Innovation Lead - Office of the CTO

Extreme Networks•Raleigh, NC

16h•Remote

About The Position

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, we Have 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 is The Role: Innovation Lead – Office of the CTO (Full-time, Remote) The Innovation Lead will discover, prototype, and develop transformative ML/AI and edge computing solutions that position Extreme Networks at the forefront of intelligent networking. You will be a hands-on contributor who turns ambitious ideas into real products and validated business cases. Working as an individual contributor within a matrix of cross-functional teams—data scientists, product managers, engineers, architects, and customers—you 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 Success is measured by validated ideas that advance to product, launched innovations that expand our market position, customer and partner engagement on breakthrough solutions, and thought leadership that establishes Extreme as the industry voice on networked AI and edge intelligence.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

10+ years Experience in networking, security , or cloud platforms (especially cloud-driven networking)
Participation in open-source projects or standards bodies
Background in product management or go-to-market strategy
Published thought leadership or speaking experience at industry conferences
Experience with AI operations (MLOps), data platforms, or analytics systems

Responsibilities

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
Help commercialize innovations—market realization is essential for innovation success
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

Benefits

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