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Product Innovation Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Vishay

Sr. Innovation Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

Innovation Engineer - Market Development (Optoelectronics) About the Role We are seeking a highly ... OPTO products into system designs and drive successful design-ins, addressing power consumption ...

Aquent

Product Innovation Associate

San Diego, CA · On-site

$40 - $44.44/hr

This company is a leader in consumer product innovation, constantly striving to bring exciting new ... About Skill Skill connects the best professional, IT, engineering, financial and administrative ...

Netflix

Product Manager, Plans Innovation

Los Gatos, CA · On-site +1

Lead a team of stunning colleagues across design, engineering, consumer insights, and data science ... As the Product Manager, Plans Innovation, you will be responsible for: * Evolution of the plans ...

Netflix

Product Manager, Plans Innovation

Los Gatos, CA · On-site

Lead a team of stunning colleagues across design, engineering, consumer insights, and data science ... As the Product Manager, Plans Innovation, you will be responsible for: * Evolution of the plans ...

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Product Innovation Engineer information

What is a product innovation engineer?

Product Innovation Engineers are professionals who focus on developing new products or improving existing ones through innovative design, materials, and processes. They work at the intersection of engineering, design, and business, collaborating with cross-functional teams to bring creative ideas to market. Their responsibilities typically include researching market needs, prototyping, testing, and refining products to ensure they meet customer expectations and company goals. Product Innovation Engineers play a crucial role in driving a company's competitiveness and growth by continuously seeking novel solutions and opportunities.

How does a product innovation engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the product development process?

As a Product Innovation Engineer, you will work closely with cross-functional teams such as marketing, design, manufacturing, and quality assurance to bring new products from concept to reality. Collaboration often involves participating in brainstorming sessions, sharing technical insights, and integrating feedback from different departments to ensure the product meets customer needs and technical feasibility. Regular meetings and collaborative tools are used to align goals, track progress, and quickly address any challenges that arise. This teamwork is essential for balancing innovation with practical considerations like manufacturability, cost, and compliance.

Are product innovation engineers in demand?

Product innovation engineers are in demand as companies seek to develop new products and improve existing ones, especially in industries like technology, manufacturing, and consumer goods. They often require skills in design, prototyping, and project management, with employment growth driven by the need for competitive innovation.

What is the difference between Product Innovation Engineer vs Product Development Engineer?

AspectProduct Innovation EngineerProduct Development Engineer
Primary FocusCreating new products and innovative solutionsDesigning and improving existing products
Skills & CertificationsCreativity, prototyping, engineering design, often requires a background in engineering or industrial designEngineering design, CAD, project management, similar technical background
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, innovation teamsManufacturing, product teams, engineering departments
Industry UsageTechnology, consumer electronics, automotive, where innovation is keyConsumer goods, machinery, electronics, focused on product lifecycle

While both roles require engineering knowledge and technical skills, the Product Innovation Engineer primarily focuses on developing new, innovative products and solutions. In contrast, the Product Development Engineer concentrates on designing, refining, and bringing existing products to market. Both roles are essential in the product lifecycle but serve different stages of the innovation and production process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a product innovation engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Product Innovation Engineer, you need a strong background in engineering principles, product development processes, and often a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, rapid prototyping tools, and project management systems is typically required, along with certifications such as Six Sigma or PMP being advantageous. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective cross-functional communication are crucial soft skills that set exceptional candidates apart. These skills and qualifications are vital for developing innovative products that meet market needs and for successfully leading projects from concept to launch.
What are popular job titles related to Product Innovation Engineer jobs in California? For Product Innovation Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Product Innovation Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Product Innovation Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Product Innovation Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Product Innovation Engineer job openings:
Product Innovation Engineer jobs near you

Sr. Innovation Engineer

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.

San Jose, CA • On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 hours ago

Job description

Innovation Engineer - Market Development (Optoelectronics)
About the Role
We are seeking a highly motivated Innovation Engineer - Market Development to drive application-driven growth for our Optoelectronics portfolio (Sensors and Isolators) in North America.
This role combines hands-on engineering, system-level thinking, and strategic market development. You will work directly with customer engineering teams, develop scalable demo platforms, and translate emerging application opportunities into successful design-ins across key verticals.
This is not a purely reactive support role. It is a proactive growth position focused on building the next generation of optoelectronic applications.
Key Responsibilities
1. Application Innovation
Develop scalable system concepts in robotics, wearables, smart glasses, LiDAR, ADAS, HMI, IoT/Smart Home, lighting, and other emerging optoelectronic applications.
2. Customer Design-In Development
Collaborate directly with customer engineering teams to integrate OPTO products into system designs and drive successful design-ins, addressing power consumption, optical path, mechanical constraints, and validation requirements.
3. Technical Support & Development
Prototype and validate OPTO sensors (ALS, proximity, RGB, photodiodes, IR emitters) and OPTO isolators (optocouplers, SSRs, MOSFET drivers, TRIACs).
Program microcontrollers, implement I²C communication, perform system-level debugging, and support customer design and qualification activities.
4. Strategic Market Development
Define vertical focus areas, build customer penetration plans, conduct application growth analysis, and collaborate regularly with teams in Europe and Asia to scale successful concepts globally.
5. Technical Engagement
Deliver technical and sales trainings, develop demo platforms and white papers, and create enablement materials for Sales, FAEs, distribution partners, and global teams.
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field
  • Strong understanding of optoelectronic components and system integration
  • Experience with microcontroller programming and I²C communication
  • Hands-on lab experience with system debugging and prototype validation
  • Ability to work independently and drive application ideas proactively

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in robotics, automotive (ADAS), wearable devices, IoT/Smart Home, or sensor-based systems or Power Electronics
  • Familiarity with optical path design, power optimization, and system validation setups
  • Experience working in global, cross-functional teams

What We're Looking For
  • A proactive, creative engineer who enjoys building and validating new concepts
  • Someone comfortable working directly with customer engineering teams
  • A technically strong professional who can translate system requirements into practical solutions
  • A self-driven individual who thrives in an international, collaborative environment

Pay Range for Applicants in CA: 140,000-170,000
What can we offer you for your talent:
Vishay offers a comprehensive suite of benefit programs including health care coverage, financial support programs and other resources designed to help you achieve your personal and professional goals. With us, you'll experience unique career paths, an open and collaborative culture, a stable business that will be there for you, and opportunities to work globally and locally.
Do you have the skills we need? Are you ready to power your career as you power the world? If so, apply today.
It is the policy of Vishay to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all colleagues and applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
As an equal opportunity employer, Vishay is committed to a diverse workforce. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Veterans' Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact HR.Operations@Vishay.com assistance

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