Market Development Manager

AFL

Market Innovation Research Manager leading technology scouting and innovation strategies for AFL, a fiber optic solutions provider. Identifying technologies and market opportunities to drive strategic growth.

Posted 6/16/2026full-timeRemote • Texas • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorLeadWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Conduct continuous technology scouting across optical fiber, photonics, CPO, AI data center infrastructure, and adjacent domains
Track technology maturity and evolution to inform structured innovation roadmaps
Develop forward-looking scenario analyses mapping technology trajectories to AFL’s portfolio using different frameworks (e.g. “Four Future” positioning)
Represents AFL at Key Industry events and conferences as well as lead AFL’s participation in different forums such as MSA, IEEE, etc.
Develop and maintain innovation roadmaps with quarterly refresh cycles
Translate research findings into strategic recommendations on technology positioning and investment prioritization
Deliver executive-ready insights to guide long-term portfolio development
Align long term innovation plans with immediate Product/solution development initiatives
Own the long-term technology development pipeline, maintaining a multi-horizon view (3-5+ years) of technologies advancing toward strategic and commercial relevance for AFL
Identify and evaluate adjacent market opportunities aligned to AFL capabilities
Conduct market sizing, competitive analysis, and strategic fit assessments for specific technologies
Produce structured opportunity assessments to support investment decisions
Define and apply screening criteria (strategic fit, market timing, technology readiness, profit pool potential) to ensure the Innovation and Emerging Technologies and Scale-Up resources concentrate on the highest-value opportunities
Author white papers, trend briefs, ESG-aligned insights, and market analyses
Establish AFL as an industry thought leader through research-driven content
Build and manage strategic technical partnerships including MSAs, JDAs, and academic collaborations
Maintain partnership pipeline visibility and engagement tracking
Collaborate internally and externally to expand the innovation ecosystem
Feed the discovery process with qualified innovation candidates supported by business case summaries
Maintain a pipeline aligned to strategic priorities and readiness
Partner cross-functionally to transition insights into execution pathways
Maintain funnel health metrics and visibility — pipeline volume, conversion rates by stage, and time-in-stage — reported through the IET operating cadence

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
7+ years in market research, innovation strategy, technology scouting, or related roles
Strong analytical skills including market sizing and competitive analysis
Ability to translate technical insights into business strategy
Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
Domain knowledge in optical communications, photonics, data center infrastructure, or adjacent technology markets strongly preferred
Familiarity with industry standards bodies, MSAs, or multi-party technical collaborations a plus

Benefits

Comp & perks

A hybrid in office schedule for qualifying employees
Flexible time off policy
401K Company match (up to 4% - dollar for dollar)
Professional development, training, and tuition reimbursement programs
Excellent medical, dental, vision, and life insurance policy options
Opportunities for career advancement with an industry leading company!

ATS Keywords

✓ Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools

technology scoutingmarket researchcompetitive analysisinnovation strategyscenario analysistechnology readinessinvestment prioritizationpipeline managementdata analysisstrategic recommendations

Soft Skills

analytical skillscommunication skillsstakeholder engagementcollaborationstrategic thinkingleadershipinnovation managementexecutive presentationrelationship buildingcross-functional partnership