Kraft Heinz Company
Senior Scientist, R&D - Exports
Kraft Heinz Company, Glenview, Illinois, United States, 60025
Job Description
Senior Scientist, R&D Exports
Job Purpose As the Senior Scientist for R&D Exports you will serve as a technical lead for Product and Packaging development initiatives supporting the Kraft Heinz North America Exports business across multiple categories, brands, and international markets. You will act as the confident technical R&D authority for product and packaging, leading complex commercialization efforts from development through large‑scale factory trials while navigating regulatory, manufacturing, confidentiality, and global business requirements. The role is primarily focused on back‑end commercialization and market execution, with hands‑on formulation and benchtop development performed as needed to support business demands. This role operates with high autonomy in a dynamic, cross‑functional, and global integrated environment.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
Serve as the technical lead for end‑to‑end product and packaging commercialization across internal and external manufacturing facilities. Independently execute complex work plans, troubleshoot technical and execution challenges, and identify innovative workarounds to ensure successful launches across multiple export markets.
Act as the product and package authority within cross‑functional and cross‑country teams. Build and leverage strong R&D networks across North America BUs and global partners where category or technical subject matter expertise is required.
Lead and execute product and package testing, qualification, and optimization including lab testing, selected benchtop prototyping, shelf‑life studies, pilot plant trials, and factory trials. While this role is not primarily a front‑end formulation position, hands‑on development and testing are required at times to support specific formulation and commercialization needs. Drive execution across primary, secondary, tertiary, and distribution packaging systems.
Partner with Legal and BU R&D leads to assess risks associated with disclosing proprietary product and packaging information to foreign governments and external entities. Evaluate international Confidential Information Requests using sound judgment to protect trade secrets while enabling international business growth.
Anticipate technical and execution risks, actively manage technical timelines, identify and scale issues, and create contingency plans to maintain business continuity and launch integrity.
Develop and maintain detailed product and packaging specifications and comprehensive technical documentation. Ensure specification data accuracy, resolve gaps, and uphold technical data quality standards.
Expected Experience & Required Skills
Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Packaging, Chemical Engineering, Material Science, or related discipline.
3 to 5 years of hands‑on product and/or packaging commercialization experience, including formula development, plant trials, performance testing, and specification creation, with an emphasis on late‑stage development and commercialization support.
Experience in CPG/FMCG or comparable manufacturing environment with strong technical product and/or packaging focus.
Proven ability to perform in highly complex, ambiguous, and autonomous operating environments.
Demonstrated strength in cross‑functional execution, influencing without authority, and technical leadership.
Strong critical thinking, troubleshooting, and problem‑solving in fast‑paced environments.
Excellent communication, project management, and prioritization skills.
Demonstrated growth mindset, willingness to experiment, and comfort being “uncomfortable”.
Ability and desire to learn new product categories, technologies, and processes quickly.
Strong personal executional excellence, accountability, and customer focus.
Ability to travel domestically up to 10% of the time based on project needs.
Work Environment & Schedule This position operates primarily in an office environment, with limited travel based on project needs. The role follows a hybrid work model that supports flexibility while maintaining strong in‑person collaboration. Employees are expected to work onsite a minimum of three days per week at the Kraft Heinz Innovation Center in Glenview, IL, with the option to work remotely up to two days per week. Travel and in‑office presence will be determined by active project demands, including commercialization, testing, and supplier or plant support.
Physical Requirements
Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer.
Ability to stand and walk in laboratory and manufacturing environments.
Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
Ability to bend, reach, and perform repetitive motions during testing and trials.
Ability to operate laboratory and pilot‑scale equipment.
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
Ability to work near operating equipment and in varied temperature and noise conditions.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain all duties or responsibilities that are required of the role. Duties or responsibilities may change or be added with or without notice.
New Hire Base Salary Range $88,000.00 – $110,000.00
Bonus This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.
The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors.
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.
Wellbeing We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire an active, social, emotional, and financial wellbeing lifestyle for our employees and their families.
