Open Innovation Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Location : Houston, TX
Job Type: Regular Full-time
Job Number: 2026-01341-E
Department: Direct Report
Division: Information Technology
Opening Date: 08/21/2026
Closing Date: 9/18/2026 11:59 PM Central
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Innovation Manager leads the Sheriff's Office innovation program by identifying, evaluating, piloting, and operationalizing emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, robotics, unmanned systems, automation, real-time intelligence systems, and advanced analytics to improve public safety and operational effectiveness.
Key Responsibilities
Innovation Exploration & Research

• Continuously scans the landscape of emerging technologies, including AI/ML, robotics, unmanned aerial systems, computer vision, autonomous systems, and the Internet of Things
• Identifies vendors, startups, academic research, and industry trends applicable to public safety
• Serves as the subject matter resource on emerging capabilities and future-state technologies

Rapid Prototyping & Experimentation

• Translates conceptual ideas into proofs-of-concept, prototypes, or pilot programs
• Designs and executes structured experiments to validate technical feasibility and operational value
• Leverages low-code/no-code tools, APIs, and development platforms to accelerate prototyping

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Works closely with the Technology Management team to integrate innovations
• Partners with vendors and external agencies to co-develop and test solutions
• Innovation Pipeline Management
• Maintains a structured pipeline of ideas, experiments, and initiatives
• Tracks progress from concept to prototype to pilot to production recommendation
• Presents regular updates and demonstrations to executive leadership
• Team Leadership
• Manages AI Solutions Engineers and other technical specialists assigned to the innovation program
• Builds and maintains an internal "innovation lab" capability
• Mentors technical staff and fosters a culture of experimentation
• Coordinates with infrastructure, cybersecurity, and data platform teams

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Management may, at its discretion, assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field
• Six (6) or more years in technology roles with direct exposure to emerging technologies or innovation initiatives, including prototyping, solution design, or applied research and development
  
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of AI/ML, automation, APIs, or systems integration
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to translate technical concepts for executive and non-technical stakeholders
• Ability to manage, mentor, and develop technical staff

PREFERENCES

• Experience in public safety, government, or another regulated environment
• Familiarity with drone/UAV programs, robotics, or computer vision systems
• Experience with platforms such as Python, cloud services (Azure/AWS), or AI development tools
• Exposure to human-centered design or design-thinking methodologies
• Experience working with startups or innovation ecosystems

GENERAL INFORMATION
Work Environment & Physical Demands
• This position operates primarily in a professional office setting.
• Standard use of computers, phones, printers, and related technical equipment.
• The ability to lift and carry up to 10 pounds is occasionally necessary.
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work
Position Type: Professional Staff, Full-time, Exempt
Work Schedule: Typically Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Hours may vary based on the department's business needs.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, or any other protected class in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.
BENEFITS
Harris County offers a competitive benefits program, including comprehensive group health and related benefits plan as well as a defined benefit retirement plan.
The following list of benefits is offered only to employees in regular (full-time) positions:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Wellness
• Life Insurance
• Long-term disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 days of vacation each year for the first five (5) years of service. Accrual rates increase based on years of service.
• 10 county holidays plus one (1) floating holiday
• Paid Parental Leave
• Professional development opportunities
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Healthcare Reimbursement Account
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are also available to regular (full-time) employment and may be available to part-time employees:

• Retirement pension (TCDRS)
  • Flexible schedules (varies by department)
    • Transportation Assistance (Metro RideSponsor Program)

In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, Group Health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County benefits website:
01
What is the highest level of education you have completed in a specific field related to the area of assignment as it pertains to this position? Please select from below.

• High School Diploma or GED equivalency
• Associate's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field
• Associate's degree in another field of study
• Bachelor's Degree or higher in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field
• Bachelor's Degree in another field of study
• Not Applicable

02
Which of the following best describes your years of progressively responsible experience in technology roles with direct exposure to emerging technologies or innovation initiatives, including prototyping, solution design, or applied research and development?

• Six (6) years, but less than seven (7) years
• Seven (7) years, but less than eight (8) years
• Eight (8) years, but less than nine (9) years
• Nine (9) years, but less than ten (10) years
• Ten (10) or more years
• Not Applicable

03
Do any of the following pertain to you as it relates to this position?Select all that apply.

• Experience in public safety, government, or another regulated environment
• Familiarity with drone/UAV programs, robotics, or computer vision systems
• Experience with platforms such as Python, cloud services (Azure/AWS), or AI development tools
• Exposure to human-centered design or design-thinking methodologies
• Experience working with startups or innovation ecosystems
• Not Applicable

04
Employees of the Harris County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) are exposed to confidential and law enforcement sensitive information. A thorough background investigation is required to properly evaluate the suitability of applicants for employment. For this reason, it is essential that you provide accurate information in all aspects of the process. The process will end for applicants who fail to provide truthful information. The following questions address information required to start the pre-qualifying requirements of the recruitment process. All information obtained herein will be used for purposes of initiating a background investigation only. Additional questionnaires will be required at later stages of the application process. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, national origin or disability.

