Principal Sci, R&D - Packaging Equipment Design

Job Description

At Kraft Heinz, we are passionate about revolutionizing the food industry through our iconic brands, talented people, and commitment to quality. We are seeking a Packaging Equipment Design Lead to join our R&D Process Technology Group and drive step-change innovation.

This is a Research and Development (R&D) Packaging Equipment Design role in the North American Process Technology Group.  This position will drive packaging equipment optimization and technology advancements unlocking efficiencies and capacity, resolving service and quality challenges, and enabling growth & ESG initiatives.

In this role, you will:

• Lead end-to-end packaging equipment projects - from scouting emerging technologies, demonstrating feasibility, piloting and optimizing solutions to ultimately support full-scale implementation.
• Partner with operations, engineering, packaging development, suppliers, and other stakeholders to identify packaging innovation opportunities that enhance quality, efficiency, capacity, and sustainability.
• Provide technical guidance and design standards to enable consistent execution across facilities.
• Manage multiple assignments concurrently prioritizing initiatives with high degree of autonomy. 
• Act as the resident expert on packaging equipment and materials developing process design scopes and specifications. Coach and mentor teams on capabilities and modifications.
• Manage capital budgeting and approval processes for packaging initiatives.
• Travel ~25% to lead on-site trials and provide hands-on support during rollout.

To be successful in this role, you bring:

• BS/MS in Packaging Engineering, Material Science or related field.
• 10+ years hands-on experience in packaging innovation, equipment design, and optimization.
• Deep expertise in food manufacturing equipment, packaging materials, and interactions.
• Demonstrated project management, problem-solving, continuous improvement, and influencing skills.
• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives from end-to-end.
• Strong communication and relationship building abilities.
• Passion for coaching others and enabling their success.

This is an opportunity to drive tangible impact on Kraft Heinz's strategic priorities in an autonomous, fast-paced environment. You will build new capabilities and processes to set up our packaging technologies for continued innovation and leadership.

Please note: This job posting is just a preview of the full scope of the position. A comprehensive job description is shared upon interview.

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Location(s)

Glenview R&D 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 NATAI@kraftheinz.com .