1

Innovation Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Innovation Manager SUMMARY Provide leadership in vision, strategy, and thinking methodologies used to innovate new products and services, introduce novel or disruptive ideas, improve existing ...

Description | Principal Innovation Engineer Job Profile Summary Will be responsible for driving Huntington's most complex innovation initiatives by designing and building end-to-end, production-grade ...

The Director Product Innovation provides oversight to the operations of the Protein Applications Center and serves Agropur Ingredients as the technical expert in whey-derived ingredients. This role ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Innovation information

See Minnesota salary details

$10.8K

$95.6K

$113.6K

How much do innovation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for innovation in Minnesota is $95,574.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,000.00 and $102,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are careers in innovation?

Careers in innovation involve developing new products, services, or processes to improve efficiency and competitiveness. Roles may include innovation manager, R&D specialist, or product designer, often requiring skills in creativity, problem-solving, and familiarity with industry tools or methodologies like design thinking or agile. These positions are common in technology, manufacturing, and business sectors seeking continuous improvement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an innovation manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Innovation Manager, you need a strong background in business strategy, creativity, and project management, often supported by a degree in business, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with innovation frameworks (such as Design Thinking), data analysis tools, and experience with project management platforms like Jira or Trello are commonly required. Exceptional communication, adaptability, and leadership abilities help drive cross-functional collaboration and foster a culture of innovation. These skills are crucial for identifying opportunities, executing new ideas, and maintaining a competitive edge in rapidly changing markets.

What is an innovation job?

Innovation jobs focus on creating, developing, and implementing new ideas, products, services, or processes within an organization. Professionals in these roles help companies stay competitive by identifying opportunities for improvement and driving change. Common positions include Innovation Manager, Product Innovation Specialist, and Innovation Consultant. These jobs often require creativity, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work across different teams.

What is the difference between Innovation vs Product Manager?

AspectInnovationProduct Manager
Primary FocusDeveloping new ideas, concepts, and solutionsOverseeing product development, lifecycle, and strategy
Required SkillsCreativity, problem-solving, market researchProject management, communication, market analysis
Work EnvironmentR&D teams, startups, innovation labsCross-functional teams, tech companies, consumer goods
Industry UsageInnovation departments, R&D unitsProduct development teams, tech firms

Innovation focuses on generating new ideas and solutions, often working in R&D settings, while Product Managers oversee the development and lifecycle of products, ensuring market fit and success. Both roles require collaboration but differ in their core objectives and skill sets.

How does an innovation professional typically collaborate with other departments within an organization?

Innovation professionals frequently work cross-functionally, partnering with teams such as marketing, product development, engineering, and operations to identify opportunities and develop new solutions. They often facilitate brainstorming sessions, gather input from diverse stakeholders, and ensure alignment on project goals. Effective communication and adaptability are essential, as they must bridge gaps between creative ideas and practical implementation, ensuring successful integration of innovations into existing business processes.
What are the most commonly searched types of Innovation jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Innovation jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Innovation jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Innovation job openings:
Infographic showing various Innovation job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,574 per year, or $45.9 per hour.

Innovation Manager - Civil

M. A. Mortenson Company

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

$121K - $182K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Mortenson rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description


Innovation Manager
SUMMARY
Provide leadership in vision, strategy, and thinking methodologies used to innovate new products and services, introduce novel or disruptive ideas, improve existing processes, and create a culture of innovation within Mortenson. Lead innovation projects using skills and experience in construction.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Lead Company R&D efforts to include rapid prototyping, product development, industrialization, development of new tools and equipment.

  • Partner with key operating groups in developing specific capabilities and collaborate with operating groups to track KPIS

  • Partner with outside entities to advance improvements within the construction industry and Mortenson's business

  • Support operating groups in developing business plans related to innovation

  • Create an innovative culture that differentiates Mortenson in delivering value to our customers

  • Establish and manage the innovation center as the HUB for Mortenson's transformational innovation

  • Work with group leaders to run group level innovation challenges to crowd source innovation that solves problem

  • Design and model solutions for customer innovation and experience along with similar initiatives variants

  • Expand Innovation's group reach through the development of the Innovation HUB

  • Build strategic relationship with established companies, start-ups, and academic institutions to accelerate innovation in the AEC industry

  • Monitors new/alternative technological trends and developments and utilizes resources and tools to implement changes that will strengthen the organization as an industry leader

  • Effectively work and build relationships with those of diverse backgrounds and organizational levels

  • Lead team members by example, offer effective coaching and feedback, and effectively manage performance

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Strategic Planning - Thorough knowledge of research and analysis methods and techniques; thorough knowledge of statistical analysis and forecasting techniques.

  • Technology - Knowledge of general office equipment and personal computers to include word processing, spreadsheet and related software. Comprehensive knowledge of office systems, practices, procedures, and administration.

  • Data Analytics - Knowledge of organization and operations analysis techniques in order to study complex business issues, perform analysis between multiple datasets, conduct predictive analysis, and convey results to management.

  • Active listening skills and effective communication including an openness to diverse input and feedback

  • Ability to travel up to %

  • Knowledge of Equal Employment Opportunity, inclusive behaviors, and Affirmative Action plans and their intended use

  • Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or related EAC industry degree

  • Minimum of 6 years related AEC industry or construction experience

A few benefits offered include:
  • Medical and prescription drug plans that includes no additional cost vision coverage

  • Dental plan

  • 401k retirement plan with a generous Mortenson match

  • Paid time off, holidays, and other paid leaves

  • Employer paid Life, AD&D, and disability insurance

  • No-Cost mental health tool and concierge with extensive work-life resources

  • Tuition reimbursement

  • Adoption Assistance

  • Gym Membership Discount Program

The base pay range for this role is $121,900 - $182,900(Actual range is higher for the following office locations: Denver, CO and Chicago, IL - 5%, Seattle, WA, and Portland, OR - 10%, Washington, D.C. - 12.5%).
Base pay is positioned within the range based on several factors including an individual's knowledge, skills, and experience, with consideration given to internal equity.
Please make note:
  • Visa sponsorship is not offered for this position.

  • Our postings are typically open a minimum of 5 days and an average of 44 days.

ABOUT MORTENSON
As a top builder, developer, and EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction), our expertise spans markets like sports, renewable energy, data centers, healthcare, and more. We are builders at heart, working to ensure the built environment has a lasting positive impact.
Let's Redefine Possible®
Equal Employment Opportunity
Your uniqueness brings new and creative perspectives to the team. Mortenson is committed to providing equal opportunities of employment (EOE) to all individuals, regardless of your race, religion, gender, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status or any other legally protected category.
Other Items to Note
  • Mortenson reserves the right to hire any individual without legal or financial obligation on unwanted solicitations. No agency emails, calls, or solicitations are accepted without a valid agreement.

  • Must be currently legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status, 0-1, TN, CPT, OPT, etc.). We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

What Mortenson employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


M. A. Mortenson logo

About M. A. Mortenson

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

M. A. Mortenson is a prominent name in the construction industry, based out of Minneapolis, MN, US. Established in 1954 by M.A. Mortenson Sr., the company has over six decades of experience offering construction services that have contributed to building lasting infrastructures across various sectors, including healthcare, energy, corporate, and sports. Mortenson has proven its exceptional expertise through a range of complex building and facility projects across the US fulfilling the customer's specifications and exceeding their expectations. Moreover, the company's core values are outlined as ‘Do the Right Thing’, ‘We Before I’, ‘Inspire What’s Possible’, and ‘In it for the long haul’.

Industry

Manufacturing and construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US

Social media