Sr Principal Scientist, R&D - Analytical Science

Job Description

Role 
This role serves as Kraft Heinz’s subject matter expert in soft matter, rheology, and food materials science across complex formulated food systems. The scientist in this role will build understanding of how structure, processing, and material behavior influence texture, stability, shelf life, and sensory experience, translating first principles into practical formulation guidance and predictive tools. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead scientific understanding of soft matter in food systems, including emulsions, gels, foams, suspensions, colloids, polymers, and other multiphase systems relevant to product performance 

• Apply rheology, tribology, food physics, and related material science principles to improve texture, stability, processability, and sensory performance across food and beverage applications 

• Develop predictive models and scientific frameworks that connect formulation, structure, and processing conditions to product functionality and shelf-life outcomes 

• Translate insights into functional guidance for formulation design, ingredient selection, and process optimization 

• Partner cross-functionally with ingredient, flavor, process engineering, and sensory teams to solve complex product and technology challenges 

• Provide scientific leadership within a broader soft matter and food physics context, ensuring these capabilities support enterprise needs without duplicating existing platform ownership 

• Mentor scientists and help build enterprise capability in rheology, food physics, and predictive formulation science 

Required Qualifications 

• Master’s or PhD in Materials Science, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Food Science, or a related field 

• 10+ years of experience applying rheology and soft matter or materials science to complex formulated systems 

• Deep expertise in rheology, food physical characterization, and structure-function relationships in multiphase systems 

• Strong ability to translate fundamental science into practical product and process decisions 

• Proven scientific leadership and cross-functional influence 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience with food systems such as sauces, dairy, beverages, gels, or powders 

• Familiarity with sensory science, consumer research, or tribology-mouthfeel linkages 

• Experience building predictive models based on structure or rheology 

• Collaboration with external research or academic partners 

• Recognized thought leadership through publications, patents, or invited talks 

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:

$120,800.00 - $151,000.00

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, a