Benefits and Wellbeing Programs
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
Location(s) Glenview R&D Center
Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority, Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com for assistance.
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Job Purpose As the Senior Scientist for R&D Exports you will serve as a technical lead for Product and Packaging development initiatives supporting the Kraft Heinz North America Exports business across multiple categories, brands, and international markets. You will act as the confident technical R&D authority for product and packaging, leading complex commercialization efforts from development through large‑scale factory trials while navigating regulatory, manufacturing, confidentiality, and global business requirements. The role is primarily focused on back‑end commercialization and market execution, with hands‑on formulation and benchtop development performed as needed to support business demands. This role operates with high autonomy in a dynamic, cross‑functional, and global integrated environment.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
Serve as the technical lead for end‑to‑end product and packaging commercialization across internal and external manufacturing facilities. Independently execute complex work plans, troubleshoot technical and execution challenges, and identify innovative workarounds to ensure successful launches across multiple export markets.
Act as the product and package authority within cross‑functional and cross‑country teams. Build and leverage strong R&D networks across North America BUs and global partners where category or technical subject matter expertise is required.
Lead and execute product and package testing, qualification, and optimization including lab testing, selected benchtop prototyping, shelf‑life studies, pilot plant trials, and factory trials. While this role is not primarily a front‑end formulation position, hands‑on development and testing are required at times to support specific formulation and commercialization needs. Drive execution across primary, secondary, tertiary, and distribution packaging systems.
Partner with Legal and BU R&D leads to assess risks associated with disclosing proprietary product and packaging information to foreign governments and external entities. Evaluate international Confidential Information Requests using sound judgment to protect trade secrets while enabling international business growth.
Anticipate technical and execution risks, actively manage technical timelines, identify and scale issues, and create contingency plans to maintain business continuity and launch integrity.
Develop and maintain detailed product and packaging specifications and comprehensive technical documentation. Ensure specification data accuracy, resolve gaps, and uphold technical data quality standards.
Expected Experience & Required Skills
Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Packaging, Chemical Engineering, Material Science, or related discipline.
3 to 5 years of hands‑on product and/or packaging commercialization experience, including formula development, plant trials, performance testing, and specification creation, with an emphasis on late‑stage development and commercialization support.
Experience in CPG/FMCG or comparable manufacturing environment with strong technical product and/or packaging focus.
Proven ability to perform in highly complex, ambiguous, and autonomous operating environments.
Demonstrated strength in cross‑functional execution, influencing without authority, and technical leadership.
Strong critical thinking, troubleshooting, and problem‑solving in fast‑paced environments.
Excellent communication, project management, and prioritization skills.
Demonstrated growth mindset, willingness to experiment, and comfort being “uncomfortable”.
Ability and desire to learn new product categories, technologies, and processes quickly.
Strong personal executional excellence, accountability, and customer focus.
Ability to travel domestically up to 10% of the time based on project needs.
Work Environment & Schedule This position operates primarily in an office environment, with limited travel based on project needs. The role follows a hybrid work model that supports flexibility while maintaining strong in‑person collaboration. Employees are expected to work onsite a minimum of three days per week at the Kraft Heinz Innovation Center in Glenview, IL, with the option to work remotely up to two days per week. Travel and in‑office presence will be determined by active project demands, including commercialization, testing, and supplier or plant support.
Physical Requirements
Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer.
Ability to stand and walk in laboratory and manufacturing environments.
Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
Ability to bend, reach, and perform repetitive motions during testing and trials.
Ability to operate laboratory and pilot‑scale equipment.
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
Ability to work near operating equipment and in varied temperature and noise conditions.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain all duties or responsibilities that are required of the role. Duties or responsibilities may change or be added with or without notice.
New Hire Base Salary Range $88,000.00 – $110,000.00
Bonus This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.
The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors.
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.
Wellbeing We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire an active, social, emotional, and financial wellbeing lifestyle for our employees and their families.
Benefits and Wellbeing Programs
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
Location(s) Glenview R&D Center
Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority, Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com for assistance.
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