Packaging R&D Co-op

  • All Posting Locations: Glenview, IL, US
  • Job Functions: Research & Development
  • Date Published: September 8, 2025
  • Ref#: R-96278

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An office with Kraft Heinz product images on the wall
a 4 pack of raspberry jell-o

About the Role

Job Description

About Kraft Heinz

Kraft Heinz is a global food company with a delicious heritage. With iconic and emerging food and beverage brands around the world, we deliver the best taste, fun and quality to every meal table we touch. We’re on a mission to disrupt not only our own business, but the global food industry. A consumer obsession and unexpected partnerships fuel our progress as we drive innovation across every part of our company.

Around the world, our people are connected by a culture of ownership, agility and endless curiosity. We also believe in being good humans, who are working to improve our company, communities, and planet. We’re proud of where we’ve been – and even more thrilled about where we’re headed – as we nourish the world and lead the future of food.

R&D – The Creators: Our R&D teams create high-quality products that push the boundaries of what’s possible. Innovation is what gets them up in the morning!

Job Description – Packaging Co-op Program

The Kraft Heinz Company is looking for Undergraduate students who want to have an all-inclusive Co-Op experience and learn all about the food and beverage industry.

As a Kraft Heinz Packaging Co-Op, you are hand-selected by our Packaging Leadership team to participate in a roughly 6-month immersive program. Instead of going on coffee runs and making copies, you’ll be seated at the table making critical decisions that will influence not only your team, but the overall achievement of Kraft Heinz’s mission.

During your program, you will join a cohort of other ambitious co-ops to learn directly from Kraft Heinz leaders, own your projects with tangible business results, and be immersed in ongoing learning opportunities and social events. At the program's conclusion, you will have the opportunity to present your project and results to the North American R&D Leadership Team. Our program’s goal is to build a pipeline for our direct-hire pool after graduation.

Dates: 

Spring Cohort: January – June

Fall Cohort: July – December

Co-Op Goals and Responsibilities:

  • Successfully complete real projects across different commercialization stages (initiation, development and/or launch). The projects will vary in complexity levels and give exposure to different packaging formats and materials
  • Form recommendations throughout projects by developing hypotheses, planning and executing test/trial procedures, analyzing data, and reporting results to cross-functional teams
  • Projects may be rooted in innovation, renovation, sustainability, productivity, operational efficiency, and/or quality improvement initiatives.
  • Potential for travel to manufacturing facilities, supplier locations, and offsite trainings
  • Actively pursue technical and business knowledge to understand the big picture of how the project impacts the business (understanding the ‘why’)

Example Project Types:

We are dedicated to providing an experience that allows for the co-ops to experience life at Kraft Heinz by giving them projects that are critical to their team’s success. Project examples include:

  • Qualification of new materials, molds, etc.
  • New primary and/or secondary packaging design, testing, and implementation
  • Development of packaging designs for customer-specific initiatives
  • Develop and execute testing procedures to evaluate product/package performance

You should join us at our table if:

  • You will be enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Science, Packaging Engineering and other related majors (i.e., Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Applied Engineering, etc.) during the co-op program
  • Will be in your Junior or Senior year of your degree program during the co-op program
  • Interested in gaining experience in the food or consumer products industry
  • Ability to work in office, lab, and manufacturing environments
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Highly motivated with a sense of urgency
  • Demonstrate a desire for constant learning
  • Willing to travel up to 30% depending on business needs  

Program Location(s)

Glenview, IL or Warrendale, PA R&D Centers

(Location preferences will be discussed during the interview process)

Housing: All co-ops will be provided furnished housing at a subsidized rate for the duration of their program.

Total Compensation: $24,000

Office Collaboration & Hybrid Work Environment

We believe our office environment fuels our collaboration, connection & community as an organization and allows our employees to grow toward greatness. We also believe providing a more flexible and agile model is essential in today’s workplace. Depending on role responsibilities and requires, you may be able to work virtually for up to two days each week and will be expected to work in-person at your assigned work location at least three days per workweek.

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.

