ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Product Innovation Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Koch Industries

Innovation Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

This role partners with product engineering, manufacturing, quality, and innovation teams to solve complex technical challenges, accelerate technology development, and generate reusable knowledge ...

Koch Industries

Associate Innovation Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

This role partners with product engineering, manufacturing, quality, and innovation teams to solve complex technical challenges, accelerate technology development, and generate reusable knowledge ...

Thirty-5 Capital

Product Engineer

Wheeling, IL · On-site

Working closely with the Senior R&D Engineer, the Product Engineer will play a key role in bringing products from concept through production while helping drive innovation, performance, quality, and ...

Pwc

Engineering Manager-Technical Product Owner

Chicago, IL · On-site

$172K - $178K/yr

... Engineering Management Level Manager & Summary At PwC, our people in software and product ... You embrace technology and innovation to enhance your delivery and encourage others to do the same.

Wahl Clipper Corporation

Product Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Design the Future of Innovation at Wahl Clipper At Wahl Clipper, innovation isn't just a process-it ... Now, we're looking for a Product Engineer who is ready to turn ideas into reality and bring next ...

Wahl Clipper Corporation

Product Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

Design the Future of Innovation at Wahl Clipper At Wahl Clipper, innovation isn't just a process-it ... Now, we're looking for a Product Engineer who is ready to turn ideas into reality and bring next ...

Wahl Clipper Corporation

Product Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Design the Future of Innovation at Wahl ClipperAt Wahl Clipper, innovation isn't just a process-it ... Now, we're looking for a Product Engineer who is ready to turn ideas into reality and bring next ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsProduct Innovation Engineer JobsProduct Innovation Engineer Jobs in Illinois

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.

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 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.

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, and employment opportunities are expected to grow with ongoing technological advancements.

How to get into product innovation engineering?

Product Innovation Engineers typically have a background in engineering, design, or related fields, along with skills in research, prototyping, and project management. Gaining experience through internships, developing proficiency with CAD software and innovation methodologies like design thinking, and obtaining relevant certifications can improve chances of entering this role.

What are popular job titles related to Product Innovation Engineer jobs in Illinois?

For Product Innovation Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Product Innovation Engineer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Product Innovation Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Product Innovation Engineer jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Product Innovation Engineer job openings:

Product Innovation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Product Innovation Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Innovation Engineer

Koch Industries

Lisle, IL • On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Koch Industries rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

136th of 545 rated manufacturers

Job description

Your Job
The Innovation Engineer drives the development and application of advanced materials, testing methodologies, and engineering solutions to support product innovation, reliability, manufacturing excellence, and business growth. This role partners with product engineering, manufacturing, quality, and innovation teams to solve complex technical challenges, accelerate technology development, and generate reusable knowledge that creates long-term competitive advantage for Molex.
Our Team
At Molex Connected Mobility, we're shaping how vehicles communicate, developing technologies that are integrated directly into next-generation vehicles, from 5G connectivity to advanced antenna systems.
What You Will Do
  • Materials Innovation & Technology Development
    • Lead investigations into material behavior, performance, and reliability across metals, polymers, plating, and emerging materials.
    • Develop and execute experimental plans and material digital twins to evaluate new materials, processes, and technologies.
    • Support strategic innovation initiatives by identifying and validating technologies that improve product performance, manufacturability, and cost competitiveness.
    • Contribute technical expertise to innovation projects from concept through implementation.
  • Engineering Analysis & Problem Solving
    • Conduct structured root cause analysis and failure investigations using engineering and scientific methods.
    • Perform material characterization and laboratory evaluation using microscopy, mechanical testing, and related analytical techniques as suited.
    • Apply statistical methods and data analysis to identify trends, quantify risks, and support decision-making.
    • Use simulation and modeling tools to model product performance and validate design decisions.
  • Material Validation & Testing
    • Design, execute, and interpret product and material validation testing.
    • Develop test methods, protocols, and acceptance criteria to ensure reliable performance.
    • Support verification and validation activities in partnership with product engineering teams.
    • Document test results and communicate technical recommendations clearly to stakeholders.
  • Knowledge & Capability Development
    • Capture, organize, and share technical knowledge to strengthen Molex engineering capabilities.
    • Develop technical guidance, best practices, and training materials for engineers and technical teams.
    • Contribute to enterprise knowledge systems and material intelligence initiatives .
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration
    • Partner with product development, manufacturing, supplier quality, operations, digital and business teams to address technical challenges.
    • Provide materials and testing expertise during product development programs.
    • Collaborate with external suppliers, laboratories, universities, and industry partners as appropriate.
    • Influence technical decisions through data-driven recommendations and sound engineering judgment.
Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)
  • Knowledge and expertise in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Material Science or a related technical field.
  • Experience in materials characterization, product testing, manufacturing, or engineering development.
  • Strong analytical and structured problem-solving skills.
  • Experience in using experimental design to support engineering decisions.
  • Excellent communication, collaboration, and technical documentation skills.

What Will Put You Ahead
  • Machine learning, AI, or data science applications in engineering and materials development.
  • Digital engineering, simulation automation, and model-based engineering.
  • Experience in leading enterprise innovation, technology roadmaps, or strategic R&D initiatives.
  • Statistical analysis, Design of Experiments (DOE), and interpretation of engineering data using tools such as Minitab or equivalent platforms
  • Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and simulation-driven engineering fundamentals.

For this role, we anticipate paying $75,000 - $95,000 per year. This role is eligible for variable pay, issued as a monetary bonus or in another form.
At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.
Hiring Philosophy
All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here .
Who We Are
At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.
#LI-MS6
Our Benefits
Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.
Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.
Equal Opportunities
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here , aquí , or tu ).
#LI-MS6

What Koch Industries employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply