Scientist, R&D - Product Dev
About The Position
This Research & Development Scientist role leads product development initiatives for the Shelf Stable Meals team within the Hydration, Desserts, and Meals business unit. The role supports iconic brands including Velveeta Shells & Cheese, Kraft Deluxe Mac & Cheese, and Cracker Barrel Mac & Cheese by delivering growth, strengthening product superiority, and future-proofing products against ingredient and industry headwinds through innovative solutions. The Scientist leads new product formulations, portfolio renovation, productivity, and supply-continuity initiatives across multiple brands and product formats. The role manages development from ideation through commercialization, including benchtop development, final production, and raw-material-to-finished-product specifications. It also coordinates commercialization across internal and external manufacturing facilities and leads product testing, qualification, and commercialization in laboratory and production environments. The position is based at the Glenview R&D Center in a normal office environment with open workspaces and moderate travel. Travel is approximately 30% and may include internal plants, co-manufacturers, suppliers, and other customer or manufacturing locations. The role is eligible for a performance-based bonus. Kraft Heinz describes its total rewards as including healthcare, protection, savings, wellbeing, and other programs, with availability varying by role and other factors.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering, or a related scientific field, with at least two years of relevant experience; or a master’s degree with at least one year of related experience.
- Understanding of ingredient functionality and the interrelationships between ingredients and processes.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and assignments of varying complexity concurrently.
- Excellent communication, influencing, prioritization, and project-management skills.
- Strong critical-thinking skills and ability to connect details to the big picture.
- Ability to lead, coach, and motivate others.
- Ability to question work priorities when managing concurrent assignments.
- Willingness to travel approximately 30% of the time.
Nice To Haves
- Process cheese experience is preferred but not required.
Responsibilities
- Lead development of new product formulations, portfolio renovation, productivity, and supply-continuity initiatives across multiple brands and product formats.
- Drive projects from ideation through commercialization, including benchtop development, final production, and raw-material-to-finished-product specifications.
- Manage multiple development projects simultaneously and deliver against R&D timelines.
- Build relationships and collaborate with internal and external partners to optimize product development processes.
- Apply ingredient and process knowledge, experimental design, and data interpretation to make technical recommendations.
- Champion innovation and productivity and influence cross-functional partners to advance project goals.
- Collaborate with colleagues across and beyond the immediate team.
- Coordinate commercialization activities across internal and external manufacturing facilities.
- Lead product testing, qualification, and commercialization in laboratory and production environments.
- Travel approximately 30% of the time, potentially to internal plants, co-manufacturers, and suppliers.
Benefits
- Performance-based bonus.
- Healthcare coverage for employees and eligible dependents, including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision plans.
- Paid time off and company holidays.
- Leave of absence and flexible work arrangements.
- Training and recognition programs.
- Employee Assistance Program, wellbeing programs, and family support programs.
- 401(k).
- Life, accidental death and dismemberment, and disability coverage.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
