Principal Engineer – R&D, Design Engineering

The Kraft Heinz Company

Principal Engineer designing mechatronic systems to support food process and packaging development. Responsible for simulation, design, and testing of components and systems.

Posted 5/8/2026full-timeGlenview • Illinois • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $104,200 - $130,200 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

As a Principal Engineer, you will research, design and develop mechatronic systems and machine component designs in support of food process and packaging development projects.
Conduct FE and CAE simulations of food processing and packaging parts to evaluate design performance against known thermal, structural, fatigue and related engineering targets and specifications.
Participate in root cause investigations using CAE studies to identify and implement improvements and resolutions.
Perform basic computational engineering analyses (structural, thermal, fluid dynamics, design optimization, etc.) of food processing and packaging components.
Demonstrates creativity and ingenuity in applying engineering principles and practices.
Design and build functional prototypes, devices, packages and test beds per project needs through 3D printing (additive manufacturing) and conventional machining equipment such as CNC.
Assist Engineering Team in Design prototypes and feasibility models for proof-of-concept testing.
Originate specifications, drawings, control documents, verification and validation plans, procedures, reports, and other documentation in support of design and development activities.
Identify the best tools to effectively solve engineering problems and to develop/optimize designs by leveraging appropriate mix of first-principles, analytical, computational and experimental methods.
Generate robust functional and mechanical designs (systems, subsystem and components) by establishing design space with design options and tradeoffs, managing critical parameters, using design for manufacture principles as well as geometric dimensioning and tolerancing tools.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering required.
6 -8 years of CAE / FEA Engineering product, process and packaging simulation experience.
Familiar with 3D CAD solid modeling codes such as: SolidWorks, Abaqus, Catia, etc.
Multi material (plastic, paper, metal) parts design expertise along with excellent understanding of key unit operations in food processing and packaging.
Strength in scientific and engineering fundamentals based on first principles understanding including critical thinking and systematic problem-solving skills is an essential requirement to be successful in this position.
Mechanical aptitude in working with lab equipment, fixtures and measuring devices.
Outstanding collaborations skills.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple projects simultaneously.

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: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.
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

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

mechatronic systems designCAE simulationsFEA engineeringcomputational engineering analysis3D printingCNC machiningdesign optimizationgeometric dimensioning and tolerancingsolid modelingmulti material parts design

Soft Skills

creativityingenuitycritical thinkingsystematic problem-solvingcollaborationability to manage multiple projectsadaptabilitycommunicationteamworkattention to detail

Certifications

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering