Scientist, R&D – Packaging Development

Job Purpose  

​​The Packaging Scientist will have the opportunity to drive innovation, renovation, and maintenance of packaging, enabling growth and ensuring quality objectives and business continuity for Kraft Heinz. This role will manage technical timelines, conduct lab, and plant trials, write specifications, and ensure clear documentation. From crafting and performing tests to analyzing data, presenting results cross-functionally, and commercializing pipeline opportunities, this role will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our packaging solutions.​  

Essential Functions & Responsibilities  

• ​​Lead and support packaging projects spanning innovation, commercialization, cost savings, and ESG within the Heinz, Classico, Stove Top and A1 Brand 

• ​Consistently deliver results on projects across multiple packaging material types from concept to commercialization. 

• ​Quickly learn and apply knowledge on new product categories and/or processing/packaging areas. 

• ​Function as the packaging lead and work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure timely execution across multiple projects.   

• ​Simultaneously lead multiple projects with complex scopes, demonstrating exceptional project management skills   

• ​Collaborate with internal technical packaging authorities, packaging vendors, external manufacturers to leverage technologies and applications.  

• ​Manage technical timelines, effectively identify and communicate risks, and develop contingency plans. 

• ​Conduct lab tests, pilot plant trials, and large-scale factory trials to optimize packaging performance within manufacturing facilities.  

• ​Write detailed specifications to ensure consistent, high-quality products.   

• ​Maintain clear and comprehensive technical documentation.​ 

Expected Experience & Required Skills 

• BS/MS in Packaging, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field 

• Bachelor’s degree plus minimum 2 years of relevant experience, or Master’s degree plus minimum 1 year of relevant experience 

• Relevant experience: Packaging Development, commercialization, and distribution environment. 

• 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 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.   

• Initiative-taking analytical person with a drive to achieve objectives in a complex environment.   

• Ability to plan and execute well-thought-out design experiments, anticipate next steps, and quickly evaluate alternatives when facing challenges.   

• Adaptive learner with the ability to learn new materials and processes rapidly.   

• 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.