Principal Sci, R&D - Product Dev

Kraft Heinz • Warrendale, PA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

This role is a hands-on technical leadership position within our North America Zone. The Principal Scientist serves as a high-impact individual contributor who sets a high bar for technical excellence, shapes front-end innovation, and ensures robust product and process performance. This role supports thermally processed Sauces & Condiments product lines (Heinz, Kraft, A.1., Classico, Taco Bell) for Retail markets. The Principal Scientist is expected to lead through influence, establish technical standards, and mentor junior developers as subject-matter authority. A proven record of executing plans and driving results, through effective communication and cross-functional collaboration, in challenging and complex situations is essential for this role, which operates in a dynamic environment. This position requires an individual to manage multiple projects concurrently and demonstrate the ability to complete work with minimal guidance.

Requirements

• BS in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Agricultural Science with minimum of 6 years of experience successfully commercializing products end-to-end in the food or CPG industry or minimum 5 years’ experience with master’s degree
• Strong understanding of key subject matter in areas such as ingredients, ingredient interactions, and food product laboratory test methods
• Executional excellence, personal leadership and consumer focus a must
• The ability to plan, put together well thought out design of experiments, anticipate next steps and incorporate course corrections when hurdles appear
• Excellent communication, influencing, project management and problem-solving skills
• Ability to lead, coach and motivate others
• Manage multiple projects concurrently while exercising critical thinking over prioritization of work and constraints.
• Proven experience authoring specifications (RM, WIP, FG, Trade) and establishing control plans that protect product design.
• Hands-on scale-up and commercialization from bench/pilot to factory, including leading plant trials and validating process capability.
• Ability to remain current on evolving regulations and events regarding food science by reviewing scientific literature.
• Strong understanding of Design of Experiments, SPC, capability analysis (Cp/ Cpk), and data interpretation using tools such as Minitab or equivalent.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with processed cheese formulation including emulsification chemistry, functional ingredient systems, melt and texture optimization, and flavor development across pasteurized process cheese, cheese sauces, and analog/imitation varieties

Responsibilities

• Work with cross functional teams acting as the lead product developer to evaluate project briefs for technical feasibility, cost, time-to-execute, risk, and probability of success; communicate clear POVs and recommendations (go/no-go/hold).
• Proactively expand formulation capability knowledge in sauces, condiments, and dressing categories—to effectively support innovation and development across the broader Taste Elevation portfolio.
• Generate consumer-insight-led concepts that articulate unmet need, benefit statement, and reason-to-believe (RTB); author crisp concept briefs with technical enablers and claims pathways.
• Translate complex technical content for diverse audiences—operators, partners, and executives—using structured narratives, visuals, and data storytelling.
• Manage and execute product testing and qualification while working closely with cross-functional team members in consumer research, laboratory, and manufacturing environments.
• Manage multiple projects concurrently and possess the ability to call out priority conflicts between a variety of business initiatives.
• Mentor junior R&D team members; raise technical standards via coaching, design reviews, and example-setting.

Benefits

• Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs.
• Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.
• 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

What This Job Offers

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