Jobs › Kraft Heinz

Sr Sci, R&D - Packaging Dev

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

Posted Aug 24, 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 Sr Scientist, R&D – Packaging Development Job Purpose: The Sr Packaging Scientist will have the opportunity to be a technical leader by providing direction and execution of projects. This role will be identifying , scoping, and driving technical projects to meet business initiatives . This candidate should have a proven record of executing work plans and driving for results. Proven communication and teamwork skills are essential in this role, which operates in a cross-functional environment. The candidate must also have a strong technical background and be able to apply prior learning or scientific principles to new situations. This role requires an individual to manage multiple assignments/ tasks concurrently and demonstrate the ability complete work with minimal guidance. Essential Functions & Responsibilities: • ​ ​ L ead and support packaging projects spanning innovation, commercialization, cost savings, and ESG within the Heinz, Classico, Stove Top and A1 Brand • ​ Work with cross functional teams, acting as packaging lead to drive execution across multiple projects from different business units/product categories • ​ U nderstanding the business need, designing and executing tests, analyzing data, drawing conclusions, documenting, communicating results, and commercializing products • ​ Manage multiple assignments/ projects concurrently and possess the ability to prioritize between a variety of business initiatives • ​ Complete packaging testing, qualification and commercialization while working closely with cross-functional team members in laboratory and production environments • ​ Translate research findings into relevant business opportunities and communicate to cross-functional teams • ​ Adapt and apply scientific principles to new situations/products • ​ Specification creation and updating, with attention to detail • ​ Exhibiting a collaborative attitude and applying innovative solutions are a must ​ Expected Experience & Required Skills: • Bachelor’s degree plus minimum 4 years of relevant experience, or Master’s degree plus minimum 3 years of relevant experience, or PhD degree plus 2 years of relevant experience • Strong understanding of key subject matter in areas such as packaging materials, packaging equipment/materials interaction, and packaging laboratory test methods • Excellent communication, influencing, and problem-solving skills • Ability to lead, coach and motivate others • Proven track record of leading packaging projects from concept through successful commercialization, with direct ownership of results • Understanding of beginning to end commercialization for new product launches • Build out and take accountability for Packaging R&D timeline actions, ensuring tasks are clearly planned and executed • Provides ownership of actions and understands role and responsibilities within cross functional project teams • Hands-on experience developing or supporting rigid bottles, closures and film packaging components strongly preferred; willingness to quickly learn and apply new packaging technologies valued • Demonstrated ability to navigate and manage packaging specification systems (such as documentation, updates, and data accuracy) to support quality and compliance • Manage multiple assignments/tasks concurrently with ability to prioritize work • Willingness to travel 30% Work Environment & Schedule: This position is considered a ​ Normal office environment with moderate travel to customer locations, stores, manufacturing facilities, etc.; offices are open workspaces ​ 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: $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, 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.

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