innovation, renovation, sustainability, brand maintenance, cost optimization, and other strategic priorities.
• Assess project risks and feasibility to support technical decision-making.
• Design and execute plant trials across products and packaging materials.
• Develop and lead packaging performance testing and evaluations.
• Write 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 prioritize among business initiatives.
• Apply scientific learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to new situations.

Benefits

• Performance-based bonus.
• Healthcare coverage for employees and eligible dependents.
• Medical and prescription drug plans.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Paid time off.
• Company holidays.
• Leave of absence.
• Flexible work arrangements.
• Recognition, training, and learning opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Wellbeing programs and family support programs.
• 401(k).
• Life insurance.
• Accidental death and dismemberment coverage.
• Disability coverage.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level