Job Description
Join NextGen Horizons at the forefront of tomorrow's technological revolution. We're seeking a visionary 2026 Futurist Innovation Lead to architect the next decade of breakthrough solutions. This pivotal role blends strategic foresight with hands-on innovation to transform emerging concepts into market-ready realities. You'll collaborate with elite teams in quantum computing, AI ethics, and sustainable tech while shaping our innovation roadmap through 2026 and beyond.
What You'll Accomplish:
As a key architect of our future-facing initiatives, you'll lead cross-functional sprints to prototype technologies that will redefine industries. Our Austin hub offers an unparalleled environment for rapid iteration, with direct access to our $50M innovation lab and partnerships with MIT, Stanford, and NASA.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute the 2026 technology innovation roadmap aligning with market disruption forecasts
- Lead quantum computing and AI ethics research initiatives with $10M annual R&D budget
- Prototype and validate breakthrough technologies in our Austin Innovation Lab
- Forge strategic partnerships with academic institutions and government agencies
- Mentor a team of 15 futurist researchers and engineers
- Present findings to C-suite and board stakeholders quarterly
- Drive sustainability initiatives in emerging tech deployment
Qualifications
- 10+ years in technology strategy with proven 2025+ tech roadmaps
- Expertise in quantum computing, AI ethics, or sustainable tech
- Published thought leadership in peer-reviewed journals (Nature, Science, etc.)
- Experience leading cross-functional teams of 10+ professionals
- PhD or equivalent in Computer Science, Physics, or Futurist Studies
- Proficiency in scenario planning tools (e.g., Gartner, Forrester)
- Strong track record of patent-protected innovations
- Security clearance (Top Secret preferred)