Sr. Principal Engineer, R&D – Packaging Process Development & Reliability Engineering​ at Kraft Heinz

Job Description

Job Purpose

As the Senior Principal Engineer, you will lead and execute a comprehensive digital strategy and program to transform our approach to Packaging Development. You will develop, pilot, and operationalize agentic AI systems and related data platforms that augment R&D Packaging Development capabilities. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to implement digital twins at our manufacturing sites. This role will also encompass implementation of Methodology of Packaging Development frameworks and, for critical systems, development of Transformation Flow Sheets, Process Capability and Reliability Engineering. This will reduce development cycle time, reduce number of trials, and enable vertical start-ups by shifting R&D from empirical, trial-heavy work to model-driven, data-anchored development. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced and technical Packaging Development engineer to shape the future of our organization in the digital age.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of Packaging Engineering principles and its application in solving complex problems

• Establish best practices and training in digital tools and technologies. Starting with the adoption of a Methodology of Process Development and culminating in the implementation of digital tools for a simulation and modeling platform, data analytics, virtual testing, digital twins, CAE, etc.

• Build technical models that can be used by the project teams to explain the technology, outline the technical thinking, and/or predict the outcome.

• Lead & support packaging development through all scales for NPD initiatives. Design and execute robust product experimental designs at all levels (lab, pilot plant and production facility).

• Interface with R&D for pilot and other scale up activities, packaging material and technology development and subsequent packaging engineering.

• Develop & provide training for technical documentation: ex: Packaging Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), heat and material balances, FMEA, Risk Analysis, Transformation Flowsheets, etc.

• Study packaging alternatives and develop preliminary cost analysis

• Partner with analytical team to develop methodology and analyze data for key material and physical properties

• Manage the complexity in food and beverage packaging systems involving physical and chemical change, involving many time and length scales.

• Apply fundamentals of flexible and rigid packaging processes (ex: VFFS, blow and injection molding, fiber-based technology, secondary and tertiary packaging, etc.) to develop innovative & functional foods and beverages packages.

• Stay abreast with technical & engineering advances within food & beverage and adjacent industries and reapply towards food innovation through iterative experimentations and reduction to practice.

• Develop IP protection for the solutions to the most important Innovation challenges

Expected Experience & Required Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Mechatronics, Material Science or related field required

• Experience in Packaging Development digital transformation in the CPG industry (Food CPG preferred)

• Strong understanding and experience with digital tools and technologies, such as AI, Smart Sensors, Modeling and Simulation, and Digital Twins.

• 8-10 years of experience in R&D, packaging materials and scale-up, pilot plant and plant operations

• Demonstrated systems engineering project experience

• Knowledge of design for manufacturing applied to packages and packaging components

• Manage multiple assignments/tasks concurrently with ability to prioritize work.

• Knowledge of IP strategy, secure data handling, and regulatory requirements relevant to the Food industry.

Work Environment

This position is considered a Normal office environment with moderate travel to customer locations, stores, manufacturing facilities, etc.; offices are open workspaces

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, 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

[NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com](mailto: NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com)for assistance.