Principal Engineer, R&D - Process Technology

Job Description

As a Principal Engineer on the Process Technology group within R&D Central Processing, you will serve as a deep technical processing expert responsible for exploring and developing new process technologies, building our internal processing capabilities, and hands-on execution of complex, high-impact processing projects from concept through commercialization. You will own the technical delivery of assigned initiatives, partnering closely with cross-functional stakeholders to translate processing concepts into manufacturable, Right-First-Time solutions. This role prioritizes technical rigor, executional excellence, and applied engineering expertise over portfolio strategy or people management.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and prioritize emerging process technologies (equipment, automation, digital, etc) aligned to business needs.
• Develop scale up strategies from prototyping, to pilot plant, and right the first time commercialization to drive optimal project execution.
• 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.

Key Outputs & Deliverables

• Deliver successful technical execution across concurrent complex processing projects within innovation and platform portfolios, meeting committed timelines, budgets, and technical performance targets.
• Achieve and sustain >95% Right-First-Time (RTF) launches across assigned projects, ensuring processing solutions meet manufacturability, quality, regulatory, and supply chain readiness criteria at first commercial production.
• Produce high-quality processing technical deliverables — including Manufacturing Procedure Specifications, Transformation Flowsheets, Process Design Scopes, FMEAs, and CQV documentation — that meet enterprise engineering standards.
• Generate clear, >

  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:

  $104,200.00 - $130,200.00

  Bonus: 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

  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 contactNAZTAOps@kraftheinz.comfor assistance.