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Design Innovation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Through design, you will bring together powerful capabilities from across Adobe into great end to ... Innovation & Experimentation: Champion a tinkerer's mindset: experimenting with prototypes ...

Sr. Regenerative Designer

Los Angeles, CA

$109K - $117K/yr

Steers design excellence at HKS through four strategic bands of influence; creative design workshop and ideation, industry innovation in design, creative thought leadership and project innovation ...

Sr. Regenerative Designer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$109K - $117K/yr

Steers design excellence at HKS through four strategic bands of influence; creative design workshop and ideation, industry innovation in design, creative thought leadership and project innovation ...

Innovation Manager

Oakland, CA ยท On-site +1

$80K - $100K/yr

Kuli Kuli is looking for an Innovation Manager with experience in consumer packaged goods (CPG ... Package Design & Labeling - Own package structure, inputs and timelines in coordination with our ...

$75K - $97K/yr

Designworks is the design innovation studio of BMW Group. For 25 years, we have been stimulating our parent company, as well as a select group of companies with ambitious visions for the future. We ...

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Showing results 1-20

Design Innovation information

See California salary details

$62.2K

$119.9K

$189K

How much do design innovation jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for design innovation in California is $119,875.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,800.00 and $136,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an innovation designer do?

An innovation designer develops new products, services, or processes by combining creativity with user-centered research and design thinking. They often use tools like prototyping and brainstorming to solve complex problems and improve existing solutions, working closely with cross-functional teams. Strong skills in design, research, and collaboration are essential for success in this role.

Is AI replacing designers?

AI is transforming the design industry by automating repetitive tasks and providing new tools for creativity, but it does not replace the need for human designers. Design professionals still rely on their creativity, critical thinking, and understanding of user needs to create effective and innovative solutions. AI serves as a complement to designers' skills rather than a complete substitute.

What is a Design Innovation job?

A Design Innovation job focuses on creating new, user-centered solutions by combining design thinking, technology, and business strategy. Professionals in this role research trends, identify user needs, and develop innovative products, services, or experiences. They collaborate across disciplines to prototype, test, and refine ideas that drive growth and differentiation. This role is common in industries like tech, consumer goods, healthcare, and consulting, where innovation is a key competitive advantage.

What can I do with a design and innovation degree?

A design and innovation degree prepares individuals for roles such as product designer, user experience (UX) designer, innovation consultant, or design strategist. Graduates can work in industries like technology, manufacturing, or marketing, utilizing skills in creative problem-solving, prototyping, and design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite or CAD software.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Design Innovation position, and why are they important?

To excel in Design Innovation, you need a strong background in design thinking, creative problem-solving, and user-centered design, often supported by a degree in design, engineering, or a related field. Proficiency with tools like Adobe Creative Suite, CAD software, rapid prototyping methods, and familiarity with agile project management is highly valuable. Effective communication, collaboration, and an open-minded approach to feedback are crucial soft skills in this field. These abilities ensure the development of innovative, impactful solutions that align with user needs and organizational goals.

What is the highest paid design job?

The highest paid design jobs are often in user experience (UX) design, industrial design, or creative director roles, with senior positions earning six-figure salaries. Specialized skills, extensive experience, and leadership responsibilities typically contribute to higher compensation in these fields.

What types of projects or challenges do Design Innovation professionals typically work on?

Design Innovation professionals are often tasked with tackling complex, multifaceted problems across a variety of industries, such as product development, service design, and business process improvement. Their projects commonly involve leading collaborative brainstorming sessions, developing prototypes, and synthesizing feedback to iterate on solutions. Team members frequently engage with stakeholders from diverse disciplines, such as marketing, engineering, and user research, to ensure holistic and user-driven outcomes. The dynamic, project-based work environment provides ongoing opportunities for creative thinking and professional growth.

What are the most commonly searched types of Design Innovation jobs in California? The most popular types of Design Innovation jobs in California are:

Senior Manager, Technology and Innovation, GISI Ignite

Palladium International

Newport Beach, CA โ€ข On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Senior Manager,Technology and Innovation, GISI Ignite
About GISI Ignite and Palladium:
GISI is a global, employee-owned family of companies focused onconstruction, infrastructure, earth and environment, and global development.GISI Ignite is GISI's newly launched centralized technology and innovationteam, built to strengthen how our operating companies deliver projects andprovide expert guidance on AI, data, and digital solutions. We developscalable platforms, drive workflow modernization, and help operating companiesapply cyber-physical solutions that strengthen the performance, resilience, andsafety of major capital programs.
Palladium, a GISI company, works to design, develop and deliverpositive impact on the lives and livelihoods of people around the globe;broaden access to health, water, power, and infrastructure; build enduring,sustainable, and transformative institutions and market systems to addressglobal challenges; and conserve the natural world. We operate in over 90countries and have a workforce of 2,000 talented, motivated, and diverse staff aroundthe world. This role is hired through Palladium, the operational platformfor Ignite.
This Opportunity:
GISI Igniteis seeking a Senior Manager, Technology and Innovation, to support the delivery oftechnology-enabled solutions and innovation programs across GISI's family ofcompanies and client portfolio. With a strong foundation in consulting, technicalsolution design and delivery, the role bridges strategy and execution, helping internaland external clients define problem statements and innovation goals, evaluateoptions, and implement impactful solutions.
The idealcandidate has experience in stakeholder engagement, consulting, engineering,and/or technology-based roles, in addition to being passionate about solvingcomplex problems and driving change through digital transformation andinnovation.
This is aconsulting role and it is expected to serve both internal and external clients- work will be assigned in an agile way based on the experience and expertiseof the individual. Projects with internal clients will focus on leadinginternal operational efficiency initiatives, serving stakeholders within GISIcompanies. Projects with external clients will require engagement with senior-levelclient stakeholders across a diverse range of GISI sectors. Both will rely onfoundational skills in business analysis, technology design and implementation,and project management.
The Senior Manager is expected to operate as a seller-doer withemphasis on strategic advisory, solution design, and program management. Theywill work closely with GISI Ignite Directors, Operating Companies (OPCOs),clients, and GISI's technical teams to ensure innovation and digital transformation engagementsare aligned with business needs and deliver measurable value.
Location and Compensation:
This is a full-time,hybrid position based out of GISI's Newport Beach, CA or Denver, CO office, withpotential client travel.
For our prospective employees in the United States, please notethat the full-time equivalent annual base salary for this position is expectedto range from $150,000 to $200,000.
Please be advised that a final salary offer will be based onvarious factors, including but not limited to your qualifications, education,experience, skills, seniority, performance, and GISI/Palladium's business ororganizational needs.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the compensationfor this position, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We value yourinterest in our company and appreciate the opportunity to discuss thisopportunity with you.
Reporting Lines:
  • The role reports to a Director, GISI Ignite
  • Initially, this position will not include direct supervisory duties; however, these responsibilities may be introduced as the business evolves over time

