Innovation Lead - Office of the CTO | AI (10342) (San Jose)

Raleigh, North Carolina, United States / Salem, New Hampshire, United States / San Jose, California, United States / Toronto, CanadaProducts – Engineering /Fulltime /HybridOver 50,000 customers globally trust our end-to-end, cloud-driven networking solutions. They rely on our top-rated services and support to accelerate their digital transformation efforts and deliver unprecedented progress.Become part of something big with Extreme! As a global networking leader, learn why there is no better time to join the Extreme team.Position detailsTitle of position: Innovation Lead - Office of the CTOPosition type: Full time - HybridLocation: Salem, NH | Morrisville, Raleigh, NC | San Jose, CA | Toronto, CanadaPosition reports to: Head of the Office of the CTOApplication deadline: Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis and this posting will remain open until filled.Work authorization: Applicants must have legal authorization to work in the country where the role will be performed.Scope: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, weHave proven over years how to turn ideas into successful products and business modelsOperate at the intersection of business, customer, and technologyAsk questions that are slightly too ambitious for the timeKnow that the next great invention is already being asked as a questionWant the right people in the room when it isThe Role:Innovation Lead – Office of the CTO (Full-time, Hybrid)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—youExplore emerging technologies and build proofs of conceptDrive adoption and help define product roadmapsHelp commercialize innovations—ensuring that innovation without market realization remains just researchSuccess 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.Key Responsibilities:Discovery & DevelopmentIdentify and evaluate emerging opportunities in ML/AI, edge computing, and adjacent technologiesConceptualize, prototype, and validate innovative solutions—moving fast from question to proof of conceptMaintain awareness of industry trends, standards bodies, and competitive innovationHands-On Prototyping & ImplementationBuild and architect real solution prototypes, not just advise on them—coding, validating, and documenting as neededPartner with data scientists, engineers, and product teams to turn validated ideas into production-ready featuresContribute directly to solution delivery through prototyping, testing, and technical demonstrationsDrive continuous improvement by identifying and fixing technical and architectural bottlenecksCustomer & Partner Co-InnovationEngage customers, partners, and prospects to co-develop solutions and understand unmet needsTranslate complex technical ideas into compelling narratives for CTOs, VPs of Engineering, and business executivesBuild reference and lighthouse accounts by delivering early access to breakthrough capabilitiesHelp commercialize innovations—market realization is essential for innovation successCross-Functional Collaboration & InfluenceWork effectively in a matrix with product management, engineering, marketing, and field teamsParticipate in standards bodies and open-source communities to shape industry directionInfluence product roadmaps and feature prioritization based on customer insightsChampion a culture of critical thinking, experimentation, and calculated risk-takingThought Leadership & EvangelismAuthor and present on emerging technologies, innovation frameworks, and breakthrough solutionsEvangelize our leadership in AI-powered networking and edge intelligence to customers and prospectsBuild visibility for Extreme's innovation strategy and technical differentiation in the marketplaceBasic Requirements:Experience & BackgroundProven track, success record of ownership from Ideation to productization with GenAI and Multi Agent solutions either in a large corporation Or in a startupProven experience to build engineering team for GenAI and Multi Agent solutionsProven experience with complex AI and data centric projects outside of the networking marketTechnical SkillsFluent in at least one programming language; expertise in Python, Java, or Go is highly preferredDeep knowledge of ML/AI principles, emerging architectures, and practical applications in enterprise systemsUnderstanding of edge computing, distributed systems, and cloud networking architecturesKnowledge of efficient data structures, query optimization, and analytics technologiesAbility to evaluate and integrate third-party technologies and frameworksCollaboration & CommunicationExceptional interpersonal and communication skills—able to work effectively across diverse audiencesAbility to translate complex technical concepts into clear narratives for CTOs, VPs, and executivesProven track record of driving issues to resolution with strong customer satisfactionThrive working both independently and within high-performing cross-functional teamsComfortable with ambiguity and defining problems before solutions existProfessional QualitiesAmbitious and driven, thriving in a demanding and fast-paced environmentWilling to roll up your sleeves, take ownership, and be a proactive team playerExcellent critical thinking and business acumen to identify solutions with widespread adoption potentialAbility to balance exploration with execution, knowing when to pivot and when to commitComfortable with occasional travel and significant remote engagement with customers and partnersEducationBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, related field, or equivalent professional experienceNice to Have:10+ years Experience in networking, security, or cloud platforms (especially cloud-driven networking)Participation in open-source projects or standards bodiesBackground in product management or go-to-market strategyPublished thought leadership or speaking experience at industry conferencesExperience with AI operations (MLOps), data platforms, or analytics systemsWhat Success Looks LikeIn your first year, you willIdentify and validate 2–3 high-impact innovation opportunitiesDeliver working prototypes that demonstrate customer valueBuild relationships with key customers and partners co-innovating with usContribute to product roadmap decisions that accelerate our leadershipEstablish thought leadership through speaking, writing, or industry participationHelp evangelize our innovation strategy to the marketWhy Join the OCTOAt Extreme Networks' Office of the CTO, you will work on problems that matter—networking the edge, securing cloud infrastructure, and bringing intelligence to billions of connected devices. YouBe part of a team where critical thinking and human creativity set us apart in the age of AIHave the freedom to define the questions we need to askHave support to pursue ambitious ideasSee your innovations become products that change an industryIf you like being at the intersection of business, customer, and technology; if you have built real things and understand that innovation without commercialization is just research; and if you thrive in ambiguity and are energized by working on the next big question—we want you in the room.Equal Employment OpportunityExtreme Networks, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. We are committed to taking affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans, including disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, active-duty wartime or campaign badge veterans, and Armed Forces service medal veterans.Extreme Networks also strives to prevent other, subtler forms of inappropriate behavior (for example, stereotyping) from ever gaining a foothold in our organization. Whether blatant or hidden, barriers to success have no place at Extreme Networks. We encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply.Fair chance and background checksExtreme Networks will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the California Fair Chance Act, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, Philadelphia Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards Ordinance, Illinois Human Rights Act, Cook County Human Rights Ordinance, Seattle Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. An applicant's conviction history will not be considered until after a conditional offer of employment has been made. Following any individualized assessment, applicants will be provided with the opportunity to respond before any adverse action is taken.Extreme Networks