Performance Innovation Specialist

UNITED STATES SOCCER FEDERATION 1•Atlanta, GA

15h•Onsite

About The Position

The Performance Innovation Specialist will play a pivotal role in the implementation and operational execution of Performance Innovation initiatives within U.S. Soccer. Reporting directly to the Director of Performance Innovation, this position is designed to strengthen the department’s capacity to deliver high-impact, cross-functional projects that advance the health, performance, and development of players and staff across the U.S. Soccer ecosystem. This role will play a key technical and operational role in the development of the Performance Innovation Lab at the National Training Center (NTC), with a primary focus on biomechanical analysis, motion capture systems, performance technology integration, and the execution of applied, performance-centered research projects. The ideal candidate will be proactive, detail-oriented, and experienced in project management, with a strong understanding of scientific methodology and the ability to operate effectively within a transdisciplinary, integrated performance support environment. This position will work collaboratively with internal departments (e.g., Performance Science, Performance Medicine, Data Analytics, Performance Analytics, etc.), as well as external stakeholders (e.g., academic institutions, technology partners, and funding agencies).

Requirements

Master’s degree and PhD degree (or willingness to start a PhD program) in an area related to Integrated Performance Support (e.g., Sport Science, Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics, etc.)
Hands-on experience with motion capture systems and force platforms, with a strong applied biomechanics background and ability to support data collection and interpretation
General knowledge of soccer / Strong knowledge of soccer
Capable of working in fast-paced and demanding environments
Exceptional time management skills and ability to prioritize workflow
Must be able to connect “micro” details to the “macro” vision and mission
Ability to deliver high-quality work and execute under pressure and deadlines
Proficient experience with Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook) and Tableau/Power-BI
Excellent written and verbal communication combined with a professional demeanor with excellent capacity and understanding to write scientific papers
Able and willing to travel up to 10-15% of the year
Able and willing to work non-traditional hours including evenings and weekends as needed
Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Nice To Haves

Passion for soccer
Master’s and PhD degree in a soccer-specific area or sport management
Bilingual (English and Spanish)
Thorough institutional knowledge of U.S. Soccer’s mission, goals, technical plan, policies, practices, and procedures
Previous experience with a club or national team
Proficient experience with tools for statistical analysis such as SPSS, R, or Python

Responsibilities

Provide support in the design and management of performance innovation projects. This may imply providing support in conducting experiments, including setting up equipment, preparing materials, and recording observations.
Lead the setup, calibration, and operation of motion capture systems (e.g., marker-based/ markerless) and force platforms within the NTC Performance Lab.
Support biomechanical data collection during testing sessions and translate biomechanical insights into actionable recommendations, including data analytics and data visualizations targeting a range of stakeholders.
Assist in addressing applied research questions raised by high-performance staff, collaborating with external experts, universities, PhD candidates, or other partners when appropriate.
Conduct literature reviews to stay informed on emerging research, technologies, and methodologies.
Assist in the processing, analysis, and interpretation of data to extract meaningful insights.
Document experimental procedures, analyze results, and contribute to technical reports, presentations, and internal and peer-reviewed publications.
Support the creation of communication materials that translate research findings into actionable insights (e.g., develop and publish educational resources across digital platforms).
Foster a culture of continuous learning through knowledge exchange.
Lead the organization of performance innovation events such as webinars, symposia, and workshops.
Assist with day-to-day project management tasks, including scheduling, coordinating communication between stakeholders, and tracking progress toward milestones.
Assist in the preparation of grant proposals, funding applications, and finding donors, sponsors, or industry funding to keep growing research and innovation at US Soccer.
Facilitate collaboration opportunities and attract innovative companies capable of addressing key challenges in soccer.
Ensure all initiatives align with U.S. Soccer’s strategic priorities and adhere to ethical standards, regulatory requirements, and safety protocols.
Stay current with scientific and technological advancements and share learnings to elevate the department’s collective expertise.