Associate Scientist, R&D, Packaging Dev

Associate Scientist, R&D - Packaging Development

The Kraft Heinz Away from Home R&D team is seeking an Associate Scientist, R&D – Packaging Development. This role supports development initiatives across innovation, renovation, and brand maintenance within our North American Away from Home business, while also leading lower-complexity projects. The position offers the opportunity to build technical packaging capability and leadership through close partnership with cross-functional teams and hands-on work that brings packaging solutions to market.

Key Responsibilities

• Support and lead packaging commercialization activities for new and renovated package launches from concept through implementation, including material specifications, trials and testing, technical drawings, artwork and graphics development, start-up procedures.
• Serve as a proactive technical resource by leading lower-complexity initiatives and supporting more complex projects.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to execute projects across innovation, renovation, sustainability, brand maintenance, cost optimization, and other strategic priorities.
• Assess project risks and feasibility to support sound technical decision-making.
• Design and execute plant trials across a range of products and packaging materials to advance project objectives.
• Develop and lead packaging performance testing and evaluations to ensure robust analysis of packaging variables.
• Write detailed technical trial plans, testing protocols, and summary reports.
• Create and maintain packaging specifications, manufacturing procedures, finished product specifications, and related database documentation.
• Manage multiple assignments simultaneously with supervisor guidance and possess the ability to prioritize between a variety of business initiatives.
• Apply scientific learning to new situations while demonstrating critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Foundational knowledge of packaging science, materials, and testing protocols.
• Understanding of packaging functionality and the interaction between packaging, product, and processing.
• Ability to work effectively in office, laboratory, and manufacturing environments.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Self-motivated approach, strong attention to detail, sense of urgency, and eagerness to learn.
• Willingness to travel 30% based on business needs, including visits to internal plants, co-manufacturers, suppliers, or other R&D sites.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging, Engineering, Material Science, or an adjacent technical discipline.
• Experience or strong interest in the food or consumer packaged goods industry.