This position and entry level positions candidates may be offered following this program are not eligible for Visa Sponsorship. Candidates must maintain legal authorization to work in the United States for the duration of the program and any subsequent employment with Kraft Heinz.

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, Recognition, Training

  • Emotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs

  • Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)

Glenview R&D Center, Heinz Innovation Center

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer that prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants who require an accommodation to participate in the job application or hiring process should contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com.

Digital at Kraft Heinz

The
Builders

Our Digital team empowers every aspect of our business.

Discovering what’s next in food using Python, Azure ML and Alteryx. Building and designing apps. Improving our supply chain.

We’re bringing agility to beloved brands across the globe — making life delicious for our customers and communities, today and tomorrow.

A group of people sitting around a laptop
a jar of Kraft Crunchy Peanut Butter

HR at Kraft Heinz

The
Facilitators

People are what makes Kraft Heinz great. Today. And tomorrow.

In Human Resources, we’re finding and developing great talent to continue our legacy. We’re here for every colleague, for their performance and their wellbeing.

Together, we’re helping everyone to grow their own way.

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a jar of Heinz Garlic Sauce

Manufacturing at Kraft Heinz

The
Makers

Our Manufacturing team is a fully-integrated end-to-end supply chain. We’re the backbone of Kraft Heinz. The people behind the products, delivering the highest quality and value.

Whether you’re a seasoned manufacturing veteran or new to the world of plants, there’s tons of opportunity for career growth and development.

NEED ALT
a squeeze bottle of Wattie's Steak Sauce

Marketing at Kraft Heinz

The
Strategizers

Our Marketing team are the voice of our consumers. Connecting the right people, to the right products, with the right messages and campaigns.

We’re the architects of category growth, making sure our brands are front and center — winning the battle for attention in the minds of people everywhere.

A group of people sitting around a table with a laptop.
a package of Maxwell House Vanilla Iced Latte foam

R&D at Kraft Heinz

The
Creators

Our Research and Development team creates high-quality products that push the boundaries of what’s possible. Innovation is what gets us up in the morning!

Whether you want to develop your technical skills or grow as a people manager, there’s a place for you here to advance your career.

NEED ALT
a box of Delimex Chicken Taquitos

Sales at Kraft Heinz

The
Connectors

Our Sales team drives multibillion dollar distribution strategies. And we do this across channels and across the whole world!

We thrive wherever consumers can meet iconic and innovative brands — in retail, on-trade, and B2B. We’re the closest people to our customers, getting our products to the right people, in the right places.

Man smiling and sitting at a table
a package of Heinz by Nature tomato mozarella pasta
Collage of Traci

Hear from
our people

“Kraft Heinz doesn’t just talk about their values, they live it every day.”

Traci
Senior Customer Sales Manager

Collage of photos of Michael

Hear from
our people

“The best is yet to come at Kraft Heinz. I’ve experienced the launch of a new purpose, new vision and values. Now I’m seeing all of those things truly take shape and that is very exciting.”

Michael
Associate Director Pension

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Hear from
our people

“The best thing about working at Kraft Heinz are the benefits and opportunities for growth and career development.”

Manetta
Talent acquisition Specialist

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About Us

Kraft Heinz is a global food company with a delicious heritage.  Our emerging and iconic food and beverage brands deliver the best taste, fun, and quality to every table we touch. Worldwide.

We’re on a mission to disrupt not only our own business, but the global food industry. Consumer obsession and unexpected partnerships fuel our progress. As we drive innovation company-wide.

Our people are connected by a culture of ownership, agility and endless curiosity. We believe in being good humans — working to improve our company, communities, and planet.

We’re proud of where we’ve been and even more thrilled about where we’re headed as we nourish the world and lead the future of food.

Why Us

We grow our people to grow our business. We champion great people who bring ambition, curiosity, and high performance to the table as the guardians of our iconic and nostalgic brands.

Good isn’t good enough. We choose greatness every day by making bold decisions and challenging what’s ordinary. All while celebrating our wins – and failures – as we work together to transform the future of food.

An office with Kraft Heinz product images on the wall