As a Research & Development Product Assistant for Kraft Heinz, you will support product development and innovation activities by performing hands-on laboratory food preparation, sample handling, testing, and documentation. This role works closely with food scientists and product/packaging developers to ensure accurate execution of test formulas, data collection, and maintenance of a safe, organized lab environment. The technician contributes to the development and refinement of products through consistent application of protocols, quality standards, and operational excellence.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
- Prepare ingredients, formulas, and product samples per established procedures and specifications
- Conduct routine laboratory tests, measurements, evaluations, and tastings; accurately record observations and data
- Responsible for all operational tasks for shelf-life studies, including preparing samples, loading and retrieving samples from shelf‑life chambers, analytical testing, and cleaning workspaces
- Moderate weekly shelf‑life showings; take notes and document results
- Participate in taste evaluations for relevant product categories
- Organize, label, and manage samples, materials, and test inventory
- Ensure day-to-day laboratory operations run efficiently by maintaining cleanliness, organization, inventory level, and timely supply ordering in support of product development activities.
- Assist with pilot plant preparation and small-scale pilot production runs
- Package and ship R&D samples as needed
- Document test results, specifications, and formulation notes in digital systems and/or lab notebooks
- Collaborate with R&D scientists and cross-functional teams to support product development work
- Adhere to safety policies, PPE requirements, and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
Expected Experience & Required Skills
- High school diploma required, with prior experience working in a laboratory, pilot plant, food production, or technical environment is preferred.
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- Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office (Excel, Word) and data entry into lab or inventory systems
- Familiarity with laboratory equipment such as scales, mixers, ovens, or testing instruments
- Strong attention to detail, with the ability to accurately follow formulas, SOPs, safety procedures, and documentation requirements
- Effective verbal and written communication skills, including proper sample labeling, data recording, and collaboration with scientists and team members
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and within a team in a fast-paced technical environment
Work Environment & Schedule
- Relocation & Sponsorship: This role is based onsite at the Kraft Heinz R&D Innovation Center in Glenview, Illinois. Relocation assistance and work authorization sponsorship are not available for this position.
- Work hours: Occasional overtime may be required to support project timelines; however, regular overtime is expected to be minimal.
- Onsite & reliable transportation: This is a full‑time onsite position at the Kraft Heinz R&D Innovation Center in Glenview, IL. Reliable attendance and dependable transportation are required. R&D Assistants work on campus Monday through Friday, following a standard daytime schedule to support daily lab operations, sample preparation, equipment setup/readiness, and collaboration with R&D teams. Occasional flexibility may be needed for pilot plant runs or other project‑based activities within standard operational hours.
Compensation & Benefits Overview
- Hourly Pay: Starting at $24/hour, with final offer based on experience, skills, and internal equity.
- Benefits: We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes, but not limited to: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance, Health Reimbursement Account/Health Savings Account (HSA), Pet Insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Supplemental Life Insurance, and so much more!
Physical Requirements
Physical demands include but are not limited to:
- Work is performed in an R&D Innovation Center laboratory, with occasional pilot plant exposure.
- Ability to stand and remain upright for extended periods during lab preparation, testing, and cleanup activities.
- Ability to walk and move frequently between lab benches, storage areas, and equipment stations.
- Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull materials and equipment up to 50 lbs (e.g., ingredient containers, lab apparatus, sample boxes).
- Frequent use of hands for fine motor tasks such as measuring, weighing, labeling, and operating laboratory instruments.
- Frequent repetitive motion, including handling tools, containers, and data entry.
- Occasional bending, crouching, or stooping to access low storage, equipment, or sample placement.
- Occasional reaching below waist and at shoulder height to retrieve ingredients, supplies, or equipment.
- Must be able to wear and utilize required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including lab coats, gloves, hairnets, safety glasses, and hearing protection where applicable.
- Exposure to varying temperatures, including cold rooms, warm processing areas, or heated equipment during pilot plant support.
- Work may involve proximity to moving mechanical equipment and cleaning agents used in sanitation processes.
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.
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:
- Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Recognition, Training
- Emotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
- Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability
Location(s) Glenview R&D Center
Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer that prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants who require an accommodation to participate in the job application or hiring process should contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com.
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