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Principal Engineer, Product Sustainability

HARMAN International • China • Added on Jul 26, 2026
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As the central expert for the Consumer Audio business unit, you will orchestrate the technical ESG response for iconic brands like JBL and Harman Kardon. You will be responsible for translating complex sustainability data into transparent, actionable reports for high-profile B2B clients and global regulatory bodies. Your daily work balances technical data validation with strategic communication to ensure the audio products millions of people use meet the highest environmental standards.

This role matters because it bridges the gap between high-end electronics engineering and the urgent global demand for circularity and carbon transparency. By managing product carbon footprint data and supply chain compliance, you directly influence the decarbonization journey of an electronics giant that powers billions of devices. You are the safeguard ensuring that innovation in sound does not come at the cost of the planet.

This suits someone who possesses deep technical expertise in LCA and GHG protocols and enjoys a high-influence role that requires navigating complex organizational structures across Asia and the West.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The primary mission involves acting as the central analytical hub for ESG data within the Consumer Audio division. You will manage the entire lifecycle of sustainability inquiries, from validating raw metrics provided by Original Design Manufacturers (ODMs) to drafting formal responses for heavy-hitting frameworks like CSRD, CDP, and RBA. You will be responsible for ensuring that product-level data, including carbon emissions and manufacturing practices, is accurate and accessible for corporate reporting. Beyond reporting, you will support B2B customers in their own sustainability implementations, ensuring HARMAN’s products align with their strict environmental criteria.

Key learning opportunities for this job

Candidates can expect to gain deep proficiency in navigating the evolving landscape of global sustainability regulations such as the CSRD and California’s SB261. Working within a Samsung subsidiary provides exposure to elite manufacturing scales and sophisticated supply chain management processes. There are significant opportunities to master specialized tools like SimaPro for Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) and Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) calculations. You will also develop high-level negotiation and influence skills by coordinating between technical engineering teams in China and corporate ESG strategists in the West.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The ideal candidate is a technical veteran with at least 8 years of experience specifically within the ESG and Product Sustainability field. Deep knowledge of GHG accounting and the mechanics of life cycle assessments is essential to succeed in this data-heavy environment. We look for individuals who combine analytical rigor with strong managerial competencies, particularly the ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority. Proficiency in advanced data analytics and familiarity with the electronics manufacturing supply chain in Asia are highly valued attributes.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, move beyond general sustainability knowledge and demonstrate your specific experience with electronics-sector compliance. If you have previously managed EcoVadis or RBA submissions for a large manufacturer, highlight the tangible improvements or scores achieved under your leadership. Given the international nature of the role, your application should reflect an ability to communicate complex environmental data to non-technical business stakeholders. Providing examples where you translated regulatory requirements into actionable engineering plans will demonstrate the strategic thinking HARMAN is looking for.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

The role focuses heavily on the Product Environmental Footprint and the transparency of the consumer electronics supply chain. You will likely spend significant time on carbon accounting (Scope 3 emissions) and ensuring products comply with circular economy principles. Social governance is also a key pillar, particularly through the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) framework. You will ensure that manufacturing partners meet stringent labor and human rights standards, effectively managing the 'S' in ESG alongside the environmental technicalities.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

A primary challenge will be the harmonization of data coming from disparate internal teams and external ODMs. Ensuring data integrity across these various sources while meeting strict external reporting deadlines requires immense organization and persistence. You may also face the challenge of influencing design and manufacturing priorities to align with ESG goals, which can sometimes conflict with traditional cost or speed-to-market objectives in the fast-paced consumer electronics industry.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day might begin with a review of sustainability data sets from regional ODMs, followed by a coordination meeting with the Corporate ESG team to align on upcoming CSRD disclosures. You might then shift to a customer-facing role, addressing a detailed questionnaire from a major retail partner like Walmart or LEGO. Afternoons often involve cross-functional stakeholders' alignment, ensuring that technical engineers and product managers are aware of new regulatory standards. The day usually ends with a focus on long-term projects, such as refining PCF models or identifying process improvements for data collection.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

This role offers a platform to become a global thought leader within a major business unit of a Fortune-level company. By acting as the face of sustainability for Consumer Audio, you gain visibility with executive leadership and international clients. Professional growth is supported through HARMAN University and exposure to high-visibility B2B partnerships. Success in this role could lead to more senior corporate ESG leadership positions or strategic roles focusing on circular design and sustainable innovation.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact extensively with Corporate ESG Leads and internal product engineering teams to ensure operational alignment. External interaction is equally vital, as you will be the primary liaison for sustainability officers at B2B clients like Lenovo, HP, and major global retailers. Additionally, you will manage relationships with external auditors and ODMs, ensuring that the supply chain remains compliant and providing the necessary verification for third-party platforms like EcoVadis and CDP.

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