Head of Emerging Technology Scouting & Incubation

Merck Group • $160K — $200K *
San Jose, CA 95123In-Person
Consumer Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's degree in Engineering or related field with 8+ years of relevant experience, or PhD with 6+ years.
  • Proven track record in technology scouting and successful incubations.
  • Deep understanding of electronics, optoelectronics, and advanced materials.
  • Strong business acumen for translating technology insights into business value.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multidisciplinary teams and complex programs.

Responsibilities

  • Identify emerging technology opportunities and risks in electronics markets.
  • Validate opportunities through internal and external proof-of-concepts.
  • Conduct technical due diligence for potential M&A targets.
  • Align technology scouting outcomes with Business Unit strategic goals.
  • Explore new market opportunities that expand beyond current Business Unit offerings.
  • Operate the Frontier Technology Board to shape its objectives and agenda.
  • Build ecosystems with internal and external partners for emerging technologies.

Benefits

  • Commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
  • Opportunities for professional development and growth.
  • Supportive corporate culture that fosters innovation and creativity.
  • Access to a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds.
Full Job Description
Location:

The Head of Emerging Technology Scouting & Incubation is an on-site position located at one of the EMD Electronics US sites, remote may be considered. Domestic and international travel is required to meet business needs.

Your Role:

As Head of Emerging Technology Scouting & Incubation (ETSI), you will expand Electronics' innovation space by understanding emerging technology needs, identifying high-potential opportunity areas, and incubating them into validated business cases ready for Business Unit transition. You will lead frontier technology scouting across materials and beyond-materials domains, manage internal and external proof-of-concepts (POCs), and own technical due diligence for strategic M&A targets. Your leadership will drive impactful external partnerships/research collaborations (JDAs), incubators that translate into new product introductions (NPI), and a strong early-stage pipeline. You will architect technology roadmaps, drive the Frontier Technology Board, and partner with internal stakeholders to translate emerging technology insights into new revenue streams and competitive advantage. You will use a clear process with defined priorities, milestones, and responsibilities to move ideas from technology scouting and POCs to validated business cases and successful handover to the relevant Business Units.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Identify emerging opportunity areas in industry technology roadmaps: map technology inflection points, materials opportunities, and risks across Electronics markets; monitor external signals (startups, academia, suppliers, consortia, patent trends) to spot high-potential emerging technologies poised for impact.
  • Validate opportunity areas through best-fit external / internal proof-of-concepts (e.g. JDAs, incubators): define success criteria, metrics, and go/no-go decision thresholds; oversee early-stage incubators/POCs leveraging internal resources, external collaborations, and incubators.
  • Identify frontier tech M&A targets & own technical due diligence (thought partner to M-Ventures and M&A team): assess targets operating in BU-adjacent spaces or outside existing BU businesses; deliver structured technical assessments and integration readiness plans to inform investment decisions.
  • Tech steering for Electronics BU Business Development teams (e.g., Future Optical Technologies, Advanced Packaging): align scouting outputs with BU strategic goals, technology roadmaps, and innovation horizons; provide technology foresight to guide BU investment decisions.
  • Drive Business Development for emerging technology that goes beyond Business Unit horizons/scope: identify cross-domain opportunities, new market adjacencies, and potential revenue streams outside current BU portfolios; partner with M-Ventures and business stakeholders to explore build/partner/buy options.
  • Drive operations and impact of the Frontier Technology Board, shaping and driving its objectives, agenda, engagement model and participants.
  • Foster ecosystem building by liaising with internal groups (R&D and M-Ventures) and external partners to advance emerging technology pathfinding.
  • Assess R&D capabilities, identify gaps, and define actions to realize EL's long-term technology vision while championing science-driven decision making, rapid experimentation, and responsible innovation.


