Innovation Engineer

AM Global; Preston; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a dynamic individual to spearhead engineering innovation projects. In this role, you'll collaborate with international partners to drive product and service development, ensuring alignment with business objectives. You'll lead the creation of innovation strategies, manage cross-functional teams, and oversee the full lifecycle of new survey tools and technologies. This position offers the chance to impact wildlife and environmental monitoring projects while fostering relationships with stakeholders and vendors. If you're passionate about driving change and innovation in engineering, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Master's in Engineering with focus on optronics or environmental monitoring required.
• Experience in R&D or innovation role preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage engineering innovation projects for new product development.
• Coordinate project teams and conduct tests to advance technology.

Skills

Verbal and written communication skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Attention to detail

Project management

Leadership skills

Knowledge of emerging technologies

Ability to translate technical concepts

Education

Master's degree in Engineering

Certifications in aviation technologies

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

The Role:

The role includes but is not limited to:

1. Initiating, managing and overseeing engineering innovation projects targeted at new product and service development in close collaboration with our international partners;
2. Conducting technology scouting and horizon scanning activities to identify emerging technologies, platforms, and sensors that could enhance surveying capabilities, ensuring that remains ahead of industry trends;
3. Leading the creation and execution of innovation strategies for the Company, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives and long-term vision. Driving innovation across all levels of the organization and collaborating with both internal and external teams to achieve successful outcomes;
4. Coordinating the development and testing of new survey tools, platforms, and sensors, ensuring they are suitable for deployment in wildlife and environmental monitoring projects. Managing the full product lifecycle from concept through to field testing and implementation;
5. Working closely with the Engineering, Commercial, and Operations teams to integrate innovation into existing infrastructure. Collaborating with international partners and stakeholders to align efforts and maximize innovation impact;
6. Coordinating project teams consisting of inter-departmental and inter-company colleagues efficiently, cost effectively and with a focus on team development;
7. Devising and conducting tests and experiments in coordination with other departments to advance the understanding and development of technologies;
8. Contributing to and supporting innovation tenders, working closely with internal departments and international partners;
9. Regularly producing and presenting reports on the progress of innovation projects, including key findings, insights, and recommendations, for both internal stakeholders and external partners;
10. Sharing knowledge across internal and external teams to promote best practices and continual learning;
11. Staying informed about industry standards, regulations, and best practices, ensuring that new technologies comply with all legal and regulatory requirements, both within the UK and internationally;
12. Establishing and nurturing relationships with external vendors, suppliers, and partners to support ongoing innovation projects and to leverage third-party expertise and technologies;
13. Any other responsibilities as the Company may see fit.

The successful candidate will need:

Qualifications

1. A master’s degree in Engineering, preferably with a focus on optronics, environmental monitoring, or a similar field;
2. Additional certifications or experience in aviation technologies would be advantageous.

Skills & Knowledge

1. Positive and self-driven mindset with strong verbal and written skills;
2. Knowledge of engineering processes for configuration management, design and maintenance;
3. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills;
4. Excellent attention to detail and time management;
5. Good knowledge of project management;
6. Ability to organise, coordinate and prioritise workloads, over multiple projects, to ensure key deliverables are met through project management;
7. Strong leadership and innovation management skills, with the ability to inspire and drive change within teams and across departments;
8. In-depth understanding of emerging technologies, sensors, and platforms for aerial surveys and environmental monitoring;
9. Ability to translate technical concepts into actionable insights for non-technical stakeholders;
10. Strong project management skills, with a proven ability to manage cross-functional teams and complex, multi-stakeholder projects;
11. Advanced proficiency in design software (AutoCAD or similar) and familiarity with modelling software for technology development.

Experience

1. Experience of working in a R&D or innovation role;
2. Experience of working and interacting with a wide variety of stakeholders to understand requirements, communicate progress and manage expectations;
3. Experience producing design documentation through AutoCAD or other CAD software;
4. Experience leading or managing innovation-driven projects, particularly in the field of environmental monitoring or remote sensing;
5. Demonstrated success in developing new products or services and bringing them to market;
6. Experience collaborating with academic, research, and industry partners to foster technological advancements;
7. Proven track record of successfully managing innovation portfolios, including new product developments and technology scouting.