Market Innovation Research Manager

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Texas.

📋 Description

• Perform ongoing technology scouting within the realms of optical fiber, photonics, CPO, AI data center infrastructure, and related fields.

• Monitor technology maturity and evolution to inform well-structured innovation roadmaps.

• Create forward-looking scenario analyses that align technology trajectories with AFL’s portfolio using various frameworks.

• Represent AFL at significant industry events and conferences, leading AFL’s engagement in forums such as MSA and IEEE.

• Develop and sustain innovation roadmaps with quarterly updates.

• Convert research findings into strategic recommendations regarding technology positioning and investment prioritization.

• Provide executive-ready insights to steer long-term portfolio development.

• Align long-term innovation strategies with immediate product and solution development efforts.

• Oversee the long-term technology development pipeline with a 3–5+ year perspective.

• Identify and assess adjacent market opportunities that align with AFL’s capabilities.

• Conduct market sizing, competitive analysis, and strategic fit evaluations.

• Generate structured opportunity assessments to support investment decisions.

• Establish and implement screening criteria for strategic fit, market timing, technology readiness, and profit pool potential.

• Write white papers, trend briefs, ESG-aligned insights, and market analyses.

• Position AFL as an industry thought leader through research-driven content.

• Build and manage strategic technical partnerships, including MSAs, JDAs, and academic collaborations.

• Maintain visibility of the partnership pipeline and track engagement.

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to broaden the innovation ecosystem.

• Support the discovery process by providing qualified innovation candidates backed by business case summaries.

• Maintain a pipeline that aligns with strategic priorities and readiness.

• Collaborate across functions to transition insights into actionable execution pathways.

• Track funnel health metrics and visibility, including pipeline volume, conversion rates by stage, and time-in-stage, reported through the IET operating cadence.

⛳️ Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree is preferred.

• Over 7 years of experience in market research, innovation strategy, technology scouting, or similar roles.

• Strong analytical capabilities, including market sizing and competitive analysis.

• Proficiency in translating technical insights into business strategies.

• Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Preferred domain expertise in optical communications, photonics, data center infrastructure, or related technology markets.

• Familiarity with industry standards bodies, MSAs, or multi-party technical collaborations is an advantage.

• Willingness to undertake moderate domestic and international travel as required.

🏝️ Benefits

• A hybrid in-office schedule for eligible employees.

• Flexible time-off policy.

• 401K company match (up to 4% - dollar for dollar).

• Professional development, training, and tuition reimbursement programs.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance policy options.

• Opportunities for career advancement with a leading company in the industry!