Packaging R&D Engineer Jobs
Packaging R&D Engineer jobs are open across consumer goods, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and industrial manufacturing, from entry-level to senior and principal, with specializations in materials science, sustainable packaging design, and testing and validation. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Job Description
Job Purpose:
The Kraft Heinz Away from Home R&D team is seeking a Scientist, R&D – Packaging Development. This role leads packaging development initiatives across innovation, renovation, and brand maintenance within our North American Away from Home business, while independently managing projects of greater scope and complexity. The position offers the opportunity to deepen technical packaging expertise, lead commercialization work end to end, and influence cross-functional teams to bring packaging solutions to market.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities:
- Lead packaging commercialization activities for new and renovated package launches from concept through implementation, including material specifications, trials and testing, technical drawings, artwork and graphics development, start-up procedures
- Independently lead packaging development projects across multiple brands and business priorities, managing broader scope and complexity
- Serve as the packaging technical lead on assigned projects, driving alignment and execution across cross-functional teams
- Partner with cross-functional teams to execute projects across innovation, renovation, sustainability, brand maintenance, cost optimization, and other strategic priorities
- Assess project risks, feasibility, and technical tradeoffs to support sound decision-making
- Design and execute plant trials across a range of products and packaging materials to advance project objectives
- Develop and lead packaging performance testing and evaluations to ensure robust analysis of packaging variables
- Write detailed technical trial plans, testing protocols, and summary reports
- Create and maintain packaging specifications, manufacturing procedures, finished product specifications, and related database documentation
- Manage multiple assignments simultaneously, prioritize effectively across competing business needs, and adjust plans as project conditions evolve
- Apply technical knowledge and scientific thinking to solve packaging challenges, anticipate next steps, and identify practical solutions in a complex environment
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Packaging, Engineering, Material Science, or an adjacent technical discipline
- Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in the food or consumer packaged goods industry, with packaging experience in a relevant category or business environment
- Strong knowledge of packaging science, materials, and testing protocols, with hands-on application in commercial packaging development
- Ability to plan and execute well-thought-out design experiments, anticipate next steps, and adjust course when facing challenges.
- In-depth understanding of packaging materials, functionality, and the interaction between packaging, product, and processing
- Ability to lead technical work across office, laboratory, and manufacturing environments
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present technical findings clearly across functions
- Highly motivated, detail-oriented problem solver with a sense of urgency and the ability to deliver results in a complex environment
- Outstanding prioritization, project management, and problem-solving skills
Work Environment & Schedule
This position is considered a normal office environment with moderate travel to customer locations, stores, manufacturing facilities, etc.; offices are open workspaces
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:
$77,800.00 - $97,300.00Bonus: 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, Heinz Innovation 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.
Job Description
Job Purpose:
The Kraft Heinz Away from Home R&D team is seeking a Scientist, R&D – Packaging Development. This role leads packaging development initiatives across innovation, renovation, and brand maintenance within our North American Away from Home business, while independently managing projects of greater scope and complexity. The position offers the opportunity to deepen technical packaging expertise, lead commercialization work end to end, and influence cross-functional teams to bring packaging solutions to market.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities:
- Lead packaging commercialization activities for new and renovated package launches from concept through implementation, including material specifications, trials and testing, technical drawings, artwork and graphics development, start-up procedures
- Independently lead packaging development projects across multiple brands and business priorities, managing broader scope and complexity
- Serve as the packaging technical lead on assigned projects, driving alignment and execution across cross-functional teams
- Partner with cross-functional teams to execute projects across innovation, renovation, sustainability, brand maintenance, cost optimization, and other strategic priorities
- Assess project risks, feasibility, and technical tradeoffs to support sound decision-making
- Design and execute plant trials across a range of products and packaging materials to advance project objectives
- Develop and lead packaging performance testing and evaluations to ensure robust analysis of packaging variables
- Write detailed technical trial plans, testing protocols, and summary reports
- Create and maintain packaging specifications, manufacturing procedures, finished product specifications, and related database documentation
- Manage multiple assignments simultaneously, prioritize effectively across competing business needs, and adjust plans as project conditions evolve
- Apply technical knowledge and scientific thinking to solve packaging challenges, anticipate next steps, and identify practical solutions in a complex environment
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Packaging, Engineering, Material Science, or an adjacent technical discipline
- Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in the food or consumer packaged goods industry, with packaging experience in a relevant category or business environment
- Strong knowledge of packaging science, materials, and testing protocols, with hands-on application in commercial packaging development
- Ability to plan and execute well-thought-out design experiments, anticipate next steps, and adjust course when facing challenges.
