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

Kraft Heinz•Glenview, IL

About The Position

The Scientist, Product Developer works on Kraft Heinz’s Global Disruptive Innovation R&D team, developing innovative food-based solutions informed by global consumers. The role works with one to three small, cross-functional teams (“pods”) using the Agile @ Scale framework. The Scientist contributes to the Build and In-Market Validation phases, translating design principles and guardrails into product designs through rapid prototypes, benchtop experiments, iterative development, pilot plant work, and factory scale-up. Working with the R&D Technical Lead, the Scientist owns and is accountable for specific technical workstreams and contributes to solution development. Success is measured by validating consumer behavior and quantitative objectives and key results across desirability, feasibility, and viability. The role also supports cross-functional project work related to consumer insights, marketing, and financial viability. It is an individual-contributor position with leadership opportunities through organizational influence and partnership with internal technical functional partners.

Requirements

At least 2 years of relevant experience with a B.S. degree, or at least 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; the posting specifies 2+ years.
Strong drive for results and willingness to experiment, valuing 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 within 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.