Sr Principal Scientist, R&D - Protein Chemist

The Kraft Heinz Company • Glenview, IL

1d • $120,800 - $151,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Kraft Heinz Next Generation Ingredients R&D team is seeking a highly motivated and experienced applied Protein Chemist to join our team in Glenview, IL. This role is central to our mission of developing innovative, high-quality food products that leverage the functional and nutritional benefits of dairy and meat proteins. As a senior research leader within our team, you will use your deep technical expertise in protein chemistry to inform product design, optimize processes, and provide strategic direction on ingredient interactions, ingredient/process interactions, and strategy around protein ingredients across the Kraft Heinz portfolio. This role requires a strong technical background, intellectual curiosity, and excellent communication and collaboration skills. This is a great opportunity for a technical expert that is looking to thrive in both the lab and business setting.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s with minimum 8 years relevant industry experience OR Master’s with minimum 7 years relevant industry experience OR PhD with minimum 6 years of relevant industry experience in applied protein chemistry or food formulation, with a focus on dairy and/or meat proteins.
• Degree in Food Science, Biochemistry, Dairy/Meat Science, or a related field is highly preferred.
• Fundamental understanding of protein structure, from the primary amino acid sequence through secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures.
• Strong understanding of how proteins behave in real food systems and during processing.
• Deep expertise in protein characterization and protein-based ingredient interactions, including protein-protein interactions, protein-carbohydrate interactions, and protein-lipid interactions, and the analytical and modeling approaches used to study them.
• Experience with adjacent ingredient fundamentals and their interaction, specifically to proteins, dairy, and non-dairy, and/or enzymes.
• Strong grasp of food industry trends, consumer preferences, and regulatory requirements.
• Experience with pilot plant trials, ingredient functionality testing, and cross-functional product development.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to translate science into practical solutions.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and engage non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage complexity, navigate ambiguity, and think creatively.
• Possess excellent industry external ecosystem, with experience establishing and leading collaborative research with outside partners.

Nice To Haves

• Additional experience or ability to translate knowledge to plant-based proteins is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Apply your knowledge of protein functionality (e.g., emulsification, gelation, water binding) to improve food texture, stability, and performance.
• Lead formulation and application work using dairy and meat proteins in products such as sauces, snacks, desserts, cheese, dairy-based beverages, and meat systems. Additional experience or ability to translate knowledge to plant-based proteins is a plus.
• Partners with Product Development, Process Engineering, Nutrition, Regulatory, and Marketing teams to support product innovation from concept through commercialization.
• Evaluate new protein ingredients and technologies from suppliers and academic partners; identify opportunities for joint research and technology scouting.
• Support scale-up and manufacturing by addressing protein-related processing challenges.
• Develop and maintain a deep understanding of the protein ingredient landscape, including emerging technologies (e.g., enzymatic modification, fermentation-derived proteins, hybrid protein systems).
• Design and execute experiments to generate data on protein behavior under various processing and storage conditions.
• Maintain detailed documentation of experimental protocols and results.
• Prepare and file Invention Disclosure Forms (IDFs) to document novel technologies and support patent filings; conduct patent landscape analyses to assess freedom-to-operate, competitive activity, and whitespace opportunities, and translate findings into actionable R&D and innovation strategy
• Stay current on protein science, food regulations, and consumer trends to inform application strategies and maintain relevant external network

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.
• Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.
• We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.
• You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example: 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: Principal