Senior Scientist, R&D - Exports

Senior Scientist, R&D Exports

Job Purpose: As the Senior Scientist for R&D Exports you will serve as a technical lead for Product and Packaging Development initiatives supporting the Kraft Heinz North America Exports business across multiple categories, brands, and international markets. You will act as the technical R&D authority, leading complex commercialization efforts from development through large‑scale factory trials while navigating regulatory, manufacturing, confidentiality, and global business requirements.

The role focuses on back‑end commercialization and market execution, with hands‑on formulation and benchtop development as needed. It operates with high autonomy in a dynamic, cross‑functional, global environment.

• Serve as the technical lead for end‑to‑end product and packaging commercialization across internal and external manufacturing facilities. Independently execute complex workplans, troubleshoot technical and execution challenges, and identify innovative workarounds to ensure successful launches across multiple export markets.
• Act as the product and package authority within cross‑functional and cross‑country teams. Build and leverage strong R&D networks across North America BUs and global partners where category or technical subject matter expertise is required.
• Lead and execute product and package testing, qualification, and optimization including lab testing, select benchtop prototyping, shelf‑life studies, pilot plant trials, and factory trials. While not primarily a front‑end formulation position, hands‑on development and testing are required at times to support specific formulation and commercialization needs. Drive execution across primary, secondary, tertiary, and distribution packaging systems.
• Partner with Legal and BU R&D leads to assess risks associated with disclosing proprietary product and packaging information to foreign governments and external entities. Evaluate international Confidential Information Requests using sound judgment to protect trade secrets while enabling international business growth.
• Anticipate technical and execution risks, actively manage technical timelines, identify and escalates issues, and create contingency plans to maintain business continuity and launch integrity.
• Develop and maintain detailed product and packaging specifications and comprehensive technical documentation. Ensure specification data accuracy, resolve gaps, and uphold technical data quality standards.

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Packaging, Chemical Engineering, Material Science, or related discipline.
• 3 to 5 years of hands‑on product and/or packaging commercialization experience, including formula development, plant trials, performance testing, and specification creation, with an emphasis on late‑stage development and commercialization support.
• Experience in CPG/FMCG or comparable manufacturing environment with strong technical product and/or packaging focus.
• Proven ability to perform in highly complex, ambiguous, and autonomous operating environments.
• Demonstrated strength in cross‑functional execution, influencing without authority, and technical leadership.
• Strong critical thinking, troubleshooting, and problem‑solving in fast‑paced environments.
• Excellent communication, project management, and prioritization skills.
• Demonstrated growth mindset, willingness to experiment, and comfort being “uncomfortable.”
• Ability and desire to learn new product categories, technologies, and processes quickly.
• Strong personal executional excellence, accountability, and customer focus.
• Ability to travel domestically up to 10% of the time based on project needs.

This position operates primarily in an office environment, with limited travel based on project needs. The role follows a hybrid work model that supports flexibility while maintaining strong in‑person collaboration. Employees are expected to work on‑site a minimum of three days per week at the Kraft Heinz Innovation Center in Glenview, IL, with the option to work remotely up to two days per week, based on business needs and project…