As the Packaging Materials Engineer , you will support the development and advancement of flexible film and paper packa ging material solutions for the North American portfolio. The objective of the role is to identify , develop, evaluate, and validate material technologies that meet functional performance, manufacturability, cost, and sustainability requirements while supporting innovation, compliance, and value e n gineering initiatives. You will partner with Innovation, Process, and Platform packaging teams and cross-functional stakeholders to translate technical and sustainability requirements into commercially manufacturable solutions, supporting proof of concept, scale-up activities, and transition to business units.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
Support coordination of external partnerships across the value chain (e.g., resin, coating, material suppliers; universities; institutes; start-ups; open innovation networks; scouting partners) by managing technical communication, sample/testing plans, and data exchange under guidance.
Ensure packaging material/design decisions align with enterprise standards, manufacturability needs, sustainability requirements, and platform direction by applying standard methods and escalating risks/constraints.
Apply Design of Experiments (DoE), statistics, and structured technical problem-solving practices to research, development, and validation work.
Contribute to technical documentation and knowledge sharing (e.g., summaries, test reports, learnings) to support team capability-building and consistency.
Partner with cross-functional stakeholders (e.g., Innovation, Process, Platform Packaging) to translate requirements into testable material/package options and to support handover to business units.
Key Outputs & Deliverables
Deliver technical work products (e.g., test plans, prototypes, validation results, recommendations) that support flexible film and paper packaging projects from concept through proof of concept and handover , meeting agreed timelines and technical performance targets.
Contribute to packaging designs delivered to Performance-Based Specifications (PBS) to meet defined functional, quality, shelf-life, consumer experience, and manufacturing performance outcomes.
Expected Experience & Required Skills
Demonstrated ability to support end-to-end development activities (planning tests, executing experiments, analyzing results, documenting recommendations) and coordinat ing with cross-functional stakeholders.
Technical knowledge of materials ( films, paper , barriers , coatings, sealants and additives, etc.) and manufacturing constraints , including converting processes (e.g., extrusion lamination, adhesive lamination, sealing, pouch forming , form-fill-seal, etc ) .
Working knowledge of project execution practices (e.g., timelines, risk identification, stakeholder updates) and ability to manage assigned deliverables.
Work Environment & Schedule
This position operates primarily in a hybrid work environment and is based at the Kraft Heinz R&D Innovation Center in Glenview, IL. Our hybrid model provides flexibility based on business needs, allowing employees to work virtually up to two days per week, with an expectation to work on-site at least three days per week at the Glenview Innovation Center (Chicago, IL).
Physical demands include but not limited to
This job description is not designed to cover or contain all duties or responsibilities that are required of the role. Duties or responsibilities may change or be added with or without notice.
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:
$89,800.00 - $112,200.00
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
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 [email protected] for assistance.
