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Sr Sci, R&D - Packaging Dev

Kraft Heinz · Glenview, IL · $89,800–$112,200 a year · Full time

Posted Jul 27, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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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 packaging project you led from scoping through commercialization. What was the hardest technical problem?

What they are checking: Whether they have led packaging work end to end and can explain the technical decisions they owned.

How do you manage several packaging projects for different brands at the same time with minimal guidance?

What they are checking: Whether they can prioritize and drive multiple projects on their own, which the posting stresses.

Tell me about a plant trial that didn't go as planned. What did you learn?

What they are checking: Whether they can adapt in a plant setting and turn a failed trial into useful learning.

How do you present test results to a cross-functional team that isn't technical?

What they are checking: Whether they can communicate conclusions simply enough for others to act on them.

What would you do

A cost savings project calls for thinner film, but you're worried about seal integrity. How do you decide?

What they are checking: Whether they use data to balance savings against quality and food safety risk.

Marketing wants a new package shape that you think will run poorly on the line. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they can protect manufacturability while helping the brand reach its goal.

About the work

For a product like Heinz ketchup or Classico sauce, how would you approach moving to a more recyclable package?

What they are checking: Whether they understand material barrier, shelf life and recyclability tradeoffs for real food packaging.

How do you design a test plan to qualify a new packaging material for a hot-filled or retorted product?

What they are checking: Whether they know the process conditions that stress packaging and how to test for failure.

How do you apply scientific principles you already know to a packaging format you haven't worked with?

What they are checking: Whether they can transfer knowledge to new situations instead of relying only on past recipes.

What packaging specifications do you write, and how do you make sure they're clear to suppliers and plants?

What they are checking: Whether they produce documentation that prevents misunderstandings and quality problems later.

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The full job description

As published by Kraft Heinz.

Job Description Job description: 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 skill s • 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: $89,800.00 - $112,200.00 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.

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