Principal Scientist, R&D - Ingredient Development

Glenview, ILPosted 2 days ago

Role Overview

Kraft Heinz is hiring a Principal Scientist, R&D - Ingredient Development. This is a full-time role in Glenview. posted 2 days ago. Full responsibilities, required qualifications, and the apply link are listed in the description below.

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Job description

Job Description

Principal Scientist, R&D - Ingredient Development

Job Purpose

This Principal Scientist R&D role will manage Kraft Heinz Ingredient Specification Strengthening across all categories and brands and lead a team of developers to drive our core business. This role interfaces directly with the business and offers the ability to lead technically challenging projects and initiatives supporting productivity, growth, renovation, and brand maintenance. Success in the role requires strong cross-functional collaboration, strategic influence, problem solving, thoughtful career development planning for the team, and prioritization to lead multiple projects simultaneously. A successful candidate will have a technical background in food science or engineering, demonstrated strength in the commercialization process, proven ability to design product/ingredient testing at plant scale, a growth mindset, and powerful teamwork skills.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

Work directly with the business units, cross-functional teams, plants, Technical SMEs and suppliers as the R&D platform manager to support strategy, manage projects, and direct developers.

Lead the resources and budgets for projects and initiatives within the category

Assist in scoping, prioritizing and executing specification work streams

Lead developers to design and implement work plans, analyze data, draw conclusions, document findings, present results, and complete work streams appropriately

Communicate regularly with the Business Unit R&D Leads and cross-functional partners

Ability to direct developers within workstreams

Interface with all related technical experts and internal category scientists to understand technologies and applications

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 and quality 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

Elevate the competence and know-how of junior developers through training, coaching, and external networking

Management of junior staff including creation of development plans, building teamwork, and balancing of workload to help deliver projects

Expected Experience & Required Skills

Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s is a plus) - Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, or related field

6 years of Product Development and commercialization experience within a CPG or equivalent

Ability to lead, coach, develop, and inspire others

Strong experience in R&D commercialization with a high degree of autonomy

Strong learning agility and ability to think on the fly

Ability to work effectively in a team environment, managing a complex network of stakeholders

Understanding of ingredient interactions/functionality

Self-motivated problem solver and critical thinker with the drive to deliver objectives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment

Manage multiple assignments/tasks concurrently with the ability to prioritize work for self and others

Experience across a broad range of food types, ingredients, formulations, and manufacturing processes desired but not a prerequisite

Understanding of Design of Experiments

Excellent verbal and written communication

Excellent influencing skills

Willingness to travel 30% pending business needs.  Travel could include (but not limited to): within United States and Canada to internal plants, co-manufacturers, and suppliers

Work Environment & Schedule

This position is considered a Normal office environment with moderate travel to customer locations, stores, manufacturing facilities, etc.; offices are open workspaces

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)

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.

About Kraft Heinz

Kraft Heinz

kraftheinzcompany.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for the Principal Scientist, R&D - Ingredient Development position at Kraft Heinz?

Use the Apply button above to submit your application directly to Kraft Heinz. Most applications take less than 5 minutes if your resume and contact details are ready, and you'll be routed to the employer's official application system to finish.

Where is the Principal Scientist, R&D - Ingredient Development position at Kraft Heinz located?

This position is based in Glenview. Kraft Heinz has not indicated remote or hybrid options for this role, so candidates should plan for on-site work.

What does a Principal Scientist, R&D - Ingredient Development at Kraft Heinz earn?

Kraft Heinz has not disclosed a salary range in this posting. Many employers share specifics later in the interview process; you can also ask during a recruiter screen if compensation transparency is important to you.

When was the Principal Scientist, R&D - Ingredient Development role at Kraft Heinz posted?

This role was posted on July 21, 2026 (2 days ago). It's still listed as actively hiring; we re-confirm openings against the source system multiple times per day and remove closed roles.