Director of Innovation Engineering

Job Description:

The Director of Innovation Engineering drives technical growth by identifying emerging technologies, developing new products, and implementing advanced processes. They bridge engineering excellence with business growth by overseeing research, prototyping, and scaling new solutions, often managing large cross-functional teams and accelerating digital transformation. This leadership role merges visionary strategy with hands-on engineering, managing R&D teams, budgets, and cross-functional partnerships to maintain a competitive advantage

The role ensures that new technical solutions, concepts, and products are explored and transitioned into development and industrialization to generate business value, competitive advantage, and long-term technical capability.

Main Responsibilities:

• Technical Strategy & Innovation: Define technical vision, identify emerging technologies, and drive new technology introductions (e.g., AI/GenAI, green hydrogen, digitalization). Design and implement innovation frameworks and processes that facilitate rapid ideation, prototyping, and testing of new concepts.

• Engineering Leadership: Lead, mentor, and build high-performing, cross-functional teams across software, hardware, or mechanical disciplines. Lead the innovation strategy by identifying emerging trends and technologies that align with vision and business objectives.

• Product Development & Prototyping: Oversee the full product lifecycle from R&D and prototyping to successful deployment, ensuring quality and scalability.

• Business Alignment: Align innovation strategies with corporate objectives, ROI, and customer-centric goals, often in collaboration with product and commercial teams. Collaborate with product management, engineering, and design teams to translate innovative ideas into actionable development plans. Present innovation plans and updates to executive leadership and key stakeholders, articulating the strategic value and potential impact on the business.

• Operational Excellence: Implement Agile/DevOps methodologies, manage budgets, and ensure regulatory compliance. 

• Culture: Foster a culture of creativity and experimentation, empowering cross-functional teams to explore new ideas and solutions. Engage with external partners, startups, and industry experts to identify collaboration opportunities that enhance our innovation capabilities.

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Job Requirements:

Critical Knowledge and Qualifications:

• Experience: Substantial engineering and operational experience (often 10–18+ years), with proven leadership in R&D or innovation roles.

• Education: Advanced degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related technical field.

• Technical Expertise: Strong background in relevant engineering disciplines, digital transformation, or specific emerging tech.

• Leadership Skills: Excellent communication, strategic thinking, and ability to foster a culture of experimentation. 

United States Only - Target Market Salary Range:

Actual compensation packages take into account a wide range of factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to geographic location; skill sets; relevant education and certifications; depth of experience; performance; and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed reasonable estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. At Envista, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The total compensation package for this position may also include an annual performance bonus, medical/dental/vision benefits, 401K match, and/or other applicable compensation plans.

$170,000.00 USD – $231,400.00 USD Annual

Operating Company:

Envista and its family of companies (Envista) will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate.  Envista will consider unsolicited referrals and/or resumes submitted by vendors such as search firms, staffing agencies, professional recruiters, fee-based referral services and recruiting agencies (Agency) to have been referred by the Agency free of charge and Envista will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt such unsolicited resumes.  An Agency must obtain advance written approval from Envista's internal Talent Acquisition or Human Resources team to submit resumes, and then only in conjunction with a valid fully-executed contract approved by the Global Talent Acquisition leader and in response to a specific job opening.  Envista will not pay a fee to any Agency that does not have such agreement and written approval in place.