Manager, Technology Enablement Job at Salt (Austin)

Job Responsibility

Develop, implement, and maintain the Hardware Engineering Innovation Framework, including processes for idea intake, prioritization, validation, execution, and structured decision-making/risk assessment.
Own and manage the innovation backlog, ensuring alignment with product roadmaps, engineering needs, customer value, and long-term technology strategy.
Evaluate global technology trends and identify opportunities to enhance capabilities across Mechanical, Hydraulics, Electrical, Electronics, Firmware, Test, QA, and Engineering Operations.
Coordinate with engineering managers, technical leaders, product management, and global stakeholders to ensure alignment, resourcing, and timely execution of innovation initiatives.
Facilitate structured innovation activities (e.g., workshops, design sprints, hackathons, reverse engineering reviews, technology scouting) and guide teams through prototyping, experimentation, and validation.
Define and track KPIs for innovation performance, engineering velocity, adoption, and business impact, while communicating strategies, opportunities, and results to leadership and stakeholders.
Promote a culture of curiosity, continuous learning, and responsible experimentation
introduce tools, automation, simulation, and process improvements
and provide coaching, mentorship, and leadership through influence, prioritization, decision-making, and accountability.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Computer, Systems, or related field) required. Master’s degree preferred.
7+ years of experience in hardware, embedded systems, or multi-disciplinary engineering fields, with increasing levels of responsibility.
Proven success leading innovation initiatives, technology research, or emerging technology adoption.
Strong understanding of multiple engineering domains (mechanical, electronics, firmware, testing, tools, or systems-level integration).
Experience creating frameworks, processes, or structured methods for innovation or engineering performance improvement.
Excellent facilitation, communication, and influence skills, with the ability to work across global teams and senior stakeholders.
Strong analytical skills, including evaluating technologies, building business cases, and defining measurable KPIs.
Demonstrated ability to lead without authority and collaborate across organizational boundaries.
Experience managing cross-functional initiatives in a global engineering environment.

Experience with engineering excellence methodologies (Lean, Agile, DFX, DFSS, FAST, Systems Thinking).
Knowledge of advanced prototyping methods, simulation tools, and engineering automation platforms.
Familiarity with R&D or innovation portfolio management.
Prior experience working across Mechanical, Electrical, Firmware, or Systems Engineering teams.
Strong understanding of engineering toolchains, development workflows, and hardware/software co-design processes.
Experience running workshops, ideation sessions, or innovation programs.