Innovation Engineer

Flint Hills Resources; Lisle (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Molex Connected Mobility is seeking an Innovation Engineer to drive materials innovation, testing methodologies, and engineering solutions that support product innovation and manufacturing excellence. You will collaborate with product engineering, manufacturing, quality, and innovation teams to accelerate technology development and create long-term competitive advantage.

The role emphasizes cross-functional teamwork, experimental design, data analysis, and documentation to influence design

Qualifications

• Knowledge in Materials Science or related technical field.
• Experience in materials characterization, product testing, or engineering development.
• Strong analytical and structured problem-solving skills.
• Experience in experimental design to support engineering decisions.
• Excellent communication and technical documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead investigations into material behavior, performance, and reliability.
• Develop experimental plans and material digital twins to evaluate new materials, processes, and technologies.
• Support strategic innovation initiatives to improve product performance, manufacturability, and cost competitiveness.
• Contribute technical expertise to innovation projects from concept through implementation.
• Conduct structured root cause analysis and failure investigations using engineering methods.
• Perform material characterization and laboratory evaluation using microscopy and testing.
• Apply statistical methods and data analysis to identify trends and risks.
• Use simulation and modeling tools to model product performance and validate design decisions.
• Design, execute, and interpret validation testing and develop test protocols.

Skills

Materials science

Materials engineering

Mechanical engineering

Chemical engineering

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's in Materials Science/Engineering

Tools

Minitab

FEA software

Statistical tools

Job description

The Innovation Engineer drives the development and application of advanced materials, testing methodologies, and engineering solutions to support product innovation, reliability, manufacturing excellence, and business growth. This role partners with product engineering, manufacturing, quality, and innovation teams to solve complex technical challenges, accelerate technology development, and generate reusable knowledge that creates long-term competitive advantage for Molex.

Our Team

At Molex Connected Mobility, we’re shaping how vehicles communicate, developing technologies that are integrated directly into next-generation vehicles, from 5G connectivity to advanced antenna systems.

What You Will Do

• Materials Innovation & Technology Development
• Lead investigations into material behavior, performance, and reliability across metals, polymers, plating, and emerging materials.
• Develop and execute experimental plans and material digital twins to evaluate new materials, processes, and technologies.
• Support strategic innovation initiatives by identifying and validating technologies that improve product performance, manufacturability, and cost competitiveness.
• Contribute technical expertise to innovation projects from concept through implementation.
• Engineering Analysis & Problem Solving
• Conduct structured root cause analysis and failure investigations using engineering and scientific methods.
• Perform material characterization and laboratory evaluation using microscopy, mechanical testing, and related analytical techniques as suited.
• Apply statistical methods and data analysis to identify trends, quantify risks, and support decision-making.
• Use simulation and modeling tools to model product performance and validate design decisions.
• Material Validation & Testing
• Design, execute, and interpret product and material validation testing.
• Develop test methods, protocols, and acceptance criteria to ensure reliable performance.
• Support verification and validation activities in partnership with product engineering teams.
• Document test results and communicate technical recommendations clearly to stakeholders.
• Knowledge & Capability Development
• Capture, organize, and share technical knowledge to strengthen Molex engineering capabilities.
• Develop technical guidance, best practices, and training materials for engineers and technical teams.
• Contribute to enterprise knowledge systems and material intelligence initiatives .
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Partner with product development, manufacturing, supplier quality, operations, digital and business teams to address technical challenges.
• Provide materials and testing expertise during product development programs.
• Collaborate with external suppliers, laboratories, universities, and industry partners as appropriate.
• Influence technical decisions through data-driven recommendations and sound engineering judgment.

Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)

• Knowledge and expertise in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Material Science or a related technical field.
• Experience in materials characterization, product testing, manufacturing, or engineering development.
• Strong analytical and structured problem-solving skills.
• Experience in using experimental design to support engineering decisions.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and technical documentation skills.

What Will Put You Ahead

• Machine learning, AI, or data science applications in engineering and materials development.
• Digital engineering, simulation automation, and model-based engineering.
• Experience in leading enterprise innovation, technology roadmaps, or strategic R&D initiatives.
• Statistical analysis, Design of Experiments (DOE), and interpretation of engineering data using tools such as Minitab or equivalent platforms
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and simulation-driven engineering fundamentals.

For this role, we anticipate paying $75,000 - $95,000 per year. This role is eligible for variable pay, issued as a monetary bonus or in another form.

At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location.

Hiring Philosophy

All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here .

Who We Are

At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.

#LI-MS6

Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify.