Innovation Principal

Trace3; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 220,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

401(k) with match

Paid time off

Job summary

Trace3 is seeking an Innovation Principal to guide CxO-level transformation by aligning emerging technologies with business strategy. You will shape technology investments, lead multi-vertical engagements, and deliver executive-level advisory services to Trace3’s clients.

As a senior contributor, you will translate complex tech concepts into business value, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and influence go-to-market direction while traveling as needed.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a senior advisor to C-level executives.
• Executive presence to lead high-stakes conversations with non-technical audiences.
• Depth across security, data/AI, cloud, or platform tooling.

Responsibilities

• Partner with client executives to understand objectives and desired outcomes.
• Diagnose business/tech challenges and propose innovation strategies.
• Serve as trusted advisor on emerging technologies and market trends.

Skills

Executive advisory

Cxo communication

Strategic thinking

Travel flexibility

Industry leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Trace3 is a leading Transformative IT Authority, providing unique technology solutions and consulting services to our clients. Equipped with elite engineering and dynamic innovation, we empower IT executives and their organizations to achieve competitive advantage through a process of Integrate, Automate, Innovate.

Our culture at Trace3 embodies the spirit of a startup with the advantage of a scalable business. Employees can grow their career and have fun while doing it!

Trace3 is headquartered in Irvine, California. We employ more than 1,200 people all over the United States. Our major field office locations include Denver, Indianapolis, Grand Rapids, Lexington, Los Angeles, Louisville, Texas, San Francisco.

Ready to discover the possibilities that live in technology?

Come Join Us!

Street-Smart-Thriving in Dynamic Times

We are flexible and resilient in a fast-changing environment. We continuously innovate and drive constructive change while keeping a focus on the "big picture." We exercise sound business judgment in making high-quality decisions in a timely and cost-effective manner. We are highly creative and can dig deep within ourselves to find positive solutions to different problems.

Juice -The "Stuff" it takes to be a Needle Mover

We get things done and drive results. We lead without a title, empowering others through a can-do attitude. We look forward to the goal, mentallymapping outevery checkpoint on the pathway to success, and visualizing what the final destination looks and feels like.

Teamwork -Humble, Hungry and Smart

We are humble individuals who understand how our job impacts the company's mission. We treat others with respect, admit mistakes, give credit where it’s due and demonstrate transparency. We "bring the weather" by exhibiting positive leadership and solution-focused thinking. We hug people in their trials, struggles, and failures – not just their success. We appreciate the individuality of the people around us.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Trace3 Innovation team advises CxOs on the emerging technologies most relevant to their business challenges and transformation strategies. As trusted advisors, we deliver bespoke, high-impact guidance paired with unparalleled access to emerging technology ecosystems.The Innovation Principal is a senior, strategic individual contributor and recognized thought leader who shapes how our clients envision and adopt next-generation technology. Operating at the intersection of emerging technology, and executive advisory, the Innovation Principal partners with CxOs to translate ambiguity into clear technology strategy and innovative solutions to solve enterprise technology challenges. This role sets the technical and strategic vision across complex, multi-vertical engagements and influences decisions on technology investments, services, and go-to-market direction for Trace3 and its clients.As a visible technology leader, the Innovation Principal builds expertise within designated technology domains, translating technical concepts into business value for client executives, Trace3 teams, and industry audiences. Through research, advisory discussions, presentations, and written content, this role contributes to Trace3's market perspective on emerging technologies while supporting client engagement and innovation-driven business opportunities.

SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Partner with client executives and technical stakeholders to understand business objectives, technology requirements, and desired outcomes.
• Analyze client environments, diagnose underlying business and technology challenges, and recommend appropriate innovation strategies.
• Serve as a trusted advisor throughout the engagement lifecycle, providing guidance on emerging technologies, market trends, and adoption opportunities.
• Match vetted technologies to client needs and facilitate introductions, workshops, and advisory discussions that support informed decision-making.
• Present recommendations, risks, trade-offs, and implementation considerations, including when a technology is not the right fit for a client's environment.
• Manage assigned engagements from discovery through transition to delivery or field teams and collaborate with Innovation Principals on complex opportunities.
• Conduct research, analysis, and technical evaluation of emerging technologies, products, and vendors.
• Assess solution capabilities, scalability, operational maturity, integration requirements, and business viability.
• Establish recognized expertise within assigned innovation domains, shaping Trace3's perspective on emerging trends, venture activity, market disruption, and technology adoption.
• Develop forward-looking insights and recommendations that help clients prioritize technology investments and transformation initiatives.
• Translate research findings into actionable guidance regarding technology adoption, timing, risks, and opportunities.
• Track engagement outcomes, client adoption, and business impact to continuously refine evaluation methodologies and recommendations.
• Create written content including blogs, research briefs, technology perspectives, and market insights for internal and external audiences.
• Deliver executive briefings, presentations, workshops, and advisory sessions for clients and Trace3 teams.
• Contribute to internal enablement efforts that support emerging technology conversations across the organization.
• Represent Trace3 at conferences, webinars, customer events, and innovation-focused industry engagements.
• Support strategic Innovation programs, executive forums, and initiatives that increase client engagement and market visibility.
• Adapt technical and business messaging for executive, technical, and industry audiences while exercising independent judgment and maintaining credibility.
• Establish and communicate Trace3's point of view within assigned innovation domains through research, executive engagement, industry participation, and thought leadership content.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited universityrequired;advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of broad information technology experience within a hands on technology team, includingdemonstratedsuccess developing and executing strategic business plans.
• Proven experience as a senior advisor to C-level executives, with the executive presence and communication skills to lead high-stakes conversations and present toCxOand non-technical audiences with confidence.
• Depth across one or more technology domains (security, data and AI, cloud and infrastructure, or platform and developer tooling).
• Deep strategic consulting capabilities, including the ability to diagnose complex technology challenges and translate them into actionable innovation and transformation strategies.
• Demonstrated innovation leadership shaping technology vision, evaluating emerging technologies hands-on, and reaching defensible, independent conclusions rather than summarizing vendor claims.
• Experience leading enterprise-scale technology teams, ensuring technologies are applied efficiently, profitably, and securely across large, complex organizations.
• Change managementexperience, witha track recordof guiding organizations through technology-driven change and adoption.
• Experience balancing technology, financial and business acumen, with extensive experience understanding of the complexities that accompany technology transformation.
• Ability toidentifyand cultivate multi-year opportunities,investingthe time and patiencerequiredto harvest long-term, strategic outcomes.
• Intimacy with emerging technologies and the startup, venture, and investment communities.
• Proven ability to influence without authority and inspire business transformation across internal and client teams.
• Notable, sustained thought leadership across multiple media outlets (conference speaking, published assets, and similar).
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with excellent time management skills and the ability to prioritize effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume, and evolving environment.
• A proactive, consultative approach to client and sales needs, with excellent oral, written, and presentation skills..
• Prior executive advisory or board-level engagement experience with enterprise clients.
• Recognized industry presence through public speaking, published thought leadership, analyst relationships, or industry awards and recognition.
• Ability to travel as needed.

Actual salary will be based on a variety of factors, including location, experience, skill set, performance, licensure and certification, and business needs. The range for this position in other geographic locations may differ. Certain positions may also be eligible for variable incentive compensation, such as bonuses or commissions, that is not included in the base salary.

$220,000 - $240,000 USD

The Perks

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans for you and your dependents
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Match, 529 College Savings Plan, Health Savings Account, Life Insurance, and Long-Term Disability
• Competitive Compensation
• Training and development programs
• Major offices stocked with snacks and beverages
• Collaborative and cool culture
• Work-life balance and generous paid time off

Our Commitment

We're committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to grow. We recognize that embracing diversity drives innovation, improves outcomes, fostering collaboration, boosts teammate satisfaction, and builds a more inclusive culture.

As an equal opportunity employer, Trace3 bases all employment decisions based on individual qualifications, merit, and business requirements. We do not engage in discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Any demographic information provided is strictly voluntary, kept confidential in accordance with Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) regulations, and will not be used in employment decisions, including hiring, promotions, or mentorship programs. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process or participate in an interview, please email [e-mail].