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Position details: Title of position: Innovation Lead - Office of the CTO
Position type: Full time - Hybrid
Location: Salem, NH | Morrisville, Raleigh, NCPosition reports to:
Chief Technology Officer
Application deadline:
Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis and this posting will remain open until filled.
Work authorization:
Applicants must have legal authorization to work in the country where the role will be performed. Scope: Extreme Networks, Inc. (EXTR) is a global leader in AI-powered cloud networking, committed to simplifying and securing IT operations through its unified platform. We empower businesses to connect devices, applications, and users while addressing complex challenges with cutting‑edge technology. By leveraging artificial intelligence, analytics, and automation, we drive value creation, innovation, and performance enhancement. Trusted by thousands of customers worldwide, our industry‑leading solutions and exceptional support make us a partner of choice for organizations across industries. At the Office of the CTO, weHave proven over years how to turn ideas into successful products and business models Operate at the intersection of business, customer, and technology Ask questions that are slightly too ambitious for the time Know that the next great invention is already being asked as a question Want the right people in the room when it isThe Role: Innovation Lead– Office of the CTO (Full-time, Hybrid)
Key Responsibilities:
Discovery & Development Identify and evaluate emerging opportunities in ML/AI, edge computing, and adjacent technologies Conceptualize, prototype, and validate innovative solutions—moving fast from question to proof of concept Maintain awareness of industry trends, standards bodies, and competitive innovation Hands-On Prototyping & Implementation Build and architect real solution prototypes, not just advise on them—coding, validating, and documenting as needed Partner with data scientists, engineers, and product teams to turn validated ideas into production‑ready features Contribute directly to solution delivery through prototyping, testing, and technical demonstrations Drive continuous improvement by identifying and fixing technical and architectural bottlenecks Customer & Partner Co‑Innovation Engage customers, partners, and prospects to co‑develop solutions and understand unmet needs Translate complex technical ideas into compelling narratives for CTOs, VPs of Engineering, and business executives Build reference and lighthouse accounts by delivering early access to breakthrough capabilities Help commercialize innovations—market realization is essential for innovation success Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Influence Work effectively in a matrix with product management, engineering, marketing, and field teams Participate in standards bodies and open‑source communities to shape industry direction Influence product roadmaps and feature prioritization based on customer insights Champion a culture of critical thinking, experimentation, and calculated risk‑taking Thought Leadership & Evangelism Author and present on emerging technologies, innovation frameworks, and breakthrough solutions Evangelize our leadership in AI‑powered networking and edge intelligence to customers and prospects Build visibility for Extreme’s innovation strategy and technical differentiation in the marketplace
Basic Requirements:- Experience & Background
- Proven track, success record of ownership from Ideation to productization with GenAI and Multi Agent solutions either in a large corporation
- Or in a startup
- Proven experience to build engineering team for GenAI and Multi Agent solutions
- Proven experience with complex AI and data centric projects outside of the networking market
- Technical SkillsFluent in at least one programming language; expertise in Python, Java, or Go is highly preferred
- Deep knowledge of ML/AI principles, emerging architectures, and practical applications in enterprise systems
- Understanding of edge computing, distributed systems, and cloud networking architectures
- Knowledge of efficient data structures, query optimization, and analytics technologies
- Ability to evaluate and integrate third‑party technologies and frameworks
- Collaboration & Communication
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills—able to work effectively across diverse audiences
- Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear narratives for CTOs, VPs, and executives
- Proven track record of driving issues to resolution with strong customer satisfaction
- Thrive working both independently and within high‑performing cross‑functional teams
- Comfortable with ambiguity and defining problems before solutions exist
- Professional Qualities
- Ambitious and driven, thriving in a demanding and fast‑paced environment
- Willing to roll up your sleeves, take ownership, and be a proactive team player
- Excellent critical thinking and business acumen to identify solutions with widespread adoption potential
- Ability to balance exploration with execution, knowing when to pivot and when to commit
- Comfortable with occasional travel and significant remote engagement with customers and partners
- EducationBachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, related field, or equivalent professional experience
Nice to Have:- 10+ years Experience innetworking, security, orcloud platforms(especially cloud‑driven networking)
- Participation inopen‑sourceprojects or standards bodies
- Background inproduct managementorgo‑to‑marketstrategy
- Publishedthought leadershipor speaking experience atindustry conferences
- Experience withAI operations (MLOps), data platforms, or analytics systems
What Success Looks Like:- In your first year, you will
- Identify and validate 2–3 high‑impact innovation opportunities
- Deliver working prototypes that demonstrate customer value
- Build relationships with key customers and partners co‑innovating with usContribute to product roadmap decisions that accelerate our leadership
- Establish thought leadership through speaking, writing, or industry participation
- Help evangelize our innovation strategy to the market
Why Join the OCTOAt Extreme Networks’ Office of the CTO, you will work on problems that matter—networking the edge, securing cloud infrastructure, and bringing intelligence to billions of connected devices. YouBe part of a team where critical thinking and human creativity set us apart in the age of AIHave the freedom to define the questions we need to ask
Have support to pursue ambitious ideas
See your innovations become products that change an industry
If you like being at the intersection of business, customer, and technology; if you have built real things and understand that innovation without commercialization is just research; and if you thrive in ambiguity and are energized by working on the next big question—we want you in the room.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Extreme Networks, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity
