Kraft Heinz

Sr Scientist, R&D - Packaging Lab

Kraft Heinz  •  $90k - $112k/yr  •  Glenview, IL (Onsite)  •  1 month ago
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Job Description

Job Purpose

AstheSenior Scientist for the R&DPackagingLabatKraft Heinz, you willcoordinate the scheduling and planningof 3 to 4 lab assistantsandmonthlydistribution testing, to meetweeklylab requestsIn addition, you will trainteamandsupportpackagingdevelopment and innovation activities by performing hands-on laboratory preparation, sample handling, testing, and documentation.You willbe responsible formanaging thelabdaily activities, equipmentcalibrationand maintenanceThis role works closely withfood scientists and productpackagingdevelopers to ensureaccurateexecution ofpackage testing, data collection, and maintenance of a safe, organized lab environment. The technician contributes to the development and refinement ofpackagesthrough consistent application of protocols, quality standards, and operational excellence

EssentialFunctions &Responsibilities

  • Coordinate and schedule all lab assistant workflows andall distribution testing

  • Monitor Lab Assistants activities, testing and reporting, providing direction, coachingas needed, ensuring accuracy and executional excellence

  • Developpackage testingreportingtemplatesandStandard Operating Procedures (SOP’s)

  • Identifyopportunities for new/different/upgraded equipment to meet packaging community technical needs and customize protocols for Kraft Heinz

  • Maintain calibration schedule andcoordinate repairs of equipment with internal maintenance or external equipment vendors,writing and trackingPurchase Ordersand coordination of equipment shipping

  • Be fully trainedand trainlab assistants and developerson package testingequipment,referring toboth ASTM, ISTA and internal test methods and safety protocolsandcertifications where needed

  • Conduct routine laboratory testing (including full ISTA 3E pallet testing, materials testing)measurements, evaluations, package inspections; accurately recordingobservations,withpicturesand dataand outputs from packaging equipment(e.g.topload graphsand raw data)withdatareporting documentation

  • Support Lab Manager on Distribution Test scheduling and Incoming pallet and environmental chambers monitoring

  • Organize, label, and manage materials, and test inventory

  • Operate,inspect, and calibrate laboratory equipment and tools (e.g.,vacuum chambers,Instron, compression testers,etc)and coordinate external calibration as needed

  • Maintain lab cleanliness, hygiene, and compliance withGLP (Good Laboratory Practices), and safety requirements,organizing lab storage and cooler clean outs

  • Trackmonitorequipment check outs and returnsand calibration documentation

  • Assistinpackaging material preparation for testing

  • Collaborate with R&Dpackaging developersand cross-functional teams to supportpackagingdevelopment work

  • Follow all safety policies, PPE requirements, andStandard Operating Procedures(SOPs), updating/creating/validatingprocedures where needed

  • Operate a forklift andelectricpallet mover (with on-site trainingand certification)

Expected Experience& Required Skills

  • Bachelor’sdegree in a Scienceor related field, emphasis on packaging, preferred

  • 3-5years of laboratory,mechanical, pilot plant, or technical experience

  • Computerproficiency, including Microsoft Office (Excel, Word) and data entry into lab or inventory systemsand data analysis experience, Microsoft Word

  • Familiarity with laboratory equipment such as scales,calipers,andothertesting instruments, with the ability to learn calibration and basic troubleshooting

  • Strongorganizational skills andattention to detail, with the ability to accuratelydevelop andfollow, SOPs, safety procedures, and documentation requirements

  • Strongverbal and written communication skills, including proper sample labeling, data recording, and collaboration with scientists and team members

  • Demonstrated ability to work both independently and within a team in a fast-paced technical environment

Work Environment & Schedule

This position is basedonsitefull-time at the Kraft Heinz R&D Innovation Centerin Glenview, ILThis role isrequiredto work on campus Monday through Friday, following a standard schedule, to support daily lab operations, sample preparationand testing, equipment readiness, and collaboration with thepackagingdevelopment team. Work may occasionally require flexibilityto accommodate multiple pallet testsor project-based support within operational hours.

Physical Requirements

Physicaldemandsinclude but are notlimited to

  • Work is performed in an R&D Innovation Center laboratory, with occasional pilot plant exposure.

  • Ability to stand and remain upright for extended periods during lab preparation, testing, and cleanup activities.

  • Ability to walk and movefrequentlybetween lab benches, storage areas, and equipment stations.

  • Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull materials and equipment up to 50lbs(e.g.,cases of materials and filled packages,containers, lab apparatus, sample boxes)and 25 lbs. overhead

  • Frequent use of hands for fine motor tasks such as measuring, weighing, labeling, and operating laboratory instruments.

  • Frequent repetitive motion, including handling tools, containers, and data entry.

  • Occasional bending, crouching, or stooping to access low storage, equipment, or sample placement.

  • Occasionalreaching below waistand atshoulder height to retrievepackages/cases, supplies, or equipment.

  • Must be able to wear andutilizerequired Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including lab coats, gloves, hairnets, safety glasses, and hearing protection where applicable.

  • Exposure to varying temperatures, including cold rooms,coolers, freezers,warm processing areas, or heated equipment during pilot plant support.

  • Work may involve proximity to movingmechanical equipment and cleaning agents used in sanitation processes.

This job description is not designed to cover orcontainall duties or responsibilities that are requiredofthe role. Duties or responsibilities may change or be added with or without notice.

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:

$89,800.00 - $112,200.00

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)

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.

Kraft Heinz

About Kraft Heinz

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!

Industry
Food & Beverage
Company Size
10,000+ employees
Headquarters
Chicago, IL
Year Founded
2015
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