Principal Scientist, R&D - Packaging Dev

Principal Scientist, Packaging Development 

Are you passionate about packaging innovation and excited to work on iconic brands? We’re looking for a Principal Scientist, Packaging Development to lead packaging development for the entertainment partnership within our Away From Home (AFH) business. 

In this role, you will drive packaging innovation across the Kraft Heinz Away From Home portfolio, with a special focus on a growing entertainment partnership. You’ll combine technical expertise, creative problem-solving, and strategic thinking to deliver packaging solutions that meet customer and business needs while performing within real-world operational constraints. 

You will lead work from concept through commercialization by identifying business needs, designing and executing tests, analyzing data, drawing conclusions, and translating insights into viable packaging solutions. This role requires strong scientific thinking, sound technical judgment, and the ability to apply prior learning to new challenges, including right-sizing, material simplification, and cost-optimized pack formats. 

Success in this role also depends on strong communication, cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, test-and-learn environment. You’ll work closely with agile, cross-functional teams to move projects forward quickly, adapt to changing customer needs, and deliver practical, manufacturable solutions. 

We’re looking for someone with a proven track record of building clear work plans, driving results, managing multiple priorities, and working autonomously.  

Role Impact: 

This role helps shape packaging solutions that enable key customer partnerships, drive growth, and deliver practical business impact across the AFH portfolio. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Serve as the packaging lead across multiple cross-functional projects and product categories, with an emphasis on solutions that meet customer requirements 

• Manage multiple assignments and research projects simultaneously while prioritizing across business needs, short timelines, and lean development cycles 

• Lead packaging testing, qualification, and commercialization in partnership with cross-functional teams across laboratory and production environments 

• Ensure packaging solutions are feasible and manufacturable, particularly for foodservice formats 

• Translate research findings and test results into clear business implications, including the “why” behind recommendations and the expected impact to the business 

• Apply scientific principles and prior learning to new products, formats, and technical challenges 

• Create and maintain specifications with strong attention to detail and accuracy 

• Lead, coach, and motivate others on the AFH Packaging team 

Qualifications: 

• BS or MS in Packaging, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field 

• Bachelor’s degree plus a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience, or master’s degree plus a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, or PhD plus a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience 

• Proven experience in packaging development and commercialization 

• Strong knowledge of packaging materials, equipment and material interactions, and packaging laboratory test methods 

• Excellent communication, influencing, and critical thinking skills 

• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and motivate others 

• Strong ability to manage multiple assignments concurrently and prioritize effectively 

• Willingness to travel up to 30%