Scientist, R&D - Packaging Development

The Kraft Heinz Company•Glenview, IL

2d•$77,800 - $97,300•Onsite

About The Position

The Packaging Scientist drives packaging innovation, renovation, and maintenance to support growth, quality objectives, and business continuity for Kraft Heinz. The role manages technical timelines, conducts laboratory and plant trials, writes specifications, maintains documentation, analyzes test results, presents findings cross-functionally, and helps commercialize packaging opportunities. The position supports packaging projects for Kraft Mac & Cheese and Velveeta, including innovation, commercialization, cost savings, and sustainability. It works across multiple packaging material types and project scopes, partnering with internal technical authorities, packaging vendors, external manufacturers, and cross-functional teams to deliver projects from concept through commercialization. The role is based at the Glenview R&D Center in a normal office environment with open workspaces and moderate travel to customer locations, stores, and manufacturing facilities. Travel of 30% is required. The stated new-hire base salary range is $77,800–$97,300, and the position is eligible for a performance-based bonus. Kraft Heinz describes benefits and wellbeing programs that may include healthcare coverage, paid time off, company holidays, flexible work arrangements, training, employee assistance and wellbeing programs, family support programs, 401(k), life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment coverage, and disability coverage, subject to applicable plan terms and eligibility.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Packaging, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field and at least two years of relevant experience, or a master’s degree and at least one year of related experience.
Understanding of packaging materials, packaging equipment/material interactions, and packaging laboratory test methods.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Analytical, proactive approach and drive to achieve objectives in a complex environment.
Ability to plan and execute design experiments, anticipate next steps, and evaluate alternatives when challenges arise.
Ability to learn and adapt rapidly to new materials and processes.
Ability to manage concurrent assignments and prioritize work.
Willingness to travel 30%.

Responsibilities

Lead and support packaging innovation, commercialization, cost-savings, and sustainability projects for Kraft Mac & Cheese and Velveeta.
Deliver projects across multiple packaging material types from concept through commercialization.
Learn and apply knowledge of new product categories and processing or packaging areas.
Serve as packaging lead and coordinate with cross-functional teams to support timely project execution.
Lead multiple projects with complex scopes and manage them concurrently.
Collaborate with internal technical packaging authorities, packaging vendors, and external manufacturers to leverage technologies and applications.
Manage technical timelines, identify and communicate risks, and develop contingency plans.
Conduct laboratory tests, pilot-plant trials, and large-scale factory trials to optimize packaging performance in manufacturing facilities.
Write detailed specifications to ensure consistent, high-quality products.
Maintain clear and comprehensive technical documentation.
Craft and perform tests, analyze data, present results cross-functionally, and support commercialization of pipeline opportunities.

Benefits

Affordable healthcare coverage for employees and eligible dependents, including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision plans.
Paid time off and company holidays.
Flexible work arrangements.
Training and recognition programs.
Employee assistance, wellbeing, and family support programs.
401(k).
Life insurance.
Accidental death and dismemberment coverage.
Disability coverage.
Performance-based bonus eligibility.