About this R&D Associate Process & Pilot Technologist role at Kraft Heinz
Job Description
About Us
The Kraft Heinz Company is one of the largest food and beverage companies in the world, with eight $1 billion+ brands and global sales of approximately $25 billion. We’re a globally trusted producer of high-quality, great-tasting, and nutritious foods for over 150 years. Our brands are truly global, with products produced and marketed in over 40 countries. These beloved products include condiments and sauces, cheese and dairy, meals, meats, refreshment beverages, coffee, infant and nutrition products, and numerous other grocery products in a portfolio of more than 200 legacy and emerging brands.
No matter the brand, we’re united under one vision: To sustainably grow by delighting more consumers globally. Bringing this vision to life is our team of 39,000+ food lovers, creative thinkers, and high performers worldwide. Together, we help provide meals to those in need through our global partnership with Rise Against Hunger. We also stand committed to responsible, sustainable practices that extend to every facet of our business, our consumers, and our communities. Every day, we’re transforming the food industry with bold thinking and unprecedented results.
If you share our passion – and are ready to create the future, build a legacy, and lead as a global citizen – there’s only one thing to do: join our table and let’s make life delicious!
Our Culture of Ownership, Meritocracy & Collaboration
We're not afraid to think differently. Embrace new ideas. Dream big. We empower our people at every level – from entry-level intern to senior leader – to own their work. We share a responsibility to think like Owners – to be mindful of the collective and sustained success of Kraft Heinz – which we apply to every situation, every day. As part of Kraft Heinz, you're supported to grow and achieve. You’re expected to bring your authentic self to work every day, to lead with humility, and drive outstanding performance at every level – and you’ll be rewarded. You’re given opportunities to leave a mark and build a legacy. But you won’t do it alone. You’re supported by passionate teammates along the way, and our collective, collaborative spirit fuels our incredible progress.
R&D Associate Process & Pilot Technologist at a glance ...
At Kraft Heinz, we’re looking for a R&D Associate Process & Pilot Technologist to join our team in Nijmegen. This is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of process development and pilot plant execution, helping to bring new technologies and ideas closer to commercial reality.
In this role, you will contribute to innovation, technology advancement, and reliable trial delivery. You will work closely with technologists across different departments and with cross-functional stakeholders to develop new processes, execute trials, improve pilot plant capability, and ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operations.
This position is ideal for someone who combines technical curiosity with a hands-on mindset, and who enjoys working in a dynamic environment where priorities can shift quickly.
Responsibilities
Support the development, testing, validation, and scale-up of new processes and technologies, contributing to NPD, VE, and SC projects that improve product quality, process efficiency, sustainability, and operational capability
Organize, lead, and execute pilot plant trials from preparation through execution, documentation, and cleaning, ensuring trials are delivered on time and in line with agreed objectives
Work closely with technologists and cross-functional teams to adapt priorities quickly and maintain effective pilot plant operations
Scout and identify novel process technologies, develop them to higher readiness levels, and support their application in commercial projects
Support pilot plant readiness, equipment reliability, and continuous improvement through root cause analysis and implementation of practical improvement actions
Coach and train colleagues in the safe and effective use of pilot plant equipment, procedures, and best practices, while maintaining GMP, hygienic cleaning, food safety, and validation standards in line with HACCP systems and Kraft Heinz protocols
The Process Design & Pilot Plant team is part of the International Kraft Heinz R&D HQ. This position is based in Nijmegen and, under normal circumstances, may include travel to sites and opportunities to work abroad.
Key Ingredients:
Hard Skills
Please note that you need to have an EU Working Permit (Orientation Year Visa not included) in order to proceed for this position.
Scientific or technical education, preferably in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Food Technology, or a related field
At least 1 year of experience as a process engineer or technologist in a food company
Functional understanding of technology platforms, including foundational science, ingredient functionality, formulation, product-process interaction, food safety and microbiology requirements, and analytical testing methods
Familiarity with hygienic design, thermal validation, cleaning validation, CIP optimization, and HACCP
Basic understanding of unit operations such as retorting, mixing and dosing, cooking, filling technology, homogenization, emulsification, pumping and fluid transport, and heat transfer calculations
Familiarity with GMP, documentation, and safe working practices
Basic understanding of process modelling, digital tools, or data analysis is a plus
Recipe for Success: Apply if this sounds like you!
Flexible and able to re-prioritize in a fast-moving environment
Pragmatic and able to simplify complex challenges into workable solutions
Strong team player who collaborates well across functions
Good communication skills, both verbal and written
Curious, energetic, and eager to learn
Comfortable working under pressure while maintaining quality and safety standards
Language Knowledge: Fluent in English
What we offer you / You deserve
An ambitious employer; we only want to the best for you;
A fast career track like only few other companies can match;
A competitive salary and excellent bonus structure (above market);
Permanent contract; for we believe in doing big bets on people;
Reimbursement travel expenses;
Always room for new ideas; if you have an excellent idea, please let us know and we can set it into action!
Location(s)
Nijmegen
Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes.
