Principal Engineer, R&D Process Technology

As a Principal Engineer on the Process Technology group within R&D Central Processing you will serve as a deep technical processing expert responsible for exploring and developing new process technologies building our internal processing capabilities and hands-on execution of complex high-impact processing projects from concept through commercialization. You will own the technical delivery of assigned initiatives partnering closely with cross-functional stakeholders to translate processing concepts into manufacturable Right-First-Time solutions. This role prioritizes technical rigor executional excellence and applied engineering expertise over portfolio strategy or people management.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Identify evaluate and prioritize emerging process technologies (equipment automation digital etc) aligned to business needs.
• Develop scale up strategies from prototyping to pilot plant and right the first time commercialization to drive optimal project execution.
• Execute end-to-end technical delivery across assigned complex processing projects including technical briefing concept development technical design learning plans pilot runs capital design and commercialization handover to Operations/Supply Chain.
• Develop and maintain detailed technical documentation including Manufacturing Procedure Specifications Transformation Flowsheets and Process Design Scopes ensuring processing parameters meet defined quality shelf-life consumer experience and manufacturing performance requirements.
• Apply processing commercialization tools (CQV FMEA CPRA) to systematically identify and mitigate technical risks drive design decisions and ensure Right-First-Time launch readiness.
• Partner with Platform R&D GDI R&D Packaging R&D Quality Operations and external suppliers to define processing requirements and success criteria resolve technical trade-offs and maintain project timelines and milestones.
• Lead and support pilot line trials and scale-up activities translating learnings into robust commercial processing solutions.
• Contribute to STAR and Tech Review Board processes preparing and presenting technical content that clearly communicates design rationale risk status and commercialization readiness.
• Maintain compliance with all regulatory and safety requirements throughout project execution.
• Support cost optimization and value engineering efforts that improve margin sustainability and reinvestment priorities.
• Serve as an informal technical mentor to junior processing engineers on the team sharing applied expertise and supporting capability development.

Key Outputs & Deliverables

• Deliver successful technical execution across concurrent complex processing projects within innovation and platform portfolios meeting committed timelines budgets and technical performance targets.
• Achieve and sustain >95% Right-First-Time (RTF) launches across assigned projects ensuring processing solutions meet manufacturability quality regulatory and supply chain readiness criteria at first commercial production.
• Produce high-quality processing technical deliverables including Manufacturing Procedure Specifications Transformation Flowsheets Process Design Scopes FMEAs and CQV documentation that meet enterprise engineering standards.
• Generate clear data-driven technical recommendations and risk assessments that enable informed go/no-go decisions at governance milestones.
• Contribute to team capability by sharing technical learnings best practices and processing expertise across the broader E2E projects organization.

Expected Experience & Required Skills

• BS/MS/PhD degree in Chemical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Industrial Engineering or related discipline.
• Minimum 6 years of experience in R&D or Engineering roles within consumer goods food & beverage pharma or a similar industry (5 years with a Masters or 4 years with a PhD) demonstrating increasing scope of responsibility.
• Demonstrated experience in emulsions / shear processing fermentation extrusion thermal processing & validation aeration drying or powder mixing preferred.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience executing end-to-end processing development projects including pilot trials and scale-up to industrial production.
• Strong applied knowledge of processing commercialization tools including CQV FMEA CPRA Process Design Scopes and Transformation Flowsheets.
• Solid project management skills with experience maintaining detailed project plans schedules and risk logs on multi-stakeholder initiatives.
• Proficiency with project tools (MS Project Smartsheet Jira or equivalent) advanced Excel skills; familiarity with ERP systems (SAP).
• Strong technical communication skills with the ability to synthesize complex processing data into clear recommendations for cross-functional audiences.
• Experience with pilot line setup scale-up and industrial production launches including multi-site experience preferred.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% of the time.

Work Environment & Schedule

This position operates primarily in a hybrid work environment and is based at the Kraft Heinz R&D Innovation Center in Glenview IL. Our hybrid model provides flexibility based on business needs allowing employees to work virtually up to two days per week with an expectation to work on-site at least three days per week at the Glenview Innovation Center.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain all duties or responsibilities that are required of the 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:

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 candidates 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 savingfor the future we offer plans tailored to meet you and your familys needs. Coveragefor 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 aphysical social emotional and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.

Youll 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 401kLife Accidental Death & Dismemberment Disability

Location(s)

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 for assistance.