Lead Innovation Engineer

Lead Innovation Engineer
The client is known for its market leading innovative digital aerial surveys which have been deployed in ten countries. We are expanding across all of our services, combining technical and scientific excellence, and its crucial to the company that we continue to lead in the innovation of new products, based upon credible science, and deliver all of our services in a consistent and efficient manner. We work on a range of projects from our digital aerial surveys, ornithological and marine mammal statistical analysis and research and development projects in fields such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, often with our parent companies BioConsult SH in Germany, Biotope in France, other partners and domain experts.

Location: this role is based at the client’s Head Office in Lillyhall, Cumbria - or at any other location as deemed reasonably necessary. Occasional travel including outside of the UK may also be required.

The Role:
The role includes but is not limited to:
• Initiating, managing and overseeing engineering innovation projects targeted at new product and service development in close collaboration with our international partners;
• Conducting technology scouting and horizon scanning activities to identify emerging technologies, platforms, and sensors that could enhance the clients surveying capabilities, ensuring that the client remains ahead of industry trends;
• Leading the creation and execution of innovation strategies for the Company, ensuring alignment with the client's overall business objectives and long-term vision. Driving innovation across all levels of the organization and collaborating with both internal and external teams to achieve successful outcomes
• Coordinating the development and testing of new survey tools, platforms,
and sensors, ensuring they are suitable for deployment in wildlife and environmental monitoring projects. Managing the full product lifecycle from concept through to field testing and implementation;
• Working closely with the Engineering, Commercial, and Operations teams to integrate innovation into the client’s existing infrastructure. Collaborating with international partners and stakeholders to align efforts and maximize innovation impact;
• Coordinating project teams consisting of inter-departmental and inter-company colleagues efficiently, cost effectively and with a focus on team development;
• Devising and conducting tests and experiments in coordination with other departments to advance the understanding and development of technologies;
• Contributing to and supporting innovation tenders, working closely with internal departments and international partners;
• Regularly producing and presenting reports on the progress of innovation projects, including key findings, insights, and recommendations, for both internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Sharing knowledge across internal and external teams to promote best practices and continual learning;
• Staying informed about industry standards, regulations, and best practices, ensuring that the client’s new technologies comply with all legal and regulatory requirements, both within the UK and internationally
• Establishing and nurturing relationships with external vendors, suppliers, and partners to support ongoing innovation projects and to leverage third-party expertise and technologies; and
• Any other responsibilities as the Company may see fit.

Qualifications
• A master’s degree in Engineering, preferably with a focus on optronics, environmental monitoring, or a similar field; and
• Additional certifications or experience in aviation technologies would be advantageous.

Skills & Knowledge
• Positive and self-driven mindset with strong verbal and written skills;
• Knowledge of engineering processes for configuration management, design and maintenance;
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Excellent attention to detail and time management;
• Good knowledge of project management;
• Ability to organise, coordinate and prioritise workloads, over multiple projects, to ensure key deliverables are met through project management.
• Strong leadership and innovation management skills, with the ability to inspire and drive change within teams and across departments
• In-depth understanding of emerging technologies, sensors, and platforms for aerial surveys and environmental monitoring
• Ability to translate technical concepts into actionable insights for non-technical stakeholders
• Strong project management skills, with a proven ability to manage cross-functional teams and complex, multi-stakeholder projects; and
• Advanced proficiency in design software (AutoCAD or similar) and familiarity with modelling software for technology development.

Experience
• Experience of working in a R&D or innovation role;
• Experience of working and interacting with a wide variety of stakeholders to understand requirements, communicate progress and manage expectations;
• Experience producing design documentation through AutoCAD or other CAD software;
• Experience leading or managing innovation-driven projects, particularly in the field of environmental monitoring or remote sensing;
• "Demonstrated success in developing new products or services and bringing them to market;
• Experience collaborating with academic, research, and industry partners to foster technological advancements; and
• Proven track record of successfully managing innovation portfolios, including new product developments and technology scouting.

Benefits / Remuneration:
• Salary, starting from circa £42,000 p.a.
• Competitive, discretionary profit share scheme.
• Full-time, permanent position.
• Working hours are based on Monday-Friday 08:30-17:00.
• 33 days annual leave per annum, including public holidays.
• 4% company pension contribution.
• Private medical and dental care scheme.
• Medicash scheme.
• Group Life Assurance.
• Company sick pay allowance.
• Salary sacrifice scheme including Pension Salary Exchange, Cycle to Work scheme, and help towards the purchase of ultra-low emission vehicles