Innovation Manager
$140,000–$175,000 year
On-siteSan Francisco, California, United States
Job Summary
Track technology and market trends in robotics, Physical AI, AI infrastructure hardware, and advanced manufacturing. Monitor industry news, funding activities, product launches, and supply chain changes to build and maintain a pipeline of relevant startups and technology companies in North America. Prepare one-page company profiles, market summaries, and opportunity assessments for management briefings. Support customer visits, VC meetings, university connections, and executive presentations by organizing internal presentation materials and follow-up lists. Maintain an internal opportunity pipeline and deliver weekly intelligence updates and monthly trend reports.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or above in engineering, robotics, mechanical/electrical engineering, materials, computer science, business, finance, or a related field.
- 5+ years of relevant experience in market research, technology scouting, startup scouting, corporate innovation, VC/CVC research, consulting, hard-tech, robotics, AI hardware, data center infrastructure, or advanced manufacturing.
- Strong research, analysis, and information organization skills.
- Ability to quickly understand new technologies, markets, and business models.
- Able to turn complex information into clear, concise management-level materials.
- Strong English writing, communication, and presentation skills.
- Self-driven, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in a small, fast-moving, cross-cultural team.
Desired Qualifications
- Chinese language capability is preferred.
- Familiarity with Silicon Valley or North American startup ecosystem.
- Experience in robotics, humanoid robotics, AI hardware, data center infrastructure, thermal management, or advanced manufacturing.
- Experience working with startups, VCs, incubators, accelerators, or hard-tech companies.
- Experience preparing company research, industry reports, or investment screening materials.
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