Innovation Lead – Engineering at Midlands State University – Gweru

The Innovation Lead – Engineering is responsible for leading and coordinating engineering innovation initiatives within the University. The role drives the identification, development, validation and commercialisation of engineering technologies and supports innovators in progressing solutions from concept through prototype development, pilot testing and market readiness.

The incumbent provides technical leadership across engineering innovation projects, coordinates multidisciplinary teams and supports the University’s research, innovation and industrialisation agenda through product development, technology transfer, industry collaboration and commercialisation.

Lead and coordinate the University’s engineering innovation portfolio, including the identification, assessment, prioritisation and monitoring of projects based on technical feasibility, Technology Readiness Levels, commercial potential and impact.
Provide technical leadership in the design, development, prototyping, testing, validation and progression of engineering products, systems and technologies from proof of concept to pilot and market-ready solutions.
Coordinate multidisciplinary teams comprising researchers, students, innovators, technicians and industry partners, while providing technical mentorship and incubation support to engineering innovators and start-ups.
Identify engineering intellectual property with commercial potential and facilitate its protection, development, licensing, technology transfer and commercialisation in collaboration with relevant University structures.
Develop and manage strategic partnerships with industry, manufacturers, professional bodies, research institutions, investors and government stakeholders for co-development, testing, certification, manufacturing, funding and market deployment.
Conduct technical due diligence on engineering innovations and advise the Innovation Manager on project priorities, technology investments, infrastructure and equipment requirements, technical risks, partnerships and commercialisation opportunities.
Support innovators in preparing technical proposals, concept notes, business cases, funding applications and commercialisation plans, while facilitating regulatory compliance, product certification, standardisation and access to laboratories, workshops and fabrication facilities.
Monitor emerging engineering technologies and project performance, maintain an updated engineering innovation pipeline and prepare technical, portfolio and progress reports to support decision-making and advance the University’s research, innovation and industrialisation agenda.
Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the Innovation Manager.

- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering or another relevant engineering discipline.
- At least two years’ relevant experience in engineering, research and development, product development, manufacturing, innovation, technology development or commercialisation.
- A Master’s Degree, or studying towards one, in Engineering, Innovation Management, Technology Management or another relevant discipline would be an added advantage.
- Strong engineering, technical problem-solving and analytical skills, with sound knowledge of design, prototyping, product development, manufacturing and Technology Readiness Levels.
- Strong understanding of research, innovation, intellectual property, technology transfer, commercialisation, entrepreneurship and engineering-based business models.
- Strong project management, coordination and organisational skills, with the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage multiple engineering innovation projects.
- Strong stakeholder engagement, partnership development, communication, presentation and technical report-writing skills, with the ability to work effectively with industry, researchers, innovators, investors and government stakeholders.
- High levels of creativity, initiative, professionalism, integrity and results orientation, with a strong commitment to translating engineering research into practical, scalable and commercially viable solutions.