R&D Specification Assistant

Job Purpose:

The R&D Specification Assistant supports product and/or packaging development by creating, reviewing, and maintaining technical specifications, including ingredients, formulas, packaging materials, and trade specifications. Working closely with R&D product and packaging developers, central specification governance teams, and external suppliers, this role ensures accurate data collection, validation, and maintenance within specification and project management systems. The technician contributes to the integrity and quality of materials and finished goods by maintaining data accuracy, supporting standardization, and ensuring compliance with internal quality and data governance standards.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Coordinate the completion, validation, and ongoing accuracy of specification data within PMIS (Packaging Material Information System).
• Coordinate the completion, validation, and ongoing accuracy of specification data within KHIC (Kraft Heinz Ingredient Questionnaire).
• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned suppliers responsible for completing PMIS and/or KHIC data. · Create, review, and validate ingredient, formula, packaging material, and trade specifications. · Create specification exceptions and route them through applicable specification and project-based systems.
• Manage versioning of trade specifications and validate existing specification information.
• Manage versioning of ingredient, formula, and/or packaging material specifications and validate existing information.
• Add or remove supplier facilities within material specifications as required.
• Collaborate with cross-functional specification technicians to ensure standardized processes and accurate data entry.
• Support the development of standard training procedures and documentation related to specification input and maintenance.
• Assist with onboarding and training of R&D developers on standardized specification processes.
• Communicate specification updates to R&D developers and cross-functional partners when changes may impact downstream systems, projects, or processes.

Expected Experience & Required Skills

• Associate's degree in related technical or scientific field, or high school diploma with 2–3 years of experience supporting specification management, data management, or project management systems.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and data entry within laboratory, inventory, or specification systems.
• Experience creating training materials, presentations, and/or instructional documentation.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to follow and apply standardized procedures.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including accurate data recording, reporting, and collaboration with technical and cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced technical environment.

Work Environment & Schedule

• Relocation & Sponsorship: This role is based onsite at the Kraft Heinz Innovation Center in Glenview, Illinois / Heinz Innovation Center in Warrendale, PA. Relocation assistance and work authorization sponsorship are not available for this position.
• Work hours: Occasional overtime may be required to support project timelines; however, regular overtime is expected to be minimal.
• Onsite & reliable transportation: This is a full‑time onsite position at the Kraft Heinz R&D Innovation Center in Glenview, IL / Heinz Innovation Center in Warrendale, PA. Reliable attendance and dependable transportation are required. R&D Assistants work on campus Monday through Friday, following a standard daytime schedule to support daily lab operations, sample preparation, equipment setup/readiness, and collaboration with R&D teams. Occasional flexibility may be needed for pilot plant runs or other project‑based activities within standard operational hours.

Compensation & Benefits Overview

• Hourly Pay: Starting at $28/hour, with final offer based on experience, skills, and internal equity.
• Benefits: We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes, but not limited to: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance, Health Reimbursement Account/Health Savings Account (HSA), Pet Insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Supplemental Life Insurance, and so much more!

Physical Requirements Physical demands include but are not limited to:

• Work is performed primarily in an office and/or R&D center environment, with routine use of computers, monitors, keyboards, and standa