Principal Engineer, R&D – E2E Complex Processing Project Delivery

The Kraft Heinz Company

Principal Engineer leading end-to-end projects in complex processing for Kraft Heinz. Focusing on execution and technical delivery from concept to commercialization.

Posted 5/1/2026full-timeGlenview • Illinois • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $104,200 - $130,200 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

ERP

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

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

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or Food Engineering or related discipline required; advanced degree (MS / PhD) preferred
4 - 6+ years of experience in R&D or Engineering roles within consumer goods, food & beverage, pharma, or a similar industry
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 10 to 15% of the time

Benefits

Comp & perks

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
Wellbeing programs that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families
Paid Time Off
Company Holidays
Leave of Absence
Flexible Work Arrangements
Employee Assistance Program
401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

emulsions processingshear processingfermentationextrusionthermal processingvalidationaerationdryingpowder mixingprocessing commercialization tools

Soft Skills

project managementtechnical communicationmentoringcollaborationproblem-solvingrisk managementsynthesis of complex datacapability developmentcost optimizationvalue engineering