Sr Sci, R&D - Packaging Dev

Job Description

Senior Scientist, Packaging R&D – Meat, Cheese, Coffee, and Snacking 

This Senior Scientist Packaging R&D role provides packaging leadership across innovation, renovation, productivity, ESG, and maintenance initiatives across the MCCS (Meats, Cheese, Coffee, Snacking) platform.  This role is responsible for identifying, scoping, and leading technical packaging projects that support business priorities from concept through commercialization. The ideal candidate brings strong technical depth, sound scientific judgment, and a track record of independently driving packaging work plans to deliver results. This includes understanding business needs, consumer needs, designing and executing tests, analyzing data, translating findings into recommendations, documenting technical work, communicating clearly with cross-functional partners, and supporting successful commercialization. Strong leadership, collaboration, and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to apply packaging principles and prior learning to new products, processes, and challenges. 

Key components of the role   

• Lead the MCCS packaging productivity pipeline (~25% of role), including pipeline governance, prioritization, and delivery of cost/sustainability/value initiatives 

• Serve as the packaging lead across multiple projects spanning business product categories 

• Identify technical risks, define work plans, and drive packaging activities from concept through qualification and commercialization 

• Partner cross-functionally with Product R&D, Operations, Quality, Procurement, and other stakeholders to advance business initiatives  

• Understand the consumer and partner with CIS (Consumer Insights & Strategy) to inform packaging decisions 

• Design, execute, and interpret packaging tests in laboratory and production environments 

• Translate technical findings into clear recommendations, business implications, and next steps 

• Create, update, and maintain detailed technical documentation and packaging specifications 

• Manage multiple assignments concurrently and prioritize effectively across competing business needs 

• Apply scientific and packaging principles to new products, materials, processes, and technical challenges 

Qualifications 

• BS or MS in Packaging, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field 

• Bachelor’s degree plus minimum 5 years of relevant experience, or master’s degree plus minimum 4 years of relevant experience, or PhD degree plus 3 years of relevant experience 

• Strong understanding of packaging materials, equipment, material interaction, and packaging test methods 

• Strong understanding of modified atmosphere and thermoforming. 

• Demonstrated ability to lead technical workstreams and influence cross-functional team 

• Strong communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills 

• Ability to coach, guide, and motivate others 

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple assignments and complete work with minimal guidance 

• Willingness to travel up to 30% 

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:

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)

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.