Senior Scientist, R&D - Exports

All Posting Locations: Glenview, IL, US

Job Functions: Research & Development

Date Published: December 15, 2025

Ref#: R-98784

Remote, Hybrid or Onsite: Hybrid

ABOUT THE ROLE

Job Description

Senior Scientist, R&D – Exports

Job Purpose
As the Senior Scientist for R&D Exports, you will serve as a technical lead for Product and Packaging

Development initiatives supporting the Kraft Heinz North America Exports business across multiple

categories, brands, and international markets. You will act as the confident technical R&D authority

(“voice”) for product and packaging, leading complex commercialization efforts from development

through large–scale factory trials while navigating regulatory, manufacturing, confidentiality, and global

business requirements. The role is primarily focused on back–end commercialization and market

execution, with hands–on formulation and benchtop development performed as needed to support

business demands. This role operates with high autonomy in a dynamic, cross–functional, and globally

integrated environment.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical lead for end–to–end product and packaging commercialization across

internal and external manufacturing facilities. Independently execute complex workplans,

troubleshoot technical and execution challenges, and identify innovative workarounds to ensure

successful launches across multiple export markets.

• Act as the product and package authority within cross–functional and cross–country teams. Build

and leverage strong R&D networks across North America BUs and global partners where

category or technical subject matter expertise is required.

• Lead and execute product and package testing, qualification, and optimization including lab

testing, select benchtop prototyping, shelf–life studies, pilot plant trials, and factory trials. While

this role is not primarily a front–end formulation position, hands–on development and testing

are required at times to support specific formulation and commercialization needs. Drive

execution across primary, secondary, tertiary, and distribution packaging systems.

• Partner with Legal and BU R&D leads to assess risks associated with disclosing proprietary

product and packaging information to foreign governments and external entities. Evaluate

international Confidential Information Requests using sound judgment to protect trade secrets

while enabling international business growth.

• Anticipate technical and execution risks, actively manage technical timelines, identify and

escalate issues, and create contingency plans to maintain business continuity and launch

integrity.

• Develop and maintain detailed product and packaging specifications and comprehensive

technical documentation. Ensure specification data accuracy, resolve gaps, and uphold technical

data quality standards.

Expected Experience & Required Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Packaging, Chemical Engineering, Material Science, or related

discipline.

• 3 to 5 years of hands–on product and/or packaging commercialization experience, including

formula development, plant trials, performance testing, and specification creation, with an

emphasis on late–stage development and commercialization support.

• Experience in CPG/FMCG or comparable manufacturing environment with strong technical

product and/or packaging focus.

• Proven ability to perform in highly complex, ambiguous, and autonomous operating

environments.

• Demonstrated strength in cross–functional execution, influencing without authority, and

technical leadership.

• Strong critical thinking, troubleshooting, and problem–solving in fast–paced environments.

• Excellent communication, project management, and prioritization skills.

• Demonstrated growth mindset, willingness to experiment, and comfort being “uncomfortable”.

• Ability and desire to learn new product categories, technologies, and processes quickly.

• Strong personal executional excellence, accountability, and customer focus.

• Ability to travel domestically up to 10% of the time based on project needs.

Work Environment & Schedule

This position operates primarily in an office environment, with limited travel based on project needs.

The role follows a hybrid work model that supports flexibility while maintaining strong in–person

collaboration. Employees are expected to work on–site a minimum of three days per week at the Kraft

Heinz Innovation Center in Glenview, IL, with the option to work remotely up to two days per week,

based on business needs and project requirements. Travel and in–office presence will be determined by

active project demands, including commercialization, testing, and supplier or plant support.

Physical Requirements Physical demands include but not limited to:

• Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer

• Ability to stand and walk in laboratory and manufacturing environments

• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds

• Ability to bend, reach, and perform repetitive motions during testing and trials

• Ability to operate laboratory and pilot–scale equipment

• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE)

• Ability to work near operating equipment and in varied temperature and noise conditions

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:

$88,000.00 – $110,000.00

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 [email protected] for assistance.

R&D AT KRAFT HEINZ

THE
CREATORS

Our Research and Development team creates high-quality products that push the boundaries of what’s possible. Innovation is what gets us up in the morning!

Whether you want to develop your technical skills or grow as a people manager, there’s a place for you here to advance your career.