Job Description Job Description:
This Research & Development Scientist role leads product development initiatives for the Shelf Stable Meals team within the Hydration, Desserts, and Meals BU. The person in this role will drive technical projects across iconic brands including Velveeta Shells & Cheese, Kraft Deluxe Mac & Cheese, and Cracker Barrel Mac & Cheese, helping deliver growth, strengthen product superiority, and future-proof products against ingredient and industry headwinds through innovative solutions.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities:
Lead development of new product formulations, portfolio renovation, productivity, and supply continuity initiatives across multiple brands and product formats
Drive projects from ideation through commercialization, including benchtop development, final production, and raw material to finished product specification
Manage multiple development projects simultaneously to deliver against R&D timelines
Build strong relationships and collaborate with internal and external partners to optimize product development processes
Apply ingredient and process knowledge, experimental design, and data interpretation to make sound technical recommendations
Champion innovation and productivity and influence cross-functional partners to advance project goals
Collaborate effectively with colleagues across and beyond the immediate team
Coordinate commercialization activities across internal and external manufacturing facilities
Lead product testing, qualification, and commercialization in both laboratory and production environments
Expected Experience & Required Skills:
Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering or a related scientific field with a minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience, or Master’s degree with minimum one (1) year of related experience
Process cheese experience preferred but not required
Understanding of ingredient functionality and interrelationship of ingredients and process
Highly motivated and able to multi-task varying degrees of complex projects
Excellent communication, influencing, prioritization, and project management skills
Strong critical thinking skills and ability to make connections to the big picture
Ability to lead, coach, and motivate others
Manage multiple assignments/tasks concurrently with the ability to question the priority of work
Willingness to travel approximately 30% of the time. Travel could include (but not limited to): to internal plants, co-manufacturers, and suppliers.
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
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:
$77,800.00 - $97,300.00
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 NAZTAOps kraftheinz.com for assistance.