Innovation Specialist - Research & Development

U.S. Bank • Denver, CO

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

As an Innovation Specialist on the Research & Development team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of financial services by identifying, evaluating, and developing new product and service opportunities, emerging technology domains, and the future needs of our customers. You will apply a data-driven, customer-centric approach to inform strategy, guide internal stakeholders, and drive innovation initiatives at various stages throughout the development process. Operating with minimal supervision, you will support high-impact projects and apply deep expertise in emerging technology research, customer behavior, and capability and viability concepting.
About You: Are you naturally curious? Do you see possibilities where others see limitations? Are you energized by emerging technologies, cultural shifts, and new ideas? If you’re passionate about innovation and eager to apply your product development, project management, technical exploration, and hands-on experimentation experience, then this role is for you! We’re looking for a self-starter and lifelong learner who thrives on exploration and experimentation. You’ll absorb insights from inside and outside the organization and transform them into actionable ideas. If you're naturally curious about “what’s next” and are willing to explore the frontier of what’s possible in financial services and beyond, then we want to hear from you.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• 5-7+ years of relevant experience in project management, product development, innovation, or related fields.
• Ability to effectively work in-person and remotely across U.S. time zones.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to learn, adapt, and challenge conventional thinking.
• Willingness to travel up to 15% of your time.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Economics, Data Analytics, Management Information Systems, Engineering, or a related discipline
• General understanding of the banking and payments industry with the ability to think beyond traditional models.
• Familiarity with decision making modeling techniques, to include linear regression modeling and behavioral modeling
• Strong economics background with experience interpreting policy effects on the banking industry and the broader economy
• Familiarity with quantitative research methods and statistical inference techniques
• Hands-on experience with foresight, research, and early-stage product development methodologies.
• Familiarity with Agile methodologies and Agile ways of working
• Hands on experience with software and/or hardware prototyping, build-test-learn lifecycles, and early-stage innovation work
• Proven track record of executing and implementing large scale projects with multiple stakeholders
• Strong research, analytical, and investigative capabilities.
• Strong storytelling aptitude with experience conveying concepts and emerging capabilities to executive stakeholders.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Technical aptitude and comfort with digital tools, up to and including hands on development of prototypes.
• Financial and competitive analysis expertise.
• Ability to anticipate shifting market and customer needs.

Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities for research and development in domains that relate to potentially new financial products and services, and define strategies that deliver competitive advantage.
• Conduct independent research, facilitate external interviews, and experiment with hands on development efforts to build and test capabilities on the frontier of what’s possible in financial services.
• Apply quantitative methods to validate value propositions, pricing, and positioning.
• Create initiative readouts summarizing insights, outcomes, and recommendations.
• Compile and internally publish domain analysis reporting, informing stakeholders about potential areas for investment in domains that matter to our business
• Align product development agendas across internal teams to ensure that R&D efforts are aligned to emerging product development objectives, intellectual property opportunities, and potential fintech engagements that could drive future capabilities and service offerings.
• Stay current on technology trends and financial services industry developments as a primary input to establishing a consistent, comprehensive view of domains that apply to the future of our business.

Benefits

• Healthcare (medical, dental, vision)
• Basic term and optional term life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Pregnancy disability and parental leave
• 401(k) and employer-funded retirement plan
• Paid vacation (from two to five weeks depending on salary grade and tenure)
• Up to 11 paid holiday opportunities
• Adoption assistance
• Sick and Safe Leave accruals of one hour for every 30 worked, up to 80 hours per calendar year unless otherwise provided by law

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level