Jobs › Kraft Heinz

Packaging R&D Co-op

Kraft Heinz · Glenview, IL · Full time

Posted Aug 21, 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

Why packaging, and what about the food industry interests you?

What they are checking: Whether they have real curiosity about packaging and food rather than taking any co-op.

Tell me about a class or project where you designed and ran a test, then explained the results.

What they are checking: Whether they understand the basic cycle of testing, data and conclusions.

Tell me about a time you worked on a team where someone wasn't pulling their weight.

What they are checking: Whether they handle teamwork problems maturely and focus on the result.

Tell me about a mistake you made on a project and how you fixed it.

What they are checking: Whether they own errors and learn from them, which matters in a hands-on co-op.

What would you do

You're given a project with an unclear goal on your first week. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they ask good questions and take initiative instead of waiting.

Pick a food package you use often. What would you improve about it and why?

What they are checking: Whether they notice consumer experience and think practically about design changes.

How would you balance your co-op work across a six-month program with several projects?

What they are checking: Whether they can manage time and priorities in a real work setting.

About the work

What do you think a package needs to do for a food product besides look good?

What they are checking: Whether they understand protection, shelf life, safety and convenience as core packaging jobs.

Can you name a few packaging materials and say where you'd use each?

What they are checking: Whether they have basic knowledge of materials like films, paperboard, glass and rigid plastics.

What do you know about sustainability goals in packaging, like recyclable materials?

What they are checking: Whether they are aware of the sustainability pressures shaping packaging today.

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 About Kraft Heinz Kraft Heinz is a global food company with a delicious heritage. With iconic and emerging food and beverage brands around the world, we deliver the best taste, fun and quality to every meal table we touch. We’re on a mission to disrupt not only our own business, but the global food industry. A consumer obsession and unexpected partnerships fuel our progress as we drive innovation across every part of our company. Around the world, our people are connected by a culture of ownership, agility and endless curiosity. We also believe in being good humans, who are working to improve our company, communities, and planet. We’re proud of where we’ve been – and even more thrilled about where we’re headed – as we nourish the world and lead the future of food. R&D – The Creators: Our R&D teams create high-quality products that push the boundaries of what’s possible. Innovation is what gets them up in the morning! Job Description – Packaging Co-op Program The Kraft Heinz Company is looking for Undergraduate students who want to have an all-inclusive Co-Op experience and learn all about the food and beverage industry. As a Kraft Heinz Packaging Co-Op, you are hand-selected by our Packaging Leadership team to participate in a roughly 6-month immersive program. Instead of going on coffee runs and making copies, you’ll be seated at the table making critical decisions that will influence not only your team, but the overall achievement of Kraft Heinz’s mission. During your program, you will join a cohort of other ambitious co-ops to learn directly from Kraft Heinz leaders, own your projects with tangible business results, and be immersed in ongoing learning opportunities and social events. At the program's conclusion, you will have the opportunity to present your project and results to the North American R&D Leadership Team. Our program’s goal is to build a pipeline for our direct-hire pool after graduation. Dates: Spring Cohort: January – June Fall Cohort: July – December Co-Op Goals and Responsibilities: • Successfully complete real projects across different commercialization stages (initiation, development and/or launch). The projects will vary in complexity levels and give exposure to different packaging formats and materials • Form recommendations throughout projects by developing hypotheses, planning and executing test/trial procedures, analyzing data, and reporting results to cross-functional teams • Projects may be rooted in innovation, renovation, sustainability, productivity, operational efficiency, and/or quality improvement initiatives. • Potential for travel to manufacturing facilities, supplier locations, and offsite trainings • Actively pursue technical and business knowledge to understand the big picture of how the project impacts the business (understanding the ‘why’) Example Project Types: We are dedicated to providing an experience that allows for the co-ops to experience life at Kraft Heinz by giving them projects that are critical to their team’s success. Project examples include: • Qualification of new materials, molds, etc. • New primary and/or secondary packaging design, testing, and implementation • Development of packaging designs for customer-specific initiatives • Develop and execute testing procedures to evaluate product/package performance You should join us at our table if: • You will be enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Science, Packaging Engineering and other related majors (i.e., Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Applied Engineering, etc.) during the co-op program • Will be in your Junior or Senior year of your degree program during the co-op program • Interested in gaining experience in the food or consumer products industry • Ability to work in office, lab, and manufacturing environments • Strong verbal and written communication skills • Highly motivated with a sense of urgency • Demonstrate a desire for constant learning • Willing to travel up to 30% depending on business needs Program Location(s) Glenview, IL or Warrendale, PA R&D Centers (Location preferences will be discussed during the interview process) Housing: All co-ops will be provided furnished housing at a subsidized rate for the duration of their program. Total Compensation: $24,000 Office Collaboration & Hybrid Work Environment We believe our office environment fuels our collaboration, connection & community as an organization and allows our employees to grow toward greatness. We also believe providing a more flexible and agile model is essential in today’s workplace. Depending on role responsibilities and requires, you may be able to work virtually for up to two days each week and will be expected to work in-person at your assigned work location at least three days per workweek. 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. This position and entry level positions candidates may be offered following this program are not eligible for Visa Sponsorship. Candidates must maintain legal authorization to work in the United States for the duration of the program and any subsequent employment with Kraft Heinz. 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, 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 that prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants who require an accommodation to participate in the job application or hiring process should contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com .

Apply at Kraft Heinz