- In-depth understanding of packaging materials, functionality, and the interaction between packaging, product, and processing
- Ability to lead technical work across office, laboratory, and manufacturing environments
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present technical findings clearly across functions
- Highly motivated, detail-oriented problem solver with a sense of urgency and the ability to deliver results in a complex environment
- Outstanding prioritization, project management, and problem-solving skills
Work Environment & Schedule
This position is considered a normal office environment with moderate travel to customer locations, stores, manufacturing facilities, etc.; offices are open workspaces
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:
$77,800.00 - $97,300.00Bonus: 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, Heinz Innovation 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.
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Find Packaging R&D Engineer JobsPackaging R&D Engineer Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Kraft Heinz10
- MCC1
- PDI1
- CONMED1
- FAREVA USA1F
Top Industries Hiring
- Food & Beverage
- Consumer Goods
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in packaging R&D engineer jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in packaging science, materials science, or a related engineering field
- Proficiency with CAD or structural design software for packaging development
- Experience conducting ISTA or ASTM package performance and distribution testing
- Familiarity with FDA, USDA, or other regulatory requirements for packaging compliance
- Hands-on experience with flexible, rigid, or sustainable packaging materials and converting processes
- Knowledge of Design for Manufacturability principles and supplier qualification processes
Tips for Your Packaging R&D Engineer Job Search
Tailor your resume to material types
Hiring managers scan for specific substrates and structures you've worked with, whether that's flexible films, rigid plastics, glass, or corrugated board. Call out those materials by name in your experience bullets rather than describing projects in general terms.
Highlight shelf-life and testing protocols
Packaging R&D roles almost always require hands-on testing experience. Name the specific protocols you've run, such as ISTA, ASTM, or drop and compression testing, so recruiters can confirm your technical depth without reading between the lines.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists packaging r&d engineer openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Show sustainability project outcomes concretely
Employers in this space care deeply about lightweighting, recyclability, and material reduction. If you reduced plastic content or switched to a renewable substrate, quantify what changed, such as weight saved per unit or the new recyclability rating achieved.
Prepare a portfolio of packaging line failures
Interviewers frequently ask you to walk through a package that failed in the field and how you diagnosed the root cause. Having two or three real examples ready, with the corrective action and final test results, sets you apart from candidates who only discuss successful launches.
Negotiate around access to lab equipment and vendors
Beyond compensation, ask in final-round conversations which converting vendors, testing labs, or pilot-line equipment you'll have direct access to. Constraints here directly affect your ability to prototype and iterate, so it's a practical question, not just a perk inquiry.
Packaging R&D Engineer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most packaging r&d engineers?
The most active employers for packaging r&d engineers right now are Kraft Heinz, MCC, and PDI, and the most openings are in Illinois, Maryland, and Ohio, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Consumer goods, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical companies consistently represent the largest share of open roles.
How many packaging r&d engineer jobs are remote?
About 50% of packaging r&d engineer openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of most packaging development work. Roles focused on regulatory documentation, project management, or vendor coordination tend to offer more remote flexibility than positions requiring regular access to lab equipment or pilot lines.
How do you become a packaging r&d engineer?
Most packaging r&d engineers start with a degree in packaging science, materials science, chemical engineering, or a closely related field. From there, gaining lab experience through internships or co-ops in a manufacturing or consumer goods setting is the most direct path. Building hands-on skills in package testing, structural design, and regulatory requirements makes you competitive for entry-level roles.
How do you get hired as a packaging r&d engineer with little experience?
Focus on any lab coursework, senior capstone projects, or internship work where you touched real materials, ran tests, or contributed to a packaging design decision. Employers hiring junior packaging r&d engineers expect to train on proprietary systems, so demonstrating technical curiosity, familiarity with testing standards like ASTM or ISTA, and comfort reading engineering drawings matters more than a long work history.
What does the packaging r&d engineer interview process look like?
Most processes start with a recruiter screen focused on your background and technical tools, followed by a panel interview with engineers and a cross-functional stakeholder such as a supply chain or regulatory colleague. Expect at least one technical exercise or case study, often asking you to walk through a packaging failure, a material substitution decision, or a shelf-life test scenario. Final rounds may include a facility or lab tour.
Where can I find and apply to packaging r&d engineer jobs?
You can find and apply to packaging r&d engineer jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that match your background and apply directly to each one that fits.
See All 20 Packaging R&D Engineer Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Packaging R&D Engineer Jobs