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

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. 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.

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

Requirements

Proven track, success record of ownership from Ideation to productization with GenAI and Multi Agent solutions either in a large corporation Or in a startup; Proven experience to build engineering team for GenAI and Multi Agent solutions; Proven experience with complex AI and data centric projects outside of the networking market; 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 have

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

Benefits

Work on problems that matter—networking the edge, securing cloud infrastructure, and bringing intelligence to billions of connected devices; Part of a team where critical thinking and human creativity set us apart in the age of AI; Freedom to define the questions we need to ask; Support to pursue ambitious ideas; See your innovations become products that change an industry