Associate Scientist, R&D – Product Development

  • All Posting Locations: Glenview, IL, US
  • Job Functions: Research & Development
  • Date Published: August 20, 2025
  • Ref#: R-95812

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About the Role

Job Description

Associate Scientist, R&D – Product Development 

This is a Research and Development (R&D) role covering project initiatives across our NA Platforms. The candidate will be an R&D resource for technical projects to meet business initiatives focused on growth, brand maintenance, productivity, and quality improvement. This candidate should have experience developing and executing work plans and driving for results in a variety of challenging and complex settings. This role is responsible for the design and execution of product testing, analyzing data, drawing and documenting conclusions, communicating results, and product commercialization.  Proven communication and teamwork skills are essential in this role, which operates in a dynamic cross-functional environment. This position requires an individual to manage multiple assignments/tasks and timelines concurrently. 

Responsibilities  

  • Work directly with the Business Unit, cross-functional team, plants, and vendors as an R&D project leader to develop and launch new products and renovations 

  • Responsible for commercialization of new and reformulated products and successful transition from development to operations 

  • Conduct risk and feasibility assessments on all projects 

  • Create and edit formulas, processing procedures and finished product specifications 

  • Research and incorporate new flavors, ingredients and processes into new product ideas 

  • Execute benchtop, pilot plant and plant trials to support project goals 

  • Coordinate with cross-functional teammates to organize product tastings and sensory evaluations 

  • Manage multiple assignments/research projects concurrently and possess the ability to prioritize between a variety of business initiatives 

  • Adapt and apply scientific principles to new situations/products, exhibit critical thinking and problem-solving skills 

Qualifications: 

  • BS/MS degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Microbiology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Life Sciences, or related field 

  • Educational research & hands-on knowledge of consumer goods, food chemistry, analytical testing, formulations, and processing used in food manufacturing. 

  • Understanding of ingredient functionality and interrelationship of ingredients, process, and packaging 

  • Experience across a broad range of cheese and dairy ingredients, formulations, and manufacturing processes desired, but is not a prerequisite. 

  • Good communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills 

  • Self-starter with attention to detail and a passion to learn 

  • Willingness to travel 30% 

Scientifique associée, R-D – Développement de produits

Il s'agit d'un rôle de recherche et développement (R-D) couvrant les initiatives de projet dans nos plateformes NA. Le candidat sera une ressource de R-D pour des projets techniques visant à répondre à des initiatives commerciales axées sur la croissance, le maintien de la marque, la productivité et l'amélioration de la qualité. Ce candidat doit avoir de l'expérience dans l'élaboration et l'exécution de plans de travail et la conduite pour obtenir des résultats dans une variété de contextes difficiles et complexes. Ce rôle est responsable de la conception et de l'exécution des essais de produits, de l'analyse des données, de l'établissement et de la documentation des conclusions, de la communication des résultats et de la commercialisation des produits. Des compétences éprouvées en communication et en travail d'équipe sont essentielles dans ce rôle, qui évolue dans un environnement interfonctionnel dynamique. Ce poste exige qu'une personne gère plusieurs affectations/tâches et échéanciers simultanément.

Responsabilités

· Travailler directement avec l'unité d'affaires, l'équipe interfonctionnelle, les usines et les fournisseurs en tant que chef de projet de R-D pour développer et lancer de nouveaux produits et des rénovations

· Responsable de la commercialisation de produits nouveaux et reformulés et de la transition réussie du développement à l'exploitation

· Effectuer des évaluations des risques et de la faisabilité de tous les projets

· Créer et modifier des formules, des procédures de transformation et des spécifications de produits finis

· Rechercher et intégrer de nouvelles saveurs, ingrédients et procédés dans de nouvelles idées de produits

· Effectuer des essais de paillasse, d'usine pilote et d'usine pour atteindre les objectifs du projet.

· Coordonner avec les coéquipiers interfonctionnels pour organiser des dégustations de produits et des évaluations sensorielles

· Gérer plusieurs affectations ou projets de recherche simultanément et posséder la capacité de prioriser entre une variété d'initiatives opérationnelles

· Adapter et appliquer les principes scientifiques à de nouvelles situations et à de nouveaux produits, faire preuve de pensée critique et de résolution de problèmes.

Qualifications requises :

· B.A./M.S. en sciences alimentaires, génie alimentaire, génie chimique, microbiologie, chimie, biochimie, sciences de la vie ou domaine connexe

· Recherche pédagogique et connaissance pratique des biens de consommation, de la chimie des aliments, des tests analytiques, des formulations et de la transformation utilisés dans la fabrication des aliments.

· Compréhension de la fonctionnalité des ingrédients et de l'interrelation entre les ingrédients, le processus et l'emballage

· Une expérience dans une large gamme d'ingrédients de fromage et de produits laitiers, de formulations et de procédés de fabrication est souhaitée, mais n'est pas une condition préalable.

· Bonnes compétences en communication, en pensée critique et en résolution de problèmes

· Esprit d'initiative avec le souci du détail et la passion d'apprendre

· Volonté de voyager 30

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:

$68,900.00 – $86,100.00

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, Mt Royal Plant

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.

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.

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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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

Traci
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“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.”

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

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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.

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