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
(“voice”) 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 globally
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 workplans,
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, select 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
escalate 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 on-site 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,
based on business needs and project requirements. Travel and in-office presence will be determined by
active project demands, including commercialization, testing, and supplier or plant support.
Physical Requirements Physical demands include but not limited to:
• 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.
Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz’ strategy and values.
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 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
Location(s)
Glenview R&D Center
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.