Sr Principal Scientist, R&D - Product Dev (Bakery)

All Posting Locations: Glenview, IL, US

Job Functions: Research & Development

Date Published: January 5, 2026

Ref#: R-92462

Remote, Hybrid or Onsite: Hybrid

ABOUT THE ROLE

Job Description

Senior Principal Scientist, R&D – Product Development

This is a Research and Development Bakery Technology role leading Product Development initiatives within Snacking Team. The role offers a variety of businesses to support across our Snacking product lines (Lunchables, Oscar Mayer Bites, and P3) for the North America Zone. The Senior Principal Scientist is expected to provide leadership for and execution of projects across categories. The candidate should have a proven record of executing work plans and driving for results in a variety of challenging and complex settings, across multiple categories. Proven communication and teamwork skills are essential in this role, which operates in a dynamic and cross-functional environment. This position requires an individual to manage multiple projects concurrently and demonstrate the ability to complete work with minimal guidance. Exhibiting a collaborative mindset and applying innovative solutions are a must.

Key Components of the role

• Work with cross functional teams acting as the lead product developer to drive execution across multiple projects

• Demonstrates the willingness/ability to learn new product categories and/or processing areas

• Translate research findings and communicate to cross-functional teams

• Manage and execute product testing and qualification while working closely with cross-functional team members in laboratory and production environments

• Manage multiple projects concurrently and possess the ability to call out priority conflicts between a variety of business initiatives

• Mentor, coach and collaborate with other colleagues within and outside of your immediate team

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s is a Plus) – Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Life Sciences or related fields

• Minimum 8+ years Product Development Experience within a CPG or equivalent, with a minimum of 5 years in Bakery Experience

• Strong understanding of key subject matter in areas such as ingredients, processing equipment, ingredient interactions, and food product laboratory test methods

• Executional excellence, personal leadership and customer focus a must

• Self-motivated problem solver and the drive to deliver objectives in a complex environment.

• The ability to plan, put together well thought out design of experiments, anticipate next steps and incorporate course corrections when hurdles appear

• Excellent communication, influencing, project management and problem solving skills

• Ability to lead, coach and motivate others

• Highly motivated and ability to multi-task complex projects

• Manage multiple projects concurrently with the ability to question the priority of work

• Strong understanding of Design of Experiments

• Willingness to travel 30%. Travel could include (but not limited to): United States and Canada to internal plants, co-manufacturers, and suppliers.

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:

$118,400.00 – $148,000.00

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.