Senior Innovation Engineer

Harting Deutschland GmbH & Co.KG - Berkeley, CA

Full-time - Senior

Hybrid - Berkeley, CA

Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods

About the position

We are seeking a Senior Innovation Engineer (based in Berkeley, California) to focus on bringing new technologies to life through co-creation with partners, creation of functional industrial prototypes and working with early adopter customers to validate solutions. Deliverables include prototypes with increasing maturity level that may be significantly different from HARTING's core business. A substantial portion of the work will also involve exploring new business models and revenue streams. HARTING aims to be a trusted advisor to HARTING customers and positions itself as the go-to source expert for industrial connectivity solutions. We partner directly with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Distribution partners for standard product, designed-in value-added products, and Product Development initiatives. The Innovation Hub team is charged with bringing new technologies, products, and solutions to market. The team will leverage HARTING's long standing reputation and expertise as a leader in connectivity to understand, anticipate, and address our customer's needs. We are seeking creative technologists to incubate ideas and accelerate new product development across all of our existing and potential markets.

Responsibilities

• Identify, collaborate, and partner with strategic partners, research institutions, and other companies to co-create technologies
• Seek out and develop innovative new products, services and business models that may diverge from current HARTING offerings and provide significant upside potential for value creation
• Investigate, propose, and develop disruptive products and services which can create new business models and value streams
• Scan and scout new technologies to pursue innovative approaches and applications
• Operate with a startup mentality in terms of speed to market, focus on rapid prototyping and testing, and working with early adopter customers to validate market potential
• Communicate results and opportunities to technical and non-technical stakeholders/audiences
• File for patents as necessary to protect and enhance HARTING's IP portfolio
• Maintain, operate and manage lab equipment as necessary
• May perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field; Master's degree or Ph.D. in engineering or other applicable technical field preferred
• 10 + years of experience in new product development (especially in an innovation capacity with experience in product, service, and business model innovation)
• Strong networking skills and the desire to work in a cross-functional team
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills that allow you to effectively present ideas to executives and customers

Nice-to-haves

• Passionate and open minded with an entrepreneurial mindset: you are a 'maker'/'tinkerer'
• Enthusiastic about technology in core applications as well as adjacent related fields and scientific disciplines
• Knowledge of multiple functional areas such as product management, engineering design, manufacturing, marketing, and customer support preferred

Benefits

• 21 days PTO (Paid Time Off) to start - quickly earn more PTO as you stick with us (36 days max)
• Medical, dental, and vision - several Blue Cross Blue Shield plan options to choose from
• Company-sponsored life, AD&D, and short- and long-term disability - at no cost to employee
• Paid parental leave, tuition and fitness reimbursement, and a hybrid working policy
• 401(k) with a 4% dollar-for-dollar match - fully vested upon eligibility!