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Innovation Program Manager Jobs in Rochester, MI

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Innovation Program Manager information

See Rochester, MI salary details

$35.4K

$98.9K

$144.5K

How much do innovation program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for innovation program manager in Rochester, MI is $98,912.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,200.00 and $122,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Innovation Program Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Innovation Program Manager, you need expertise in project management, strategy development, and a background in business or technology, often supported by a relevant degree or certifications like PMP. Familiarity with innovation frameworks, agile methodologies, and collaboration tools such as Jira or Trello is typically required. Strong leadership, creative problem-solving, and effective stakeholder communication are critical soft skills that set top performers apart. These skills enable the successful design, execution, and scaling of innovative initiatives, ensuring organizational growth and competitive advantage.

What does an Innovation Program Manager do?

An Innovation Program Manager oversees and coordinates initiatives that drive innovation within an organization. They design, implement, and manage programs that encourage creative thinking, development of new products, and improvement of existing processes. Their responsibilities often include collaborating with cross-functional teams, managing budgets, measuring program outcomes, and fostering a culture of innovation. By identifying emerging trends and technologies, they help organizations stay competitive and adapt to changes in the market.

What is the difference between Innovation Program Manager vs Product Manager?

AspectInnovation Program ManagerProduct Manager
Primary FocusDeveloping and managing innovation initiatives and programsOverseeing product development and lifecycle
Required SkillsInnovation strategy, project management, cross-functional collaborationProduct design, market analysis, user experience
Work EnvironmentCorporate innovation labs, R&D departments, cross-industryTech companies, consumer goods, software firms
CertificationsProject management, innovation management certificationsProduct management certifications (e.g., Pragmatic, Scrum)

While both roles involve strategic planning and cross-functional work, the Innovation Program Manager focuses on fostering new ideas and managing innovation initiatives, whereas the Product Manager concentrates on developing and delivering specific products to market.

How does an Innovation Program Manager typically foster collaboration across different departments?

An Innovation Program Manager often acts as a bridge between various teams—such as R&D, marketing, finance, and operations—to drive new initiatives. They facilitate workshops, organize cross-functional meetings, and implement structured processes for idea generation and evaluation. By maintaining open communication channels and aligning stakeholders on shared goals, they ensure that innovative projects have broad support and clear direction. This collaborative approach is essential to overcome silos and accelerate the implementation of creative solutions.
What job categories do people searching Innovation Program Manager jobs in Rochester, MI look for? The top searched job categories for Innovation Program Manager jobs in Rochester, MI are:
What cities near Rochester, MI are hiring for Innovation Program Manager jobs? Cities near Rochester, MI with the most Innovation Program Manager job openings:
Innovation Program Manager jobs near you

AI Transformation Lead/Program Manager

Waltonen

Warren, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Waltonen Engineering is looking for an AI Transformation Lead / Program Manager to help us build and implement practical AI solutions across the company. This role is focused on developing and deploying AI agents that work across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and business operations. The goal is to reduce cycle time, improve throughput, and remove bottlenecks by embedding AI directly into our day-to-day processes.
Job Summary
The AI Transformation Lead will work with leadership and department teams to identify where AI can be applied in a practical way, then help build, test, and roll out those solutions. This is not a research or strategy-only role. The focus is on execution and measurable results, not just exploration. We're looking for someone who can take ideas and turn them into working tools and AI agents.
Responsibilities
  • Review and map existing workflows to identify bottlenecks and opportunities for AI agents
  • Develop and deploy AI agents to support functions like estimating, purchasing, quality, program management, and engineering support
  • Lead pilot efforts and move successful solutions into day-to-day use
  • Work with different teams to make sure what's built is usable and actually adopted
  • Evaluate AI tools and platforms that fit our needs and environment
  • Support data security, confidentiality, and compliance requirements as part of all AI efforts
  • Track results using practical metrics like time savings, throughput, and error reduction
  • Create simple training materials and guidance so teams can use the tools effectively
  • Provide regular updates to leadership on progress, challenges, and next steps
  • All employees are required to work within the confines and responsibilities of the quality system

Tools / Experience
Experience with some of the following is expected:
  • Microsoft 365 Copilot
  • ChatGPT / OpenAI (including API use)
  • Azure OpenAI
  • Anthropic Claude
  • Google Gemini
  • Perplexity
  • Agent frameworks such as AutoGen, LangChain, CrewAI, Semantic Kernel, or similar
  • Basic programming or scripting experience (Python preferred), including working with APIs and data

Qualifications
  • 2+ years of experience in AI, automation, digital transformation, program management, or similar work
  • Experience building or implementing AI-driven solutions or automations
  • Ability to work across departments and move projects forward
  • Strong communication and problem-solving skills
  • Experience in engineering or manufacturing environments is a plus
  • Degree in Computer Science or Cybersecurity is a plus
All employees are required to work within the confines and responsibilities of the quality system.
Benefits
  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Vacation and Holiday pay
  • Employer matching 401K
  • Overtime Pay: Time and a half after 40 hours
  • Hybrid work schedule after 90 days for eligible positions
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Flexible Spending Programs (FSAs)
  • Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Employee Referral Program
  • Additional Voluntary Benefit Programs
  • Off-site company events & Employee Luncheons

Who are we?
Founded in 1957 and proudly 100% U.S.-owned, Waltonen has deep roots in Warren, Michigan, and a strong commitment to supporting our local community. As a trusted engineering company, we serve the automotive, aerospace, and defense industries with precision, innovation, and integrity. Our team takes pride not only in the work we do, but in the positive impact we make-both in the industries we serve and in the community we call home.
Waltonen Engineering, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and will consider qualified applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, marital status, weight, height, or the presence of a non-job-related medical condition or handicap.

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