Principal Engineer, R&D - Process Technology

Job Description As a Principal Engineer on the Process Technology group within R&D Central Processing, you will serve as a deep technical processing expert responsible for exploring and developing new process technologies, building our internal processing capabilities, and hands-on execution of complex, high-impact processing projects from concept through commercialization.

You will own the technical delivery of assigned initiatives, partnering closely with cross-functional stakeholders to translate processing concepts into manufacturable, Right-First-Time solutions. This role prioritizes technical rigor, executional excellence, and applied engineering expertise over portfolio strategy or people management.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities Identify, evaluate, and prioritize emerging process technologies (equipment, automation, digital, etc) aligned to business needs. Develop scale up strategies from prototyping, to pilot plant, and right the first time commercialization to drive optimal project execution. Execute end-to-end technical delivery across assigned complex processing projects, including technical briefing, concept development, technical design, learning plans, pilot runs, capital design, and commercialization handover to Operations/Supply Chain.

Develop and maintain detailed technical documentation including Manufacturing Procedure Specifications, Transformation Flowsheets, and Process Design Scopes, ensuring processing parameters meet defined quality, shelf-life, consumer experience, and manufacturing performance requirements. Apply processing commercialization tools (CQV, FMEA, CPRA) to systematically identify and mitigate technical risks, drive design decisions, and ensure Right-First-Time launch readiness.

Partner with Platform R&D, GDI R&D, Packaging R&D, Quality, Operations, and external suppliers to define processing requirements and success criteria, resolve technical trade-offs, and maintain project timelines and milestones. Lead and support pilot line trials and scale-up activities, translating learnings into robust commercial processing solutions.

Contribute to STAR and Tech Review Board processes, preparing and presenting technical content that clearly communicates design rationale, risk status, and commercialization readiness. Maintain compliance with all regulatory and safety requirements throughout project execution. Support cost optimization and value engineering efforts that improve margin, sustainability, and reinvestment priorities.

Serve as an informal technical mentor to junior processing engineers on the team, sharing applied expertise and supporting capability development. Key Outputs & Deliverables Deliver successful technical execution across concurrent complex processing projects within innovation and platform portfolios, meeting committed timelines, budgets, and technical performance targets.

Achieve and sustain >95% Right-First-Time (RTF) launches across assigned projects, ensuring processing solutions meet manufacturability, quality, regulatory, and supply chain readiness criteria at first commercial production. Produce high-quality processing technical deliverables - including Manufacturing Procedure Specifications, Transformation Flowsheets, Process Design Scopes, FMEAs, and CQV documentation - that meet enterprise engineering standards.

Generate clear, data-driven technical recommendations and risk assessments that enable informed go/no-go decisions at governance milestones. Contribute to team capability by sharing technical learnings, best practices, and processing expertise across the broader E2E projects organization. Expected Experience & Required Skills BS/MS/PhD degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related discipline.

Minimum 6 years of experience in R&D or Engineering roles within consumer goods, food & beverage, pharma, or a similar industry (5 years with a Master's or 4 years with a PhD) demonstrating increasing scope of responsibility. Demonstrated experience in emulsions / shear processing, fermentation, extrusion, thermal processing & validation, aeration, drying, or powder mixing preferred.

Demonstrated hands-on experience executing end-to-end processing development projects, including pilot trials and scale-up to industrial production. Strong applied knowledge of processing commercialization tools including CQV, FMEA, CPRA, Process Design Scopes, and Transformation Flowsheets. Solid project management skills, with experience maintaining detailed project plans, schedules, and risk logs on multi-stakeholder initiatives.

Proficiency with project tools (MS Project, Smartsheet, Jira, or equivalent), advanced Excel skills; familiarity with ERP systems (SAP). Strong technical communication skills with the ability to synthesize complex processing data into clear recommendations for cross-functional audiences. Experience with pilot line setup, scale-up, and industrial production launches, including multi-site experience preferred.

Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% of the time. 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.

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: $104,200.00 - $130,200.00 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 NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com for assistance.

ABOUT US Kraft Heinz is a global food company with a delicious heritage. With iconic and emerging food and beverage brands around the world, we deliver the best taste, fun and quality to every meal table we touch. We're on a mission to disrupt not only our own business, but the global food industry.

A consumer obsession and unexpected partnerships fuel our progress as we drive innovation across every part of our company. Around the world, our people are connected by a culture of ownership, agility and endless curiosity. We also believe in being good humans, who are working to improve our company, communities, and planet.

We're proud of where we've been - and even more thrilled about where we're headed - as we nourish the world and lead the future of food. WHY US We grow our people to grow our business. We champion great people who bring ambition, curiosity, and high performance to the table as the guardians of our beloved and nostalgic brands.

Good isn't good enough. We choose greatness every day by challenging the ordinary and making bold decisions. All while celebrating our wins - and our failures - as we work together to lead the future of food.

Challenging the status quo takes talent. We invest in your purpose and potential by developing skills and nurturing strengths that leave a legacy on our business and a lasting impact on your career. Because great people make great companies, and we're growing something great here at Kraft Heinz.

INCLUSION MATTERS TO US Everyone is welcome at our table. In fact, we thrive on learning and growing from our diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Doesn't matter who you are, where you're from, or who makes your heart sing.

We want you to show up as your authentic self, excited to work with amazing colleagues to solve complex challenges and innovate in an ever-changing industry. We're committed to: Hiring and growing talent from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Growing our Business Resource Groups - vibrant, celebrated communities that enhance our business through thought leadership employee engagement and professional development opportunities.

Providing our managers and leaders high quality learning experiences to explore how to foster inclusion and belonging.