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Innovation Lab Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

iHeartMedia

Manager, Marketing Strategy

Chicago, IL · On-site

Contribute to Innovation Lab thought leadership by developing internal and external content that elevates iHeartMedia's market presence What You'll Need: * Proven ability to develop and sell ...

Ferrero

Packaging Innovation Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$99/hr

Lab Organization Perform Lab instruments routine maintenance. Maintain a tidy and clean lab ... Packaging, Innovation, R&D, and/or development experience in a CPG and/or Multi-national ...

McDonald's

Shift Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$21 - $28/hr

Shift Manager - Speedee Labs (Innovation Lab) Want to lead the future of one of the world's largest restaurant companies? Curious about how cutting-edge ideas-from menu items to technology-are tested ...

Ferrero

Packaging Innovation Specialist

Chicago, IL

$99/hr

Lab Organization • Perform Lab instruments routine maintenance. • Maintain a tidy and clean lab environment. • Other ad hoc duties as assigned. About You: • MS/BS degree in Chemistry ...

Ferrero

Packaging Innovation Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$99/hr

Lab Organization • Perform Lab instruments routine maintenance. • Maintain a tidy and clean lab environment. • Other ad hoc duties as assigned. About You: • MS/BS degree in Chemistry ...

American Egg Board

Director, Innovation

Chicago, IL · On-site

Customer Innovation and Eggcelerator Lab Leadership * Partner closely with retail, quick-serve restaurants, and food companies to build impactful innovation pipelines that feature new egg-forward ...

Posted today

McDonald's

Crew Member

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $19.89/hr

CARPENTER ST, CHICAGO, IL, 60607 Crew Member - Speedee Labs (Innovation Lab)ProposedWant to help one of the world's largest companies create innovations that millions of people enjoy every day?

McDonald's

Crew Member

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $19.89/hr

CARPENTER ST, CHICAGO, IL, 60607 Crew Member - Speedee Labs (Innovation Lab)ProposedWant to help one of the world's largest companies create innovations that millions of people enjoy every day?

McDonald's

Crew Member

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $19.89/hr

Crew Member - Speedee Labs (Innovation Lab) Proposed Want to help one of the world's largest companies create innovations that millions of people enjoy every day? Curious about how restaurants really ...

McDonald's

Crew Member

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $19.89/hr

CARPENTER ST, CHICAGO, IL, 60607 Crew Member - Speedee Labs (Innovation Lab)ProposedWant to help one of the world's largest companies create innovations that millions of people enjoy every day?

McDonald's

Crew Member

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $19.89/hr

CARPENTER ST, CHICAGO, IL, 60607 Crew Member - Speedee Labs (Innovation Lab)ProposedWant to help one of the world's largest companies create innovations that millions of people enjoy every day?

McDonald's

Crew Member

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $19.89/hr

CARPENTER ST, CHICAGO, IL, 60607 Crew Member - Speedee Labs (Innovation Lab)ProposedWant to help one of the world's largest companies create innovations that millions of people enjoy every day?

McDonald's

Crew Member

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $19.89/hr

CARPENTER ST, CHICAGO, IL, 60607 Crew Member - Speedee Labs (Innovation Lab)ProposedWant to help one of the world's largest companies create innovations that millions of people enjoy every day?

ITW Automotive

Lab Technician

Elmhurst, IL

$24 - $29/hr

The company operates through a decentralized and entrepreneurial culture, driving innovation and ... Position Overview We are seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Lab Technician to support product ...

Joliet Junior College

Culinary Lab Assistant

Joliet, IL · On-site

$15.38 - $17.30/hr

... innovation and quality. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 1. English and Spanish verbal and written communication proficiency. 2. Demonstrated multicultural competence. PHYSICAL DEMANDS 1. Normal culinary lab ...

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How much do innovation lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for innovation lab in Chicago, IL is $26.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.81 and $28.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the innovation lab position, and why are they important?

To excel in an Innovation Lab role, you typically need a background in design thinking, project management, and business strategy, often supported by a degree in engineering, business, or a related field. Experience with prototyping tools, agile methodologies, and innovation management platforms such as Miro or Jira is highly valuable. Strong collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving skills help individuals contribute unique ideas and drive cross-functional projects. These competencies are essential for effectively leading innovation initiatives, rapidly iterating solutions, and fostering a culture of experimentation.

What does an innovation lab do?

An innovation lab is a team or facility within an organization focused on developing new ideas, products, or processes through research, experimentation, and collaboration. They often utilize design thinking, prototyping, and emerging technologies to drive innovation and solve complex problems. Employees in innovation labs typically work in a creative environment that encourages experimentation and cross-disciplinary teamwork.

What types of projects or initiatives do innovation lab professionals typically work on?

Innovation Lab professionals engage in a variety of projects, ranging from developing new products and services to optimizing existing business processes or exploring emerging technologies. Their work often involves collaborating with colleagues across different departments, conducting user research, building prototypes, and running pilot programs to test new ideas. The environment is usually fast-paced and dynamic, with a strong emphasis on experimentation and learning from failure. Innovation Lab roles offer exposure to high-impact, strategic initiatives, making them ideal for individuals looking to shape the future direction of their organization.

