Innovation Engineer

Prysmian; Claremont (NC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Prysmian is looking for an Innovation Engineer to spearhead new product development in their energy and telecom divisions. This role involves investigating emerging technologies, engaging with customers, and leading project management efforts for innovative solutions.

The successful candidate will possess a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and a minimum of 2-3 years’ experience in product design and development. Responsibilities include technical leadership, feasibility assessments, and engaging with cross-functional teams to ensure successful product implementations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical Engineering or Physics.
• 2-3 years of experience in new product design and development in a manufacturing environment.
• Track record of implementing new technology.

Responsibilities

• Lead identification and implementation of innovative products.
• Engage with customers to define product opportunities.
• Provide technical leadership for product transfer to production.

Skills

Problem Solving

Feasibility Assessment

Project Management

Leadership

Technical Leverage

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Materials, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical) or Physics

Advanced degree in Engineering or Physics (preferred)

Tools

Metal forming equipment

Scanning electron microscope

Job description

Position Description

The Innovation Engineer is responsible for leading the identification, development, qualification and implementation of new, innovative products and technology to drive significant business results in energy and telecom business groups. In the role, the Innovation Engineer will lead or participate in innovative new product development where, among other activities, critical tasks include:

Role Responsibilities

• Investigate new or existing technologies that can be applied to develop specific innovative products.
• Engage with customers to understand new product requirements and define opportunities for product innovation that bring tangible value.
• Provide technical leadership for transfer of new products into production while working with plant operations and engineering teams.
• Provide analysis of competitors’ products.
• Create detailed product designs using theoretical calculations, process definition and material selections.
• Participate and develop adequate technical knowledge by providing utility perspectives and supporting research in areas of expertise for Prysmian Innovation products and meetings.
• Benchmark best practices between Prysmian and US operators organizations and techniques.
• Review patents working with the IP Group to guide innovation as well as creation of Patent Disclosures.
• Manage relationships of the research team with other Prysmian Group units and Prysmian’s commercial materials division to set up research programs.
• Define and procure process equipment to manufacture products for feasibility analysis and complete product qualification.
• Manufacture prototypes.
• Make cost estimates.
• Create qualification plans and interpret test results.
• Create/present design and qualification reviews.
• Provide periodic presentations to assigned Prysmian group members regarding project status, schedule, and needs as per the Prysmian project management system.

Project Management Leadership

• Provide leadership to develop Prysmian’s innovation programs.
• Serve as subject‑matter expert and management advisor for the Prysmian Innovation Group to communicate project milestones and provide strategic guidance to steer executive decisions and investments.
• Work closely with other members of the R&D team in ITC as well as operations and quality groups in relevant plants.
• Monitor the project schedules of deliverables and modify the technical objectives, tasks, and schedule for each team member as needed to meet the project requirements.
• Manage, review, and validate the results of the team’s work.
• Manage and analyze the progress of the team’s work and monitor any successes and/or difficulties they encounter with partners and opportunities they have identified.
• Monitor and analyze new shifting technical requirements for the project.
• Report project results to Prysmian management and stakeholders.

Contract Negotiation and Management

• Negotiate and manage contracts for partners and subcontractors according to each contractor’s competencies and prices within the budgeted contract limits.
• Negotiate the content and schedule of deliverables.
• Write and present papers at industry forums.
• Ensure all products meet requirements as defined by the plant’s quality management systems.
• Comply with all applicable safety procedures and ISO 14001 EMS guidelines.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical Engineering or Physics.
• Minimum 2‑3 years of experience in new product design and development in a manufacturing environment, including development and implementation of new innovative products and technology into production.
• Track record of successfully identifying and implementing new technology.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Materials, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical Engineering or Physics.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in development and industrialization of new products and technology in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
• Product and technology development of aluminum and copper alloys.
• Hands‑on experience with alloy formulation, casting, forming, and annealing as well as sample preparation and analysis (elemental and microstructural).
• Ability to operate metal forming equipment such as saws and lathes; ability to operate scanning electron microscope.

Additional Skills/Attributes

• Problem Solving: Ability to apply first‑principle problem solving and root‑cause analysis to develop innovative solutions.
• Feasibility Assessment: Ability to research and evaluate feasibility of new technology for innovative products.
• Technical Leverage: Ability to identify and use subject‑matter experts both inside and outside Prysmian to identify, evaluate and implement new technology.
• Hands‑on: Ability to work hands‑on to generate prototypes for evaluation.
• Results Focused: Driven and passionate to achieve goals.
• Project Management: Plan, schedule, track and complete key tasks and milestones to reach project goals.
• Leadership: Ability to have a vision of innovative new products and motivate others to develop innovative new products.
• Communications: Ability to effectively interface, obtain support and offer support to all functional groups and external customers – team player.
• Behavioral: Self‑confident and self‑motivated, so as to be effective with minimal supervision.

Equal Opportunity & Diversity Statement

Prysmian is an Equal Opportunity Employer that aims to attract and recruit individuals with diverse backgrounds, skills, and abilities. We believe that diversity brings significant value at all levels of the organization, enhancing our ability to capture market opportunities and maximize value for our customers and stakeholders. Prysmian is committed to an inclusive culture where people feel respected, included, and free to fully express their potential.

All managers and HR professionals in Prysmian ensure that DE&I policies are respected during the recruiting process and that unconscious biases do not influence selection. All persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, origin, citizenship status, socio‑economic status, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, military service or veteran status, pregnancy, parental leave, medical conditions, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Prysmian will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation for any disclosed physical or neurological condition or disability of a qualified applicant unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on our business operations.

Visit our DE&I page to learn more about Prysmian’s commitments.