Scientist, R&D - Product Development, Global Disruptive Innovation

The Kraft Heinz Company•Glenview, IL

3d•$77,800 - $97,300

About The Position

Kraft Heinz is hiring a Scientist, Product Developer for its Global Disruptive Innovation R&D team. The role focuses on engaging with global consumers and developing innovative food-based solutions. The Scientist works with one to three small cross-functional teams, or “pods,” using the Agile @ Scale framework, with collaboration, trust, and ownership guiding the work. The Scientist contributes to the Build and In-Market Validation phases of projects, turning promising disruptive concepts into products. Working with the Core Pod Team, the Scientist incorporates key design principles and guardrails into product design, progressing from rapid prototypes and benchtop experiments to pilot plant and factory scale-up. In partnership with the R&D Technical Lead, the Scientist owns specific technical workstreams and helps validate consumer behavior and quantitative objectives across desirability, feasibility, and viability. The role also supports cross-functional work related to consumer insights, marketing, and financial viability. This is an individual contributor position with opportunities for leadership through organizational influence and partnership with internal technical functional partners. The role is based at the Glenview R&D Center.

Requirements

At least 2 years of relevant experience with a B.S. degree, or 1 year of relevant experience with an M.S. degree.
Desire to learn and apply Agile ways of working.
Proven competency in the commercialization process, including multiple aspects of product development such as POs, Specifications, HACCP, and DSA; 2+ years of experience.
Strong drive for results, willingness to experiment, and preference for progress over perfection.
Comfort operating with mid-to-high levels of autonomy.
Willingness to think and do things differently.
Growth mindset, with curiosity and commitment to lifelong learning.
Willingness to take calculated risks.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with the R&D Technical Lead to prioritize product development tasks.
Lead formulation and process development across identified workstreams.
Explore and evaluate potential suppliers and development partners.
Complete rapid prototyping and iterative development to achieve design principles.
Innovate within Procurement, Legal, Food Safety, and Quality project guardrails.
Scale promising solutions through pilot plant and plant trials.
Adopt Agile ways of working and the Agile @ Scale playbook.
Support cross-functional project workstreams as needed.
Contribute to required technical documentation.