What is an innovation lab?

An Innovation Lab job involves working in a team that explores new ideas, develops creative solutions, and tests emerging technologies to drive innovation within an organization. Professionals in these roles often conduct research, prototype new products or services, and collaborate across departments to implement forward-thinking initiatives. The goal is to foster a culture of experimentation and problem-solving to stay ahead in a competitive market.

What are popular job titles related to Innovation Lab jobs in Chicago, IL? For Innovation Lab jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Innovation Lab jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Innovation Lab jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Innovation Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Innovation Lab job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,099 per year, or $26 per hour.

Manager, R&D - Culinary Innovation Lab

Kraft Heinz Company

Glenview, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Kraft Heinz rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 122 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

230th of 435 rated food and drinks producers

Job description


As a Culinary Innovation Lab Manager, you will help transform the future of R&D innovation and accelerate Kraft Heinz's growth ambitions. Our Culinary team shapes and influences food-facing innovations by combining a creative approach with deep technical expertise to drive consumer and product opportunities. We pride ourselves on being the expert culinary connection to food and cooking within the marketplace, and we are looking for a "consumer-obsessed" culinary professional - someone who is creative, strategic, independent, collaborative, and who executes with high attention to detail and effective communication. This is a hands-on R&D innovation role supporting our Culinary Innovation Lab, where we identify strategic opportunities for KHC. This individual will partner closely with internal Marketing, Insights, and R&D Innovation and Functional teams, as well as external partners, to explore, develop, and test new product, ingredient, flavor, and consumer usage opportunities. Using Design Thinking and Agile methodologies, this individual will actively drive opportunity identification, dig site prioritization, minimal viable prototype (MVP) development, and consumer product-fit learning.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
  • Apply advanced mastery of culinary fundamentals, including cooking techniques, ingredient functionality, safe food handling, and culinary nutrition, to identify consumer insights, articulate sensory attributes, and translate those insights directly into product development.

  • Leverage knowledge of functional ingredients and formulation principles to develop minimal viable prototypes (MVPs) for consumer testing, learning, and validation; apply sensory evaluation best practices to assess and communicate product performance.

  • Lead culinary research to turn food trends, consumer insights, and competitive intelligence into innovation opportunities and strategic concepts aligned to business priorities.

  • Plan, develop, and execute culinary projects including competitive landscape reviews, immersions, trend presentations, concept ideation sessions, and product cuttings in partnership with the Innovation Lab Lead.

  • Serve as a creative and collaborative cross-functional partner, connecting culinary expertise to R&D, Marketing, Insights, and external partners throughout the innovation process.

  • Drive strategic thinking, clear communication, and proactive ownership across all assigned work; demonstrate consistent attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities.

  • Leads end-to-end culinary workstreams within innovation initiatives, with accountability for delivering against defined objectives, timelines, and business outcomes.

  • Influences cross-functional decision-making related to innovation strategy, concept prioritization, and product direction.

  • Manages multiple concurrent innovation initiatives across brands, platforms, or categories, ensuring alignment to commercial viability and business priorities.

  • Translates culinary concepts into scalable product opportunities, incorporating consumer insights, technical feasibility, and business considerations.

Expected Experience & Required Skills
  • Bachelor's degree in culinary arts, food science, nutrition, or a closely related field with a minimum of 6 years of progressive culinary experience with demonstrable expertise in product development, cooking techniques, and flavor application.

  • Minimum 3 years of experience in a corporate CPG or food manufacturing R&D environment.

  • Proven ability to develop and evaluate MVPs using structured sensory and consumer research methods (e.g., descriptive/scoring, discrimination testing) in partnership with sensory and insights teams.

  • Working knowledge of food safety principles (HACCP, GMP, allergen management) and safe culinary lab practices.

  • Demonstrated ability to apply Agile and Design Thinking frameworks within an innovation or product development process.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong project management and cross-functional influencing capabilities.

  • Experience with recipe management systems, PLM platforms, or SAP in a product development workflow.

  • RCA Certified Research Chef (CRC®) or equivalent culinary R&D / product development certification, preferred.

  • Familiarity with consumer research methods including CLTs, HUTs, or focus group facilitation.

  • Exposure to upstream innovation processes including trend scouting, dig site methodology, or white space identification.

  • Ability to travel up to 15% of the time

Work Environment & Schedule
This position operates primarily in a hybrid work environment and is based at the Kraft Heinz R&D Innovation Center in Glenview, IL. Our hybrid model provides flexibility based on business needs, allowing employees to work virtually up to two days per week, with an expectation to work on-site at least three days per week at the Glenview R&D Innovation Center.
Physical demands include but not limited to
  • Constant standing and walking in a kitchen/lab/plant environment for extended periods.

  • Frequent use of hands and arms for food preparation, weighing/measuring, knife work, stirring, mixing, and operating small equipment; repetitive motions are common.

  • Occasional lifting/carrying ingredients and equipment (e.g., up to 25-50 lbs, with or without reasonable accommodation).

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 contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com for assistance.

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