• I have read the above statement and understand that by submitting this application I agree to be subject to a background investigation including but not limited to education, employment, driving record, criminal history, financial responsibility, or any such areas of investigation deemed reasonable and justifiable for purpose of employment with the HCSO.

05
Please provide your full name (Last Name, First Name, Middle Name (no initials)
06
Please provide your date of birth. (MM/DD/YYYY)
07
Please select your age range below. (As of today)

• 21 years or older
• 18 to 20 years old
• 17 or younger

08
Please Provide your Social Security Number (SSN)
09
Which of the following citizenship status apply to you?

• United States Citizen (Born or Naturalized)
• Permanent Resident (Legally authorized to live and work in the United States)
• None of the above

10
Please provide your place of birth (city, county, state, and country)
11
Do you have a valid driver's license? NOTE: A Texas issued driver's license is required prior to start date.

• Valid driver's license
• State issued ID card
• None of the above

12
Please provide your current driver's license or state-issued ID number, state, and expiration date. If you do not have a driver's license please enter N/A.
13
Have you ever been employed with a law enforcement agency or correctional facility in any position?

• Currently Employed
• Previously Employed
• Never been employed at a law enforcement agency or correctional facility

14
If yes, please list of ALL Law Enforcement and/or Correctional facilities where you have worked (provide the name of the facility, address and years employed). Type "N/A" if not applicable
15
If you have worked at a law enforcement agency or correctional facility, have you ever been terminated, resigned in lieu of termination, or resigned while under investigation?

• Yes
• No
• Not Applicable

16
If yes, please explain (provide details): Type "N/A" if not applicable
17
Have you ever....? Please select all that apply.

• Been Convicted of a felony
• Been accused/charged with a felony that was dismissed, received deferred adjudication and/or probation
• Been convicted of a Class A misdemeanor, or the equivalent
• Been convicted of a Class B misdemeanor, or the equivalent within the last 10 years
• Been convicted of a Class B misdemeanor, or the equivalent over 10 years ago from today's date
• Been accused/charged with a Class B misdemeanor or equivalent that was dismissed, received deferred adjudication and/or probation
• Been dishonorably discharged from the United States armed forces
• None of the above

18
Please explain your answer below. Include the type of offense, date charged and date of discharge.Type "N/A" if not applicable
19
The Harris County Sheriff's Office has a strict policy on drug usage. If selected you will be required to take a pre-employment drug screening. All HCSO employees are also subject to random drug testing during the course of their employment. Please answer the following drug use related questions truthfully, the admittance of past drug use will not necessarily prevent you from future employment with the HCSO.

• I acknowledge the HCSO has a strict drug use policy and that I will be subjected to a drug screening at some point in the recruitment process.

20
Have you ever sold/distributed illegal substances? (e.g. marijuana, prescription drugs, crack, meth, etc.)

• Yes
• Never

21
If you answered yes, please explain what kind of illegal substance you sold/distributed and the date you last did. If you answered "never", please type N/A.
22
In the last year, August 2025 - August 2026, have you used any form of marijuana?

• Yes
• No

23
How many times have you used a prescription drug not prescribed to you?

• Once
• 2 or 3 times
• 4 or 5 times
• 6 or 7 times
• 8 or 9 times
• 10 or more times
• Weekly
• Monthly
• Never

24
When was the last possible date that you used a prescription drug not prescribed to you? Provide a specific date or at least month and year Type "N/A" if not applicable
25
Have you ever used any of the following drugs? (Select all that apply)

• Speed (Crystal meth, meth, crank, etc.)
• Cocaine
• LSD
• X.T.C. (Ecstasy)
• Heroine
• Steroids
• Opium
• Other illegal substances
• None of the above

26
If yes, please list the substance used and last possible date (day, month, year) you used any form of illegal drugs. Type "N/A" if not applicable
27
Have you ever been an officer, a member or made a contribution to an organization that advocates or practices the commission of acts of force or violence to discourage others from exercising their rights under the United States Constitution or rights granted by law?

• Yes
• No

28
If yes, please explain your