Sr Scientist, R&D - Packaging Lab

Job Description

Job Purpose  

​​As the Senior Scientist for the R&D Packaging Lab at Kraft Heinz, you will coordinate the scheduling and planning of 3 to 4 lab assistants and monthly distribution testing, to meet weekly lab requests.  In addition, you will train team and support packaging development and innovation activities by performing hands-on laboratory preparation, sample handling, testing, and documentation. You will be responsible for managing the lab daily activities, equipment calibration and maintenance.  This role works closely with food scientists and product/packaging developers to ensure accurate execution of package testing, data collection, and maintenance of a safe, organized lab environment. The technician contributes to the development and refinement of packages through consistent application of protocols, quality standards, and operational excellence. ​  

Essential Functions & Responsibilities  

• ​​Coordinate and schedule all lab assistant workflows and all distribution testing 

• ​Monitor Lab Assistants activities, testing and reporting, providing direction, coaching as needed, ensuring accuracy and executional excellence 

• ​Develop package testing reporting templates and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) 

• ​Identify opportunities for new/different/upgraded equipment to meet packaging community technical needs and customize protocols for Kraft Heinz 

• ​Maintain calibration schedule and coordinate repairs of equipment with internal maintenance or external equipment vendors, writing and tracking Purchase Orders and coordination of equipment shipping 

• ​Be fully trained and train lab assistants and developers on package testing equipment, referring to both ASTM, ISTA and internal test methods and safety protocols and certifications where needed 

• ​Conduct routine laboratory testing (including full ISTA 3E pallet testing, materials testing) measurements, evaluations, package inspections; accurately recording observations, with pictures and data and outputs from packaging equipment (e.g. top load graphs and raw data) with data