PrimaryRoles and Responsibilities:
Client Engagement & Advisory
  • Cultivate and expand trusted relationships with mid- to senior-level client stakeholders internal and external to GISI operating companies
  • Architect and oversee complex, multi-phase solution discovery activities including interviews, workshops, and field assessments to surface operational challenges and transformation needs
  • Identify cross-company and sector patterns, strategic themes, and high-impact digital transformation and innovation opportunities and provide recommendations for new services, offerings and ways of working

Solution Design & Innovation Delivery
  • Lead strategy and development of innovation concepts, digital transformation pathways, and solution requirements, translating business needs into actionable solutions
  • Evaluate and advise on technology acquisition and delivery pathways, shaping the organization's innovation and digital transformation roadmap and investment priorities
  • Oversee and conduct detailed requirement gathering activities for technology solutions, business process enhancements, and system integrations ensuring solutions are scalable and future-proofed
  • Evaluate and devise strategies that account for people, process, technology, and governance components for each engagement
  • Conceptualize and deliver proof of concept solutions and prototypes to garner client buy-in and to translate concepts into actionable software or data products

Program Management & Execution
  • Provide strategic direction and lead day-to-day delivery of client innovation engagements, coordinating workstreams across GISI operating companies, technical teams and vendors
  • Oversee detailed project plans, manage dependencies, track milestones, and ensure alignment with client expectations, coordinating with technical delivery and vendor teams as needed
  • Engage with high level stakeholders on change management strategies and oversee their implementation, working closely with internal and external stakeholders
  • Identify risks, issues, and mitigation strategies, escalating complex challenges appropriately
  • Establish mechanisms to ensure quality and consistency in deliverables and client communications

Team Leadership & Collaboration
  • Performance Monitoring, Reporting and Knowledge Sharing
  • Lead client-ready deliverables including strategic recommendations, assessments, business cases, process maps, and solution architectures
  • Define and measure client engagement KPIs, client satisfaction, and initiative outcomes to inform future phases of work.
  • Feed market intelligence and lessons learned into GISI's innovation roadmap and strategy, anticipating market shifts and proactively positioning GISI
  • Represent GISI in client briefings, industry forums, and thought leadership opportunities

EssentialCriteria:
  • 10+ years of experience in business consulting or technology strategy and delivery in a professional services organization
  • Master's degree in Engineering, Business, Technology, or related field preferred
  • Proven experience leading client engagements and delivering complex solutions
  • Strong communication, facilitation, and stakeholder management skills
  • Demonstrated knowledge in emerging technologies and innovation methodologies including familiarity with AI, automation, and data integration platforms
  • Proven ability to lead workstreams, manage client interactions, and deliver complex, cross-functional initiatives

CoreAbilities Required:
  • Demonstrated track record of solving complex, enterprise-level challenges through innovative, systems-based approaches.
  • Proven ability to cultivate relationships and serve as a trusted advisor to internal and external clients, providing recommendations and solutions that produce business value
  • Demonstrated comfort leading projects across diverse industries and ability to engage with stakeholders with varying technical backgrounds
  • Leads engagements fluidly between strategic framing and hands-on delivery, providing clarity, structure, and direction to teams and clients
  • Thrives in multi-stakeholder environments, translating diverse inputs into coherent solutions and action plans
  • Inquisitive mindset, creative, and desire to take initiative to learn new industries systems, technologies, and skills and how they can be applied

Skills:
  • Design thinking practitioner or Agile / change management certified (or equivalent experience)
  • Business process and system mapping and scenario planning
  • Software prototyping tools (Figma, PowerApps, Cursor/Windsurf, Miro, or similar)
  • Data analytics & visualization tools (Power BI, Tableau, Excel)

Applications will be accepted on a rollingbasis. We encourage you to apply early as the position may close once asuitable candidate is found.
Allqualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regardto race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationalorigin, disability, age, or status as a protected veteran.
Shouldyou require any adjustments or accommodations to be made due to a disability oryou are a neurodivergent individual, or for any other circumstance, pleaseemail our team at accessibility@thepalladiumgroup.com and we willbe in touch to discuss.
Safeguarding - We defineSafeguarding as "the preventative action taken by Palladium to protect ourpeople, clients and the communities we work with from harm". We are committedto ensuring that all children and adults who come into contact with Palladiumare treated with respect and are free from abuse. All successful candidates will be subject toan enhanced selection process including safeguarding-focused interviews and arigorous due diligence process.