Jobs › Kraft Heinz

Associate Scientist, R&D – Product Development

Kraft Heinz · Glenview, IL · $68,900–$86,100 a year · Full time

Posted Apr 9, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

Apply at Kraft Heinz

Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a product development or reformulation project you've worked on. What did you contribute?

What they are checking: Whether they have real experience in food product work and can explain their part clearly.

Tell me about a time you worked with Operations, Quality or Regulatory to solve a problem.

What they are checking: Whether they can collaborate across functions to keep projects on track.

How do you present results to people who aren't scientists?

What they are checking: Whether they can communicate findings in clear, simple language that supports decisions.

What would you do

A pilot plant trial doesn't match your bench results. How do you investigate?

What they are checking: Whether they can troubleshoot systematically instead of guessing.

You have three projects due the same week. How do you manage them?

What they are checking: Whether they can prioritize and communicate when they can't meet every deadline.

About the work

How do you create and edit a formula, and what do you check before handing it off?

What they are checking: Whether they understand formula accuracy and the downstream impact of errors.

What does a risk and feasibility assessment look like for a new food product?

What they are checking: Whether they think about food safety, supply, process and regulatory risks early.

How do benchtop, pilot plant and plant trials differ, and what do you learn at each stage?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the purpose of each scale and what can go wrong between them.

How do you write a finished product specification that ensures consistent quality?

What they are checking: Whether they understand which attributes to specify and how to set realistic limits.

How would you design a test to compare two versions of a product?

What they are checking: Whether they understand experimental design and basic statistics.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Kraft Heinz from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

Practice this out loud

The full job description

As published by Kraft Heinz.

Job Description This is a Research and Development (R&D) role. The candidate will be an R&D resource for technical projects to meet business initiatives focused on new product development, portfolio renovation, quality improvement, and brand maintenance. This candidate should have experience developing and executing work plans and driving for results in a variety of settings. This role is responsible for the design and execution of product testing, analyzing data, drawing and documenting conclusions, communicating results, and product commercialization.  Proven communication and teamwork skills are essential in this role, which operates in a dynamic cross-functional environment. This position requires an individual to manage multiple assignments/tasks and timelines concurrently. Responsibilities • Support and lead the commercialization of new and reformulated products and successful transition from development to production • Interact with Operations, Business Units, Vendors, Quality, Regulatory, Finance and Marketing to drive for results • Conduct risk and feasibility assessments on all projects • Create and edit formulas, processing procedures and finished product specifications that deliver consistent, high quality products • Interface with technical experts and category scientists to understand technologies and applications • Execute benchtop, pilot plant and plant trials to support project goals • Coordinate with cross-functional teammates to organize product tastings and sensory evaluations • Manage multiple assignments/research projects concurrently with supervisor guidance and possess the ability to prioritize between a variety of business initiatives • Adapt and apply scientific principles to new situations/products, exhibit critical thinking and problem-solving skills Qualifications: • BS/MS degree in Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Microbiology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Life Sciences, or related field • Educational research & hands-on knowledge of consumer goods, food chemistry, analytical testing, formulations, and processing used in food manufacturing. • Understanding of ingredient functionality and interrelationship of ingredients, process, and packaging • Good communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills • Self-starter with attention to detail and a passion to learn • Self-motivated to drive projects forward • Willingness to travel 30% pending business needs Opportunities available to support the following teams: • Hydration, Meals and Desserts • Sauces, Condiments and Dressings • Meats 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: $68,900.00 - $86,100.00 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, Heinz Innovation 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.

Apply at Kraft Heinz