Principal Scientist, R&D – Product Development - Elevate Growth
This is a Research and Development (R&D) role leading Product Development initiatives within the Sauces & Condiments technical platform. The role offers a variety of businesses to support across our Emulsified product lines (Kraft Mayo, Kraft Salad Dressings, Miracle Whip, Kraft Aioli), as well as the broader Sauces & Condiments categories (Heinz Mustard, Grey Poupon) for our Retail business. The Principal Scientist is expected to provide leadership for and execution of projects across platforms. 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.
Success in the role requires cross-functional collaboration, strategic influence, problem solving, and prioritization to lead multiple projects simultaneouslySuccessful candidates will have a technical background in food science/engineering, demonstrate strength in the commercialization process, proven ability to design product testing at plant scale, a growth mindset, and powerful teamwork skills
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 tolearn new product categories
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
Collaborate with teams to understand and ensure product quality and food safety requirements are defined and delivered through the completion of raw material, finished product specifications that deliver consistent, high-quality products
Run technical timelines, provide clear and timely communication, complete risk assessments, raise issues, and develop contingency plans demonstrating strong project management skills
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:
BS in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Agricultural Science with minimum of 6 years of experience successfully commercializing products end-to-end in the food or CPG industry or minimum 5 years’ experience with Master’s Degree
Strong understanding of key subject matter in areas such as ingredients, 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:
$104,200.00 - $130,200.00
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)
Heinz Innovation 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.

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. While Kraft Heinz is co-headquartered in Chicago and Pittsburgh, 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.
We spark joy around mealtime with our iconic brands, including Kraft, Oscar Mayer, Heinz, Philadelphia, Lunchables, Velveeta, Maxwell House, Capri Sun, Ore-Ida, Kool-Aid, Jell-O, Primal Kitchen, and Classico, among others.
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 37,000+ 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!