Innovation Project Specialist

Hitachi Automotive Systems Americas, Inc.; Łódź; On-site; PLN 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Hitachi Energy is seeking a Technical Innovation Project Manager to drive open innovation projects across the transformer business from Lodz, Poland. You will coordinate internal teams and external partners to turn opportunities into structured projects, pilots, and technical implementations that create measurable business value.

This global role requires collaboration with R&D, Operations, Product Management, and business sponsors, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities while managing

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Innovation Management, Technology Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 3–6 years of experience in technical project management, engineering, innovation, R&D, product development, or consulting.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end execution of open innovation projects, including planning and scope management.
• Coordinate collaboration with startups, technology providers, universities and external partners.
• Drive pilots, proof-of-concepts, and technology evaluations with clear objectives and measurable outcomes.
• Translate business needs into structured innovation projects and work packages.
• Ensure alignment between innovation activities and business priorities with cross-functional teams.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, resources, and deliverables across multiple initiatives.

Skills

Project management

Open innovation

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional collaboration

R&D coordination

Technical knowledge

Education

Engineering background / related field

Job description

Location: Lodz, Lodz, Poland

Job Schedule: Full time

Remote: No

The opportunity Hitachi Energy is seeking a dynamic, action-oriented Technical Innovation Project Manager to drive the execution of open innovation projects across the global transformer business. In this highly collaborative role, you will lead and coordinate innovation projects that bring together internal stakeholders, startups, technology partners, suppliers, universities, and research organizations to solve strategic technical challenges and accelerate the adoption of new technologies. Working at the core of the Global Innovation Organization, you will transform innovation opportunities into structured projects, pilots, and technical implementations that create measurable business value. You will act as the central point of coordination between business needs, technical experts, external partners, and delivery teams, ensuring successful project execution from concept to validation. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, global environment, enjoys solving complex technical challenges, and is motivated by bringing innovative technologies into real-world transformer applications.

How you will make an impact

• Lead end-to-end execution of open innovation projects, including planning, stakeholder alignment, scope management, risk mitigation, and progress reporting
• Coordinate collaboration with startups, technology providers, universities, research institutes, and other external partners to address technical and business challenges
• Drive innovation pilots, proof-of-concepts, and technology evaluations, ensuring clear objectives, measurable outcomes, and effective knowledge capture
• Facilitate technical problem definition and translate business needs into structured innovation projects and work packages
• Work closely with R&D, Operations, Product Management, and business sponsors to ensure alignment between innovation activities and business priorities
• Manage project timelines, budgets, resources, and deliverables while balancing multiple initiatives in parallel
• Support the identification, assessment, and maturation of emerging technologies relevant to the transformer business
• Ensure transparency and governance by tracking KPIs, project milestones, technical outcomes, lessons learned, and risks
• Act as the key interface connecting Innovation, Engineering, Operations, and external ecosystem partners

Your background

• Degree in Engineering, Innovation Management, Technology Management, Business Administration, or a related field
• 3-6 years of experience in technical project management, engineering, innovation, R&D, product development, or consulting
• Hands-on experience leading cross-functional technical projects involving multiple stakeholders and external partners
• Experience managing pilots, proof-of-concepts, technology evaluations, or product/process development initiatives
• Strong planning, prioritization, execution, and stakeholder management skills
• Experience working in complex, global, matrixed environments
• Confident communicator, comfortable interacting with engineers, researchers, startups, suppliers, and senior stakeholders
• Practical problem-solver with a structured, delivery-focused mindset
• Genuine interest in technology, innovation, and bringing new solutions into industrial applications
• Knowledge of the manufacturing technologies, or energy sector is considered a strong advantage

Accessibility and reasonable accommodation

Qualified individuals with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access the Hitachi Energy career site as a result of your disability. You may request reasonable accommodations by completing a general inquiry form on our website. Please include your contact information and specific details about your required accommodation to support you during the job application process. This is solely for job seekers with disabilities requiring accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Messages left for other purposes will not receive a response.

Use of Al and automated tools in recruitment

As part of our recruitment process, Hitachi Energy uses digital and automated tools, including Al-supported solutions, to assist with activities such as application screening, job matching, and interview scheduling. These tools are designed to support our recruiters and do not replace human decision-making. Candidate data is processed in accordance with applicable data protection and employment laws as well as Hitachi's Global Data Privacy Notice.

Background Screening and Security Checks

As part of the hiring process, Hitachi Energy conducts pre-employment background checks that may include verification of employment history, education, criminal records, and other relevant information, in accordance with applicable laws. For certain roles—particularly those involving access to sensitive information, financial responsibilities, client data, regulated environments, or security-sensitive functions—additional or more comprehensive background or security screenings may be required. These may include, but are not limited to, enhanced criminal history checks, credit history reviews (where legally permissible), sanctions screening, or other due diligence measures aligned with the responsibilities of the position. The scope and depth of any background or security review will be determined based on the nature of the role and business necessity, and will always be conducted in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Candidates will be notified and, where required, asked to provide consent prior to the initiation of any such checks.

Company Culture

Hitachi brings together the world's greatest minds to help breathe life into new possibilities - and drive innovation for a better future. That's why we look for individuals who share our pioneering spirit, have imaginative ideas and are fearless when it comes to tackling the world's biggest challenges. Our people love technology - and they love making a difference. They have a passion for finding new solutions and working with brilliant colleagues. Every day they dedicate themselves to a huge range of exciting projects, contributing to the Hitachi vision around the globe. From engineering new sustainability solutions that conserve water and energy to creating the infrastructure for the smart cities of tomorrow, there's no challenge too great for our pioneers.

And there's no shortage of opportunities for you to make a difference. Come and experience the dynamic, collaborative and creative environments where your ideas are welcome and new discoveries are waiting. To help you grow to your full potential, we strive to support our employees in their career aspirations and promote the freedom to explore new horizons.