Scientist, R&D - Packaging Dev

The Kraft Heinz Company • Glenview, IL

2d • $77,800 - $97,300 • Onsite

About The Position

The Packaging Scientist will have the opportunity to drive innovation, renovation, and maintenance of packaging, enabling growth and ensuring quality objectives and business continuity for Kraft Heinz. This role will manage technical timelines, conduct lab, and plant trials, write specifications, and ensure clear documentation. From crafting and performing tests to analyzing data, presenting results cross-functionally, and commercializing pipeline opportunities, this role will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our packaging solutions.

Requirements

• BS/MS in Packaging, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• Bachelor’s degree plus minimum 2 years of relevant experience, or Master’s degree plus minimum 1 year of relevant experience
• Relevant experience: Packaging Development, commercialization, Frozen manufacturing and distribution environment.
• Proficient in understanding frozen packaging environment in areas such as packaging materials, packaging equipment/materials interaction, and packaging laboratory test methods.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Initiative-taking analytical person with a drive to achieve objectives in a complex environment.
• Ability to plan and execute well-thought-out design experiments, anticipate next steps, and quickly evaluate alternatives when facing challenges.
• Adaptive learner with the ability to adapt to new materials and processes rapidly.
• Ability to navigate and manage packaging specification systems (such as documentation, updates, and data accuracy) to support quality and compliance.
• Manage multiple assignments/tasks concurrently with ability to prioritize work.

Responsibilities

• Support packaging projects spanning innovation, commercialization, cost savings, and ESG.
• Consistently deliver results on projects across multiple packaging material types from concept to commercialization.
• Quickly learn and apply knowledge on new product categories and/or processing/packaging areas.
• Function as the packaging lead and work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure timely execution across multiple projects.
• Simultaneously lead multiple projects with complex scopes, demonstrating exceptional project management skills.
• Collaborate with internal technical packaging authorities, packaging vendors, external manufacturers to leverage technologies and applications.
• Manage technical timelines, effectively identify and communicate risks, and develop contingency plans.
• Conduct lab tests, pilot plant trials, and large-scale factory trials to optimize packaging performance within manufacturing facilities.
• Write detailed specifications to ensure consistent, high-quality products.
• Maintain clear and comprehensive technical documentation.

Benefits

• Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments
• Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training
• Employee Assistance Program, Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
• 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

What This Job Offers

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