Job Title: Innovation Engineer II
Department: Innovation Unit
Shift:
Core business hours are Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm
Direct Report: Innovation Unit Manager
Type: Exempt; Full-time
About the position
We are looking for a reliable Innovation Engineer to explore emerging technologies, develop prototypes, and implement innovative solutions that address business challenges and create new opportunities. To use (TPM) Total Productive Maintenance methodologies to drive transformative ideas, processes, and technologies from concept to implement. To push boundaries and deliver measurable value in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Responsibilities are:
Work with a "Safety Always" mindset through supporting and promoting continuous improvement of safety and health in the workplace
Perform all duties with a "Quality First" mindset through improvement of work processes and procedures to eliminate and prevent defects
Maintain a "big picture" focus and understanding of the complete tire manufacturing process
Research and Development
Identify and evaluate emerging technologies, trends, and methodologies that align with the company's innovation strategy
Conduct feasibility studies, proof-of-concept projects, and technology demonstrations to assess potential solutions
Explore disruptive technologies such as AI/ML, IoT, blockchain, robotics, and advanced manufacturing techniques
Innovation Projects
Lead and execute innovation initiatives from ideation to implementation
Collaborate with cross functional teams to design/develop prototypes, pilot programs, and scalable solutions
Develop and present business cases for innovative ideas include ROI analysis & risk assessments
Process Optimization
Analyze existing processes. Identify opportunities for improvement through technology and innovation
Recommend and implement automation, efficiency tools, and other solutions to enhance productivity and reduce costs
Collaboration and Communication
Partner with internal and external stakeholders, including R&D, engineering, operations, and external vendors, to drive innovation projects
Communicate technical concepts and project updates clearly to technical and non-technical audiences
Foster a culture of innovation by inspiring and engaging employees to contribute ideas and participate in innovation programs
Data-Driven Decision Making
Collect, analyze, and interpret data to measure the impact of innovation initiatives
Leverage data insights to optimize designs, processes, and strategies
Continuous Learning
Stay informed about the latest advancement in technology, industry trends, and best practices
Attend conferences, workshops, and training to build expertise and bring fresh ideas to the team
Perform other duties as assigned
Requirements are:
Education:
(Required) bachelor’s degree in engineering or computer science
(Preferred) certifications in innovation management, six sigma, or design thinking
Experience:
(Required) 2+ years of experience in innovation, product development, R&D, maintenance engineering or a related engineering role
(Preferred) experience working in a fast-paced, startup-like environment
Language: (Required) good command of written and spoken English
Skills & Knowledge:
Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming
Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction
Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications
Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services
Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources
Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
Systems Analysis - Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes
Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action
Physical Demands:
Must be able to frequently move about the manufacturing plant campus, general office environments, production areas, and occasionally ascend/descend stairs
Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time
Must be able to operate a computer and other office productivity machinery
Must be able to position self to file documents including the top and bottom drawers of file cabinets
Must be able to occasionally move office equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds
Benefits:
401(k), 401(k) matching
Health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance
Paid Time Off
Paid Holidays
Hankook Tire is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
DISCLAIMER:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.
