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Technology Scouting Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

This is a highly cross-functional role that blends product strategy, technology scouting, opportunity evaluation, and innovation leadership. You will help define where the business goes next ...

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Technology Scouting information

See California salary details

$5

$20

$31

How much do technology scouting jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for technology scouting in California is $20.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $24.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Technology Scouting professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Technology Scouting professional, you need a strong background in technology trends, market analysis, and research, often supported by a degree in engineering, science, or business. Familiarity with technology databases, patent search tools, and innovation management platforms is typically required. Outstanding communication, networking, and critical thinking skills help you build relationships and evaluate opportunities effectively. These competencies enable you to identify, assess, and recommend emerging technologies that drive strategic business growth.

What is the difference between Technology Scouting vs Innovation Analyst?

AspectTechnology ScoutingInnovation Analyst
Required CredentialsTypically a degree in engineering, technology, or related fieldsOften a degree in business, management, or technology
Work EnvironmentResearch-focused, exploring emerging technologies and startupsAnalyzing market trends and developing innovation strategies
Employer & Industry UsageR&D departments, tech companies, innovation labsCorporate strategy teams, consulting firms, innovation departments

Technology Scouting involves identifying and evaluating emerging technologies and startups to support R&D efforts. Innovation Analysts focus on analyzing market trends and developing strategies to foster innovation within organizations. While both roles support innovation, Technology Scouting is more research-oriented, whereas Innovation Analysts emphasize strategic analysis and planning.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in Technology Scouting roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Technology Scouting often encounter challenges such as rapidly evolving technologies, difficulty assessing the commercial viability of innovations, and aligning discoveries with their organization's strategic goals. To address these challenges, it's important to develop a strong network within both the industry and academia, regularly engage with cross-functional teams to understand business needs, and use structured evaluation frameworks to assess new technologies. Staying proactive about market trends and maintaining clear communication with stakeholders can also help navigate uncertainties and ensure successful technology adoption.

What is technology scouting?

Technology scouting is the process of identifying and evaluating emerging technologies, trends, and innovations that can benefit an organization. Professionals in this role search for new scientific advances, startups, or solutions outside the company that can be integrated to improve products, services, or processes. They often collaborate with R&D teams, industry experts, and external partners to ensure their organization stays ahead of technological developments. Technology scouts play a crucial role in driving innovation and maintaining competitiveness in fast-evolving markets.
What are popular job titles related to Technology Scouting jobs in California? For Technology Scouting jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Technology Scouting jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Technology Scouting jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Technology Scouting job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 10% Temporary. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,944 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Senior Manager Front End Innovation

Givaudan

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$150K - $220K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago


Givaudan rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 91 rated chemical manufacturers


Job description

Join us and celebrate the beauty of human experience. Create for happier, healthier lives, with love for nature. Together, with our customers, we deliver food innovations, craft inspired fragrances and develop beauty and wellbeing solutions. There's much to learn and many to learn from, with more than 17,000 employees around the world to explore ideas and ambitions with.
In the USA, we develop, market and produce a wide array of solutions from our 25 most innovative sites, based across the country. Stretch your skills, create and get inspiration from passionate colleagues. Every day, your energy, your thirst for knowledge, and your creativity will shape our future, making a positive difference on billions of people. Every essence of you enriches our world. We are Givaudan. Human by nature.

At Givaudan, innovation starts by connecting the right challenges with the right ecosystem. As Senior Manager, Front End Innovation, you will lead MISTA, Givaudan's strategic open innovation platform. Your responsibilities will include identifying latest technologies, building strategic partnerships, and activating a global ecosystem of startups, academia, investors, and industry leaders.

You will guide technology scouting, ecosystem development, and partnership creation to accelerate innovation, unlock new growth opportunities, and create measurable value for both Givaudan and MISTA members. Being the primary orchestrator of the MISTA ecosystem, you will connect external innovation opportunities with strategic needs and help transform ideas into impactful collaborations.

Your LocationSan Francisco, California

You Will Report ToHead of Front End Innovation

Responsibilities

  • Lead and strengthen the MISTA ecosystem, ensuring delivery of value for Givaudan and MISTA members.

  • Implement ecosystem, technology scouting, and partnership strategies aligned with Front End Innovation priorities.

  • Identify new technologies, startups, and disruptive opportunities across food, ingredients, biotechnology, health, nutrition, sustainability, AI, and adjacent sectors.

  • Build and activate strategic networks across startups, venture capital firms, accelerators, universities, research institutions, and industry partners.

  • Translate member and challenges into targeted scouting initiatives, innovation programs, and collaboration opportunities.

  • Generate relevant technology, market, and ecosystem insights to support strategic decision-making.

  • Lead opportunity assessment, due diligence, business case development, and partnership recommendations.

  • Develop and activate strategic partnerships, pilot programs, co-development programs, and innovation collaborations.

  • Lead MISTA innovation programs, including Growth Hacks, startup engagement activities, ecosystem events, and member collaborations.

  • Source, engage with startups and innovation partners to address member priorities and future growth opportunities.

  • Define priorities, KPIs, roadmaps, and reporting to measure ecosystem performance, innovation impact, and value creation.

  • Partner with innovation, business, and commercialization teams to ensure successful transition and execution of validated opportunities.

  • Represent MISTA and Front End Innovation across external innovation networks, strategic partnerships, industry events, and ecosystem engagements.

  • Influence partners through data-driven insights, strategic recommendations, and strong relationship management.

Your Professional Profile Includes

  • Master's degree in Food Science, Biotechnology, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Material Science, Nutrition, or a related scientific discipline.

  • 8-12 years of experience in open innovation, technology scouting, ecosystem development, venture building, strategic partnerships, or related fields.

  • Experience within food, ingredients, biotechnology, health, nutrition, sustainability, or adjacent industries.

  • Track record building innovation ecosystems, strategic partnerships, and external collaborations that bring growth.

  • 5+ years experience working with startups, venture capital firms, accelerators, incubators, and research institutions.

  • 5+ years of experience with latest technologies, startup ecosystems, and new idea trends.

  • Experience conducting technology assessments, commercial evaluations, and partnership due diligence.

  • Connect science, technology, market insights, and business strategy to create innovation outcomes.

  • Recognized network and credibility within the FoodTech and innovation ecosystem.

  • Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for innovation, collaboration, and creating measurable impact.

  • Influence organizations and build trusted relationships.

Compensation and Benefits

The established salary range for this position is $150,000-$220,000. Actual compensation will depend on individual qualifications. Medical, dental, and vision coverage and a high-matching 401(k) retirement plan.

#LI-Onsite

Givaudan takes into consideration a wide range of factors that are utilized in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience and training, qualifications/certifications and education, and internal equity.

At Givaudan, you contribute to delightful taste and scent experiences that touch people's lives.

You work within an inspiring teamwork culture - where you can thrive, collaborate and learn from other talented and passionate people across disciplines, regions and divisions.

Every essence of you enriches our world.

Diversity of perspectives fuels innovation and fosters deeper connections with our employees, customers, and partners. At Givaudan, we are dedicated to cultivating an inclusive environment where every individual's voice is valued and has the power to shape our world. Join us in making a difference together.

Employment Type: OTHER

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