Sr Scientist, R&D - Tomato Technology

Job Description

Sr Scientist, R&D - Tomato Technology

Kraft Heinz is hiring a Process Engineer for our Tomato Technology R&D Team. This is an exciting opportunity to manage our Tomato Research Pilot Plant equipment/ processes, provide tomato season supervision of operations, and lead technical projects. The candidate will review tomato processing operations for troubleshooting and provide improvement recommendations. Learn and become a subject matter expert on Tomato Processing. This position will be based in Los Banos, CA.

What's on the menu?

• Manage our Tomato Research Pilot Plant equipment and processes. Design, select and size process equipment and components.

• Trouble-shoot and diagnose process, mechanical, electrical and control issues. Procure necessary spare parts and coordinate maintenance procedures.

• Set process control instruments, logic and loops, at local instruments and PLC's.

• Periodically review/update operation, cleaning, maintenance and safety manuals.

• Share in the seasonal management of the Tomato Technology Research facility. This includes: technical support to all research equipment/processes, monitoring seasonal personnel, assisting with the manufacture of both routine and research samples.

• Responsible for maintaining the electronic software systems for our pilot plant operations.

• Analyze process data to ensure compliance to experimental procedures and verify data reliability. Identify and implement upgrades to current Tomato Technology test protocols.

• Periodically review/update operation, cleaning, maintenance and safety manuals.

• Identify and lead tomato processing R&D projects that are critical for tomato variety development, processing, and finished products that create consumer benefits and/or process efficiencies.

• Travel to review tomato operations domestically and globally to document best practices and opportunities for improvement.

• This role will cross-functionally work with Global Agriculture, Product R&D, Food Safety & Quality, Operations, Corporate Engineering and External suppliers.

• Provide tomato technical expertise and processing leadership for cross-functional teams across the organization. This can include activities such as process qualification and troubleshooting activities.

• Proactively gather data, analyze and provide recommendations for product/process improvements for tactical as well as strategic long-term projects.

Recipe for Success - apply now if this sounds like you!

• Minimum of BS in Chemical/Process Engineering.

• 4-6 years of relevant experience is ideal.

• Experience in tomato/fruit/vegetable Research & Development is preferred.

• Strong knowledge of food science and processing principles is preferred.

• Training and experience in sizing/selecting pumps, valves, motors, heat exchangers, thermal processing, process controls.

• Training and experience on food rheology, flow mechanics, balance of materials, calculations.

• Technical project management and critical thinking experience is required.

• Able to lead projects independently.

• Manage multiple assignments/projects concurrently to meet timelines.

• Available to be onsite extended periods during tomato season (July to October)

• Ability to effectively cross-functionally collaborate and update internal/external stakeholders.

• Hands-on leader, for both primary research and training purposes.

• Fluent in speaking and writing in English required, conversational Spanish a plus.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, AutoCad, and statistical analysis software

• Willingness to travel domestically approximately 20% of the time as needed. International travel occasionally.

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:
$88,000.00 - $110,000.00

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)
Los Banos - Tomato Pilot Plant

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.