Associate Scientist, R&D - Product Development

Job Description
This is a Research and Development (R&D) role covering project initiatives across our NA Platforms. The candidate will be an R&D resource for technical projects to meet business initiatives focused on growth, brand maintenance, productivity, and quality improvement. This candidate should have experience developing and executing work plans and driving for results in a variety of challenging and complex settings. This role is responsible for the design and execution of product testing, analyzing data, drawing and documenting conclusions, communicating results, and product commercialization. Proven communication and teamwork skills are essential in this role, which operates in a dynamic cross-functional environment. This position requires an individual to manage multiple assignments/tasks and timelines concurrently.
Responsibilities
• Work directly with the Business Unit, cross-functional team, plants, and vendors as an R&D project leader to develop and launch new products and renovations
• Responsible for commercialization of new and reformulated products and successful transition from development to operations
• Conduct risk and feasibility assessments on all projects
• Create and edit formulas, processing procedures and finished product specifications
• Research and incorporate new flavors, ingredients and processes into new product ideas
• Execute benchtop, pilot plant and plant trials to support project goals
• Coordinate with cross-functional teammates to organize product tastings and sensory evaluations
• Manage multiple assignments/research projects concurrently and possess the ability to prioritize between a variety of business initiatives
• Adapt and apply scientific principles to new situations/products, exhibit critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Qualifications:
• BS/MS degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Microbiology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Life Sciences, or related field
• Educational research & hands-on knowledge of consumer goods, food chemistry, analytical testing, formulations, and processing used in food manufacturing.
• Understanding of ingredient functionality and interrelationship of ingredients, process, and packaging
• Experience across a broad range of cheese and dairy ingredients, formulations, and manufacturing processes desired, but is not a prerequisite.
• Good communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Self-starter with attention to detail and a passion to learn
• Willingness to travel 30% pending business needs
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 [email protected] .