Sr. Principal Engineer, R&D - Product Process Development & Scale Up

Job Description

Job Purpose

As a Senior Principal Engineer, you will lead and execute a comprehensive digital strategy and program to transform our approach to Process Development. You will develop, pilot, and operationalize agentic AI systems and related data platforms that augment R&D Process Development capabilities. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to implement digital twins at our manufacturing sites. This role will also encompass implementation of Methodology of Process Development frameworks and, for critical systems, development of Transformation Flow Sheets, Basis for Scale up and Commissioning-Qualification0 Verifications (CQV) plans.

This will reduce development cycle time, reduce number of trials, and enable vertical start-ups by shifting R&D from empirical, trial-heavy work to model-driven, data-anchored development. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced and technical Process Development engineer to shape the future of our organization in the digital age

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of Chemical and Food Processing Engineering principles and its application in solving complex problems.

• Establish best practices and training in digital tools and technologies. Starting with the adoption of a Methodology of Process Development and culminating in the implementation of digital tools for a simulation and modeling platform, data analytics, virtual testing, digital twins, CAE etc.

• Build technical models that can be used by the project teams to explain the technology, outline the technical thinking, and/or predict the outcome.

• Lead & support process development through all scales for NPD. Design and execute robust product experimental designs at all levels (lab, pilot plant and production facility).

• Interface with R&D for pilot and other scale up activities, process technology development and subsequent process engineering.

• Develop & maintain technical documentation: ex:
  Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), heat and material balances, FMEA, Risk Analysis, Transformation Flow sheets, etc.

• Study process alternatives and develop preliminary cost analysis

• Partner with analytical team to develop methodology and analyze data for key chemical and physical properties

• Manage the complexity in food and beverage processing systems involving physical and chemical change, involving many time and length scales.

• Apply fundamentals of starch & protein transformation through critical processes (ex: extrusion, drying, blending, fermentation, forming, etc.) to develop innovative & functional foods and beverages.

• Stay abreast with technical & engineering advances within food & beverage and adjacent industries and reapply towards food innovation through iterative experimentations and reduction to practice

• Develop IP protection for the solutions to the most important Innovation challenges

Expected Experience & Required Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Food Engineering field required

• Experience in Process Development digital transformation in the CPG industry (Food CPG preferred)

• Strong understanding and experience with digital tools and technologies, such as AI, Smart Sensors, Modeling and Simulation, and Digital Twins

• 8-10 years of experience in R&D, process scale-up, pilot plant, and plant operations

• Manage multiple assignments/tasks concurrently with ability to prioritize work

• Knowledge of IP strategy, secure data handling, and regulatory requirements relevant to the Food industry

Work Environment & Schedule

This position is considered aNormal office environment with moderate travel to customer locations, stores, manufacturing facilities, etc.; offices are open work spaces

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:
$ - $

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,…