Enter a job title or keyword

Principal Scientist, R&D Ingredient Development

Kraft Heinz


Job Location:

Glenview, IL - USA

Monthly Salary: $ 104200 - 130200
Posted: 30 June 2026 (30+ days ago)
Application Deadline: 20 October 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Job Description

Principal Scientist R&D - Ingredient Development

Job Purpose

This Principal ScientistR&D role will manageKraft HeinzIngredient SpecificationStrengthening across allcategories and brands and lead a team of developers to drive our core business.This roleinterfaces directly withthe business and offers the ability to lead technically challenging projects and initiativessupportingproductivity growth renovation and brand maintenance. Success in the role requiresstrongcross-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 scienceorengineeringdemonstratedstrength in the commercialization process proven ability to design product/ingredienttesting at plant scale a growth mindset and powerful teamwork skills.

EssentialFunctions &Responsibilities

  • Work directly with the business units cross-functional teams plantsTechnicalSMEsandsuppliers as the R&Dplatformmanager tosupport strategymanage projectsand direct developers.

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

  • Assistin scopingprioritizingandexecutingspecification work streams

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

  • Communicate regularly with the Business Unit R&D Leadsand cross-functional partners

  • Ability to direct developerswithinworkstreams

  • 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 andtimelycommunication complete risk assessments raise issues and develop contingency plansdemonstratingstrong project management skills

  • Elevate the competence andknow-howof 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

  • Bachelors Degree (Mastersis a plus) - Food Science Food Engineering Chemical Engineering Biological Engineering Chemistry Biochemistry Microbiology or related field

  • 6years 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 deliverobjectivesin 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 offood typesingredients 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 aNormal 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:

$104200.00 - $130200.00

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 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)

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 for assistance.


Required Experience:

Staff IC


About Company

Company Logo

For 150 years, we have produced some of the world's most beloved products at The Kraft Heinz Company (NASDAQ: KHC). Our Vision is To Be the Best Food Company, Growing a Better World. We are one of the largest global food and beverage companies, with 2018 net sales of approximately $26 ... View more

View Profile View Profile