Who You Are:

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Master degree in Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or similar discipline with 8+ years of experience in technology scouting, R&D leadership, and/or corporate development with a track record of leading successful incubations, POCs, or M&A technical due diligence

Or
  • PhD in Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or similar discipline with 6+ years of experience in technology scouting, R&D leadership, and/or corporate development with a track record of leading successful incubations, POCs, or M&A technical due diligence


  • Deep understanding of electronics, optoelectronics, packaging, advanced materials, semiconductor processes, or related frontier technologies.
  • Strong business acumen with the ability to translate insights into tangible business value and clear ROI.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, influence at the executive level, and manage complex programs with multiple stakeholders.


Preferred Qualifications:
  • 15+ years of experience in technology scouting, R&D leadership, in the electronics industry.
  • Track record of conducting rigorous technical assessments of emerging technologies, evaluating IP quality, competitive differentiation, and feasibility for acquisition or partnership.
  • Experience designing and managing early-stage technology incubation programs, including setting success criteria, managing rapid learning cycles, and making disciplined go/no-go decisions.
  • Proven experience leading technical due diligence for corporate acquisitions or partnerships, assessing technology risk, integration complexity, and value creation potential.
  • Experience leading multidisciplinary teams spanning technical, business development, and strategic functions to advance frontier technology initiatives.
  • Comfort using market data, technical metrics, and portfolio analytics to prioritize opportunity areas and make investments in emerging technology exploration.
  • Strong understanding of how emerging technologies translate to business value, market opportunity, and revenue potential; ability to build business cases for frontier exploration investments.


What we offer: We are curious minds that come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We believe that this variety drives excellence and innovation, strengthening our ability to lead in science and technology. We are committed to creating access and opportunities for all to develop and grow at your own pace. Join us in building a culture of inclusion and belonging that impacts millions and empowers everyone to work their magic and champion human progress!

Apply now and become a part of a team that is dedicated to Sparking Discovery and Elevating Humanity!

About Merck Group

Merck Group Careers

There has never been a more opportune time to join Merck Group, a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science, and performance materials. Merck Group offers a plethora of job opportunities that cater to a variety of skills and professional aspirations, making it an ideal environment for both seasoned experts and those at the start of their career journey.

Work You’ll Do

At Merck Group, every team member contributes to breakthrough innovations in healthcare, life sciences, and electronics. The company's commitment to diversity and innovation fuels its leadership in various sectors, driving growth and transformation globally. Merck Group’s career paths are diverse, offering positions that challenge individuals to use their skills in new ways every day, supported by robust training programs and development opportunities.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

Merck Group is not just about jobs; it's about building a career. With a vast array of positions, from research and development to marketing and sales, the company is keen on hiring and nurturing talent to lead industry transformation. Merck Group’s dedication to professional growth is evident in its comprehensive benefits package and performance management processes that aim to maximize individual potential.

Internship Programs

Starting with an internship at Merck Group can be a pivotal step in securing a prosperous career. Interns gain invaluable industry experience, working alongside seasoned professionals and engaging in projects that offer real-world applications of their studies. Internships often lead to full-time employment opportunities, providing a seamless transition from education to professional employment.

Inclusive Culture and Leadership

Merck Group is proud of its inclusive culture that embraces diversity and fosters an environment where all employees can thrive. The company’s leadership is committed to creating a workplace where diverse ideas lead to innovative outcomes. Merck Group also offers diversity training to ensure all team members are equipped to contribute to the company’s inclusive goals.

Networking and Professional Development

Employees at Merck Group are encouraged to engage in networking and professional development activities that enhance their career trajectories. The company hosts various networking events, workshops, and seminars that are designed to hone skills and foster connections within the industry. Leadership development programs are also a cornerstone, preparing employees for future roles of increased responsibility.

Stay Connected with Merck Group Careers

Interested candidates can explore open positions that match their skills and interests through the Merck Group careers page. The company values curious, creative, and solution-driven team players who are eager to make an impact.

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Merck Group is continuously looking for individuals who are ready to drive innovation and lead in the global marketplace. Whether through full-time positions, internships, or leadership roles, Merck Group offers a career path filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and leadership.
Learn more about Merck Group
Industry
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
* Ladders Estimates

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