Innovation Lead

Extreme Networks

Innovation Lead developing transformative ML/AI and edge computing solutions for cloud-driven networking company. Collaborating cross-functionally to turn ambitious ideas into real products and business cases.

Posted 6/11/2026full-timeRaleigh • North Carolina • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $120,000 - $200,000 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

CloudDistributed SystemsGoJavaPython

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Discover, prototype, and develop transformative ML/AI and edge computing solutions that position Extreme Networks at the forefront of intelligent networking
Explore emerging technologies and build proofs of concept
Drive adoption and help define product roadmaps
Help commercialize innovations—ensuring that innovation without market realization remains just research
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
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
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
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
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

Requirements

What you’ll need

Demonstrated track record of building or architecting real solutions across ML/AI, networking, edge computing, or related domains
Proven ability to turn ideas into products: understanding the full journey from concept validation through commercialization
Successful experience managing complex customer and partner relationships in technology or B2B SaaS
Background in customer success, consulting, systems architecture, technical marketing, or cloud platform engineering
Fluent 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
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
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
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, related field, or equivalent professional experience

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities where role permits
Paid time off, including open time off in eligible markets and statutory leave in all markets
Paid holidays in accordance with local practice
Retirement savings programs, including RRSP matching in the Canada
Employee Stock Purchase Program, where eligible
Adoption assistance and fertility treatment support, where eligible
Flexible spending accounts, where eligible
Employee assistance program
Tuition reimbursement, where eligible
Life and disability insurance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

MLAIedge computingPythonJavaGodata structuresquery optimizationanalytics technologiescloud networking

Soft Skills

interpersonal skillscommunication skillscritical thinkingbusiness acumenproblem-solvingteam playercustomer satisfactionadaptabilityindependencecollaboration

Certifications

Bachelor's degree in Computer ScienceBachelor's degree in EngineeringBachelor's degree in Mathematics