Innovation Insights Specialist

Huawei Finland Research Center is seeking an Innovation Insights Specialist to drive innovation in next-generation smartphone and wearable sensors. This role will be leading collaborative research initiatives with academic and industry partners to develop breakthrough sensor technologies; Drive innovation across three key domains: sports/health monitoring systems, advanced optical sensing, and next-generation audio sensing. Shaping our technological roadmap by identifying emerging trends and translating academic research into actionable strategies.

Main Responsibilities:

• Spearhead collaborative research project proposals with academic institutions and industry partners to develop cutting-edge sensor technologies for smartphones and wearables.
• Drive innovation in sports/health monitoring systems, advanced optical sensing, and next-generation audio sensing.
• Design, prototype, and validate novel sensor architectures to enhance performance and functionality.
• Identify emerging trends in sensor technology by engaging with international research networks and evaluating their potential for commercialization.
• Translate academic research, including findings from global collaborations, into actionable business and product development strategies.
• Provide technical guidance on long-term R&D directions and investment opportunities.
• Work closely with engineering, product development, and business teams to align sensor innovations with market needs.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with leading international academic organizations, research consortia, and industry alliances.
• Facilitate joint research programs, knowledge exchange, and co-development initiatives with global experts.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Sensor Development: Strong background in designing and implementing sensors for consumer electronics (e.g., MEMS, optical, bio-sensors, inertial sensors).
• Health & Sports Monitoring: Familiarity with biometric sensors (e.g., PPG, ECG, SpO2, motion tracking).
• Optical & Audio Sensing: Knowledge of LiDAR, hyperspectral imaging, ultrasonic sensing, or advanced microphone technologies.
• Hardware Prototyping: Hands-on experience with PCB design, embedded systems, and signal processing.
• Experience in technology scouting, competitive analysis, and translating global research trends into product applications.
• Proven track record in leading international R&D collaborations, preferably in academia, corporate labs, or tech startups.
• Advanced degree (Master’s or higher) in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in sensor technology development, preferably in consumer electronics or wearables, with a proven record of international collaboration.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Published research in top-tier international journals/conferences on sensor technologies.
• Knowledge of semiconductor fabrication and advanced manufacturing techniques.
• Fluency in multiple languages and experience working in multinational research environments.
• Experience with AI/ML applications in sensor data processing.

This role is ideal for a visionary technologist who thrives at the intersection of global research and real-world applications, shaping the future of smart devices through international innovation ecosystems.

Location: This position is located at our R&D office in Ruoholahti, Helsinki, Finland.

Employment type: Full-time consultant position, work contract arranged via one of Huawei's suppliers.

About Huawei

Huawei is a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices. With integrated solutions across four key domains – telecom networks, IT, smart devices, and cloud services – we are committed to bringing digital to every person, home and organization for a fully connected, intelligent world.

At Huawei, innovation focuses on customer needs. We invest heavily in basic research, concentrating on technological breakthroughs that drive the world forward. We have 207,000 employees, and we operate in more than 170 countries and regions. Founded in 1987, Huawei is a private company fully owned by its employees.

We seek and reward talent! At Huawei Finland Research Center, you will have an outstanding opportunity to be part of the leading research and development of future smart devices. We offer a career in a forward-looking industrial research team with a solid track record in innovation and publication and delivering its result as factual contributions to on-the-market devices.