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Innovation Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Innovation Lab Assistant

Portland, OR · On-site

$20.19 - $30.11/hr

Innovation Lab Assistant Job no: 536911 Work type: Classified Staff Location: Portland, OR Categories: Athletics, Business Administration/Management, Education Department: Lundquist College of ...

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Innovation Technician

Wilsonville, OR · On-site

$19.25 - $24.50/hr

We are extremely proud of our legacy of excellence and constantly work to fulfill our mission to "protect people, enhance lives, and preserve the planet." What do our Innovation/Utility specialists ...

Innovation Lab Assistant

Portland, OR · On-site

$20.19 - $30.11/hr

Innovation Lab Assistant Apply now Job no: 536911 Work type: Classified Staff Location: Portland, OR Categories: Athletics, Business Administration/Management, Education Department: Lundquist College ...

Innovation Technician

Wilsonville, OR

$19.25 - $24.50/hr

We are extremely proud of our legacy of excellence and constantly work to fulfill our mission to "protect people, enhance lives, and preserve the planet." What do our Innovation/Utility specialists ...

As a Service Innovation Manager, you lead the design, standardization, and evolution of service models that ensure our solutions can be successfully delivered, supported, and scaled in real-world ...

The Strategic Innovation Engineer at BASX plays a critical role in the Strategic Development & Testing Group with researching, designing, developing, and implementing new and emerging technologies ...

OR · On-site

Requirements Role Description The Director, Marketing & Innovation Finance is a critical finance leadership role responsible for driving profitable growth, shaping investment strategy, and improving ...

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Showing results 1-20

Innovation information

See Oregon salary details

$11.6K

$103.2K

$122.6K

How much do innovation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for innovation in Oregon is $103,173.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,400.00 and $110,500.00 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 Oregon?

The most popular types of Innovation jobs in Oregon are:

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Innovation jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Innovation job openings:

Infographic showing various Innovation job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,173 per year, or $49.6 per hour.

Lead Innovation Researcher - HOKA Innovation

Deckers Brands

Portland, OR • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Deckers Brands rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 62 rated fashion and textile manufacturers


Job description

At Deckers Brands, Together, Every Step is a promise kept that every employee can bring their authentic self, is valued and supported, as a whole person, at work and beyond. Together, Every Step is how we continue to deliver exceptional business results, experience an amazing place to work, and have a positive impact on the communities and world around us.
Job Title: Lead Innovation Researcher - HOKA Innovation
Reports to: Principal Innovation Researcher - HOKA Innovation
Location: Portland, OR (Hybrid)
Typically 3 times per week in office, Tuesday - Thursday
The Role
As Lead Innovation Researcher - HOKA Innovation, you'll drive science-driven research and insight generation to inform and advance future footwear innovation. You'll identify athlete and consumer needs, define critical knowledge gaps, design research methodologies, conduct applied studies, and translate findings into actionable guidance for concept development. You'll serve as a key scientific partner across Innovation, Design, Development, Product Creation, and with external research collaborators, connecting research to product and shaping concepts from early exploration through validation.
We celebrate diversity--of your background, your experiences and your unique identity. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and equitable workplace where all of our employees can Come as They Are. We believe that when we bring our different perspectives to work, we are truly Better Together.
Your Impact
  • Partner with Innovation leadership to shape and advance HOKA's innovation strategy at the intersection of science, athlete insight, and product performance
  • Provide scientific expertise and guidance to inform innovation design, concept development, and product decision-making
  • Identify knowledge gaps that guide research priorities and innovation opportunities
  • Apply an entrepreneurial mindset to identify opportunities where scientific insights can unlock product differentiation
  • Design research protocols, develop tools, and execute scientific studies to generate actionable insights
  • Apply performance testing methods to evaluate how footwear concepts influence movement, efficiency, and performance
  • Serve as the primary liaison managing external research collaborations in support of HOKA's innovation strategy
  • Translate research findings into actionable product direction supporting concept creation and development
  • Partner with product design, development, engineering, testing, and creation teams to embed scientific insights in innovation concepts
  • Contribute to the creation, evaluation, and refinement of disruptive concepts and products from early exploration through commercialization
  • Build and cultivate a network of leading research partners across academia, sport federations, and industry
  • Identify and evaluate emerging opportunities in human performance, footwear science, sport technology, and innovation partnerships

Who You Are
  • Master's or PhD degree in Biomechanics, Biomedical Engineering, Exercise Science, Sports Medicine, or similar field of study
  • 6-8 years of experience in footwear, sports equipment, or human performance research
  • Experience leading research programs within the footwear industry or a closely related field
  • Expertise in research design and applied sport science, including experimental design, statistical methods, and current sport science literature
  • Strong understanding of athlete behavior, human movement, and performance mechanisms in footwear and apparel
  • Advanced proficiency with lab and field technologies, including 3D motion capture, force plates, pressure insoles, metabolic carts, and IMUs
  • Highly proficient in data processing, analysis, and visualization using Python, MATLAB, and Visual3D
  • Demonstrated ability to guide concepts from early exploration through prototyping and validation, translating research into product-relevant insights
  • Ability to communicate research findings, innovation opportunities, and concept recommendations through clear, compelling storytelling
  • Highly motivated team player and self-starter with a curious, growth mindset and focus on continuous learning

What We'll Give You -
  • Competitive Pay and Bonuses - We've created a variety of competitive compensation programs to foster career development, reward success and to show our employees just how much they're valued.
  • Financial Planning and wellbeing - No matter what financial goals our employees have set, we want to help them get there. Our plans provide powerful ways to protect income, pay for expenses and invest in the future.
  • Time away from work - Sometimes we need time away to be with family, focus on our health or just simply recharge. Our plans support our employees' needs to get out, get healthy and come back stronger than ever.
  • Extras, discounts and perks - Being a valued member of the Deckers Brands team means more than just a paycheck. From generous discounts to community-based programs, we offer a variety of cool extras
  • Growth and Development - Deckers Brands was built on the idea of pursuing passion. That's why we offer extensive opportunities and support for personal and professional development.
  • Health and Wellness - There's nothing basic about our comprehensive health and wellness programs and offerings. While at work and at play, we aim to support a healthy lifestyle.

$108,700.00 - $146,700.00
The salary range posted reflects the estimated minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for this role in:
Portland, Oregon
Individual pay will be determined by location and additional factors, including job related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary for your preferred location during the hiring process.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Diversity and inclusion are key to our success. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and our employees are people with different strengths, experiences and backgrounds who share a passion for our brands. We welcome qualified applicants regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, military or veteran status, mental or physical disability, medical condition and all the other beautiful parts of your identity.

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