Innovation Engineer; Hybrid

Innovation Engineer (Hybrid) - HARTING Technology Group

HARTING stands for strong connections – across the globe. As one of the leading international suppliers of industrial connectivity, we are connecting customers to their digital future. We connect around 6,000 people at our headquarters in Espelkamp and worldwide. Joining us means working with great colleagues and new opportunities in IoT and artificial intelligence, rooted in a regional family business combined with high‑tech expertise.

We are seeking an Innovation Engineer based in Elgin, Illinois with a hybrid schedule to bring new technologies to life through co‑creation with partners, design of functional industrial prototypes, and collaboration with early‑adopter customers to validate solutions. Deliverables include prototypes of increasing maturity that may differ significantly from HARTING’s core business.

HARTING aims to be a trusted advisor to its customers and the go‑to source expert for industrial connectivity solutions, partnering directly with OEMs and distribution partners for product development initiatives.

• Ideation, conceptualisation, and development of new innovative products and validation against customer requirements.
• Close coordination with internal and external customers or project teams, plus project management.
• Focus on rapid prototyping and testing, and collaboration with early adopters to validate market potential.
• Communicating results and market potential to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Supporting the patent application process to protect new developments.
• Participation in industry trade shows and willingness to travel for customer appointments.
• Scanning and scouting new technologies to pursue innovative approaches.
• Initiating, planning, and executing complex projects that may involve cross‑regional and international collaboration.
• Maintaining, operating, and managing lab equipment as necessary.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Travel up to 15%.

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field (Mechanical Engineering preferred, also Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or similar).
• Passionate, open‑minded, entrepreneurial “maker” mindset.
• Enthusiastic about technology in core and adjacent fields.
• 2 to 7 years of experience in new product development.
• Strong networking skills and cross‑functional teamwork.
• Outstanding critical thinking and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Thorough understanding of scientific processes and engineering principles.
• Proficiency with analytical software tools (e.g., CAD, MATLAB).
• Excellent verbal & written communication skills to present ideas to executives and customers.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in engineering or related technical field.
• Knowledge of multiple functional areas such as product management, engineering design, and manufacturing.

• Base Salary: $80,000 – $130,000 USD, commensurate with experience.
• Eligible for a 15% discretionary annual bonus.

• 21 days PTO to start, increasing to a maximum of 36 days.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance; multiple Blue Cross Blue Shield plan options.
• Company‑sponsored life, AD&D, short‑term and long‑term disability at no cost to employee.
• Paid parental leave, tuition and fitness reimbursement, hybrid working policy.
• 401(k) with 4% dollar‑for‑dollar match, fully vested upon eligibility.

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Engineering and Information Technology

Automation Machinery Manufacturing

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