Senior Principal Engineer – R&D, Packaging Process Development, Reliability Engineering

The Kraft Heinz Company

Senior Principal Engineer leading the digital transformation of Packaging Development at Kraft Heinz. Collaborating with cross-functional teams to implement cutting-edge technologies and methodologies.

Posted 5/8/2026full-timeGlenview • Illinois • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $120,800 - $151,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead and execute a comprehensive digital strategy and program to transform our approach to Packaging Development
Develop, pilot, and operationalize agentic AI systems and related data platforms that augment R&D Packaging Development capabilities
Work closely with cross-functional teams to implement digital twins at our manufacturing sites
Implementation of Methodology of Packaging Development frameworks
For critical systems, development of Transformation Flow Sheets, Process Capability and Reliability Engineering
Reduce development cycle time, reduce number of trials, enable vertical start-ups by shifting R&D from empirical, trial-heavy work to model-driven, data-anchored development
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.

Requirements

What you’ll need

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.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future
Wellbeing: 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

✓ Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools

digital strategyagentic AI systemsdata platformsdigital twinsPackaging Development frameworksTransformation Flow SheetsProcess Capability EngineeringReliability Engineeringmodel-driven developmenttechnical documentation

Soft Skills

cross-functional collaborationtraining developmentproject managementprioritizationcommunication