Innovation Engineer

Overview

Your Job

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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…