Sr Sci, R&D - Packaging Dev

Kraft Heinz • Glenview, IL

14h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Sr Packaging Scientist will have the opportunity to be a technical leader by providing direction and execution of projects. This role will be identifying, scoping, and driving technical projects to meet business initiatives. This candidate should have a proven record of executing work plans and driving for results. Proven communication and teamwork skills are essential in this role, which operates in a cross-functional environment. The candidate must also have a strong technical background and be able to apply prior learning or scientific principles to new situations. This role requires an individual to manage multiple assignments/tasks concurrently and demonstrate the ability to complete work with minimal guidance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree plus minimum 4 years of relevant experience, or Master’s degree plus minimum 3 years of relevant experience, or PhD degree plus 2 years of relevant experience.
• Strong understanding of key subject matter in areas such as packaging materials, packaging equipment/materials interaction, and packaging laboratory test methods.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to lead, coach and motivate others.
• Proven track record of leading packaging projects from concept through successful commercialization, with direct ownership of results.
• Understanding of beginning to end commercialization for new product launches.
• Build out and take accountability for Packaging R&D timeline actions, ensuring tasks are clearly planned and executed.
• Provides ownership of actions and understands role and responsibilities within cross functional project teams.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate and manage packaging specification systems (such as documentation, updates, and data accuracy) to support quality and compliance.
• Manage multiple assignments/tasks concurrently with ability to prioritize work.

Nice To Haves

• Hands-on experience developing or supporting IML (in-mold labeling) and film packaging components strongly preferred; willingness to quickly learn and apply new packaging technologies valued.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support packaging projects spanning innovation, commercialization, cost savings, and ESG.
• Work with cross functional teams, acting as packaging lead to drive execution across multiple projects from different business units/product categories.
• Understand the business need, design and execute tests, analyze data, draw conclusions, document, communicate results, and commercialize products.
• Manage multiple assignments/projects concurrently and possess the ability to prioritize between a variety of business initiatives.
• Complete packaging testing, qualification and commercialization while working closely with cross-functional team members in laboratory and production environments.
• Translate research findings into relevant business opportunities and communicate to cross-functional teams.
• Adapt and apply scientific principles to new situations/products.
• Specification creation and updating, with attention to detail.
• Exhibit a collaborative attitude and apply innovative solutions.

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.
• Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments
• Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training
• Employee Assistance Program, Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
• 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior