Manager, Technology Enablement

Salt Digital Recruitment; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 115,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Salt Digital Recruitment is seeking a Manager for Technology Enablement/Innovation based in Austin, Texas. This role is crucial for driving innovation and technology adoption across the global Hardware Engineering team. You'll manage the innovation framework from idea generation to execution and ensure alignment across stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will have over 7 years of experience in engineering fields and possess strong analytical and communication skills, facilitating innovation initiatives while enhancing engineering capabilities.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in hardware or embedded systems.
• Proven success in leading innovation and technology adoption.
• Strong understanding of engineering domains like mechanical, electronics, firmware.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the Hardware Engineering Innovation Framework.
• Evaluate global technology trends to enhance engineering capabilities.
• Coordinate with teams for timely execution of innovation initiatives.

Skills

Leadership in innovation initiatives

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Prototyping tools

Simulation tools

Job description

Position Summary

Manager, Technology Enablement/Innovation drives innovation, technology adoption, and engineering capability growth across the global Hardware Engineering organization (Mechanical, Hydraulics, Electrical, Electronics, Firmware, Systems, Test, QA, Engineering Operations, and Hardware Tools). You will own the end-to-end innovation framework from idea generation through execution. The role manages the innovation backlog, aligns stakeholders, and delivers measurable outcomes that support product strategy and engineering productivity. The ideal candidate brings a Tech Enablement mindset, systems thinking, and strong organizational awareness, with excellent communication, strategic vision, and the ability to translate technology trends into actionable capabilities while balancing long‑term investment with near‑term execution.

Position Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain the Hardware Engineering Innovation Framework, including processes for idea intake, prioritization, validation, execution, and structured decision‑making/risk assessment.
• Own and manage the innovation backlog, ensuring alignment with product roadmaps, engineering needs, customer value, and long‑term technology strategy.
• Evaluate global technology trends and identify opportunities to enhance capabilities across Mechanical, Hydraulics, Electrical, Electronics, Firmware, Test, QA, and Engineering Operations.
• Coordinate with engineering managers, technical leaders, product management, and global stakeholders to ensure alignment, resourcing, and timely execution of innovation initiatives.
• Facilitate structured innovation activities (workshops, design sprints, hackathons, reverse engineering reviews, technology scouting) and guide teams through prototyping, experimentation, and validation.
• Define and track KPIs for innovation performance, engineering velocity, adoption, and business impact, while communicating strategies, opportunities, and results to leadership and stakeholders.
• Promote a culture of curiosity, continuous learning, and responsible experimentation; introduce tools, automation, simulation, and process improvements; and provide coaching, mentorship, and leadership through influence, prioritization, decision‑making, and accountability.

Qualification Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Computer, Systems, or related field) required.
• Masters degree preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in hardware, embedded systems, or multi-disciplinary engineering fields, with increasing levels of responsibility.
• Proven success leading innovation initiatives, technology research, or emerging technology adoption.
• Strong understanding of multiple engineering domains (mechanical, electronics, firmware, testing, tools, or systems‑level integration).
• Experience creating frameworks, processes, or structured methods for innovation or engineering performance improvement.
• Excellent facilitation, communication, and influence skills, with the ability to work across global teams and senior stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills, including evaluating technologies, building business cases, and defining measurable KPIs.
• Demonstrated ability to lead without authority and collaborate across organizational boundaries.
• Experience managing cross‑functional initiatives in a global engineering environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with engineering excellence methodologies (Lean, Agile, DFX, DFSS, FAST, Systems Thinking).
• Knowledge of advanced prototyping methods, simulation tools, and engineering automation platforms.
• Familiarity with R&D or innovation portfolio management.
• Prior experience working across Mechanical, Electrical, Firmware, or Systems Engineering teams.
• Strong understanding of engineering toolchains, development workflows, and hardware/software co‑design processes.
• Experience running workshops, ideation sessions, or innovation programs.