Role
This role serves as Kraft Heinz’s subject matter expert in soft matter, rheology, and food materials science across complex formulated food systems. The scientist in this role will build understanding of how structure, processing, and material behavior influence texture, stability, shelf life, and sensory experience, translating first principles into practical formulation guidance and predictive tools.
Key Responsibilities
Lead scientific understanding of soft matter in food systems, including emulsions, gels, foams, suspensions, colloids, polymers, and other multiphase systems relevant to product performance
Apply rheology, tribology, food physics, and related material science principles to improve texture, stability, processability, and sensory performance across food and beverage applications
Develop predictive models and scientific frameworks that connect formulation, structure, and processing conditions to product functionality and shelf-life outcomes
Translate insights into functional guidance for formulation design, ingredient selection, and process optimization
Partner cross-functionally with ingredient, flavor, process engineering, and sensory teams to solve complex product and technology challenges
Provide scientific leadership within a broader soft matter and food physics context, ensuring these capabilities support enterprise needs without duplicating existing platform ownership
Mentor scientists and help build enterprise capability in rheology, food physics, and predictive formulation science
Required Qualifications
Master’sor PhD in Materials Science, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Food Science, or a related field
10+ years of experience applying rheology and soft matter or materials science to complex formulated systems
Deepexpertisein rheology, food physical characterization, and structure-function relationships in multiphase systems
Strong ability to translate fundamental science into practical product and process decisions
Proven scientific leadership and cross-functional influence
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with food systems such as sauces, dairy, beverages, gels, or powders
Familiarity with sensory science, consumer research, or tribology-mouthfeel linkages
Experience building predictive models based on structure or rheology
Collaboration with external research or academic partners
Recognized thought leadership through publications, patents, or invited talks
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:
$120,800.00 - $151,000.00
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 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!
