Scientist, R&D - Product Dev

Kraft Heinz • Glenview, IL

6h • Onsite

About The Position

Kraft Heinz Research & Development is seeking an exceptional individual to join one of several teams as a Scientist, R&D Product Development. This role will lead product development projects across multiple brands, focusing on innovation, productivity, quality improvement, and brand maintenance. The candidate will serve as an R&D resource for technical projects, requiring a problem-solving mindset. Responsibilities include designing and executing product testing, analyzing data, documenting conclusions, communicating results, and supporting product commercialization. Strong communication and teamwork skills are essential for this dynamic, cross-functional environment, which requires managing multiple assignments, tasks, and timelines concurrently.

Requirements

• BS in Food Science, Food Engineering, Dairy Science, Meat Science, Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering, or related field plus a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience; or master’s degree plus a minimum of 1 year of relevant experience; or PhD with no relevant experience.
• Product development and commercialization experience.
• Understanding of ingredient functionality and interrelationship of ingredients and process.
• Knowledge of consumer goods, food chemistry, analytical testing, formulations and processing used in food manufacturing.
• Excellent communication, influencing, prioritization, and project management skills.
• Strong critical thinking skills and ability to make connections to the big picture.
• Ability to lead, coach, and motivate others.
• Manage multiple assignments/tasks concurrently with the ability to question the priority of work.
• Willingness to travel up to 30%; travel could include (but not limited to): United States and Canada internal plants, co-manufacturers, and suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Support and lead the commercialization of reformulated or new products and successful transition from development to production.
• Interact with Operations, Business Units, Vendors, Quality, Regulatory, Finance and Marketing to drive for results.
• Conduct risk and feasibility assessments on all projects.
• Create and edit formulas, processing procedures and finished product specifications that deliver consistent, high-quality products.
• Execute benchtop, pilot plant and plant trials to support project goals as well as shelf-life assessments.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teammates to organize product tastings and sensory evaluations.
• Manage multiple assignments/research projects concurrently with supervisor guidance and possess the ability to prioritize between a variety of business initiatives.
• Adapt and apply scientific principles to new situations/products, exhibit critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to travel up to 30%. Travel could include (but not limited to): United States and Canada internal plants, co-manufacturers, and suppliers.

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.
• 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: Mid Level