Strategic Innovation Research Lead - Emerging Technology

Job#: 3030621

Job Description:
Role Overview

The Innovation Research Lead, Emerging Technology helps shape our clients future relevance by identifying, interpreting, and translating emerging technology signals into actionable strategic insights. This role scans the global technology landscape, connects trends across industries, and influences executive decision-making in high-ambiguity, fast-evolving spaces.

This leader partners closely with product, engineering, business development, and leadership teams to inform emerging technology strategy, evaluate startups and partners, and craft compelling narratives that bring future opportunities to life. The ideal candidate is highly curious, entrepreneurial, and thrives in uncertainty-someone known for seeing what's next before it becomes mainstream.
Key Responsibilities
Research & Foresight Advisory

• Monitor and synthesize emerging technology, market, and competitive trends into clear, executive-ready insights
• Deliver rapid-response briefings on market perception shifts, competitive moves, and potential strategic blind spots
• Evaluate startups, vendors, and innovations for strategic relevance and opportunity
• Maintain an innovation knowledge repository and foresight inputs to guide long-term exploration

Partnerships & Opportunity Development

• Partner with product and engineering teams to embed foresight into opportunity areas and roadmaps
• Identify and assess new areas for exploration that support DXT's future relevance
• Maintain a strong network of internal and external information sources, ecosystems, and thought leaders

Strategic Messaging & Narrative Development

• Translate complex technical capabilities and emerging opportunities into compelling, evidence-based narratives
• Support leadership communications through research briefs, newsletters, and strategic messaging

Ideation & Facilitation

• Partner with Business Development leadership to inform design thinking and ideation sessions
• Facilitate guided brainstorms and discussions to explore new growth areas and technology applications

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Proven track record of identifying and elevating emerging technology trends ahead of the mainstream
• Exceptional ability to connect dots across industries, technologies, and market signals
• Strong executive communication skills, including briefing senior leaders with clarity and influence
• Entrepreneurial mindset with high tolerance for ambiguity and rapid change
• Experience in technology research, innovation strategy, foresight, venture analysis, or adjacent fields

Additional Details

• Schedule: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Role Term: April 14, 2026 - April 13, 2027
• Location:
  • Orlando, FL (7055 S Kirkman Rd) or
  • Glendale, CA (1200 Grand Central Ave)
• Positions Available: 1

EEO Employer

Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Employee Services Department at or .

Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.

Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.