Principal Analyst, Enterprise Architecture

Forrester Research, Inc. (US); Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 141,000 - 229,000; Full time

Job summary

Forrester Research, Inc. (US) is seeking a Principal Analyst to lead the Enterprise Solutions Architecture practice. This role serves CIOs and IT leaders by delivering top-tier research on technology strategy and delivery. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience, a strong technical foundation, and the ability to advise senior clients effectively.

The position offers a competitive salary range of $141,000 – $229,000 depending on experience, alongside a bonus target of 15% of base salary.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years in director-level or higher roles.
• Demonstrated ability to advise senior management.
• Strong technical foundation in enterprise architecture.
• Deep understanding of challenges faced by technology executives.
• Strong analytical writing, editing and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Enterprise Solutions Architecture practice.
• Develop a deep understanding of client needs.
• Conduct primary research on architecture strategy.
• Create 8-12 high-quality research projects annually.
• Build visibility for research through various channels.

Skills

Leadership and collaboration skills

Critical thinking

Technical foundation in enterprise architecture

Experience in Financial Services

Proven ability to engage technology leaders

Strong academic record

Tools

Cloud platforms

Operating Systems

Security technologies

AI topics

Job description

About This Role

Forrester Research seeks a Principal Analyst to lead the Enterprise Solutions Architecture Practice within the Technology Architecture & Delivery Research Group. The role serves CIOs, CTOs and IT leaders by delivering high‑performance research on technology strategy and delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Enterprise Solutions Architecture practice, collaborating with technology strategy, executive partner, sales and product teams to develop a research portfolio that drives customer delight and revenue.
• Develop a deep understanding of client needs and establish an industry presence as an influential speaker and thinker.
• Conduct primary research on architecture strategy, key technology platforms, governance, risk management, financial cost optimization and performance management.
• Translate research into actionable insights for clients, including future of solutions architecture, cost optimization, investment prioritization and long‑term workplace strategy.
• Create 8–12 high‑quality research projects annually, including reports, tools, webinars, videos, blogs, podcasts and infographics.
• Build visibility for research through client communities, industry events, webinars and Forrester Waves and Landscape reports.
• Consult with clients to apply research in their business context and support advisory engagements.
• Present at Forrester‑sponsored and industry‑related events and co‑lead the global Enterprise Architecture forum and award program.
• Contribute to the State of Modern Technology Operations survey and support business‑development conversations with account leadership.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, mentorship and integrity across the research organization.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years in director‑level or higher roles such as enterprise architect, principal solutions architect, senior sales engineer or research analyst.
• Demonstrated ability to advise senior management and C‑level clients with clear, critical thinking and collaborative skills.
• Strong technical foundation in enterprise architecture, solutions architecture and key platforms (Cloud, Infrastructure, AI, Operating Systems, Security).
• Experience in Financial Services, Technology Services or another key industry vertical preferred.
• Knowledge of AI topics and technologies relevant to enterprise architecture and solutions architecture.
• Proven ability to engage technology leaders across Enterprise Architecture, IT Delivery and Operations.
• Deep understanding of challenges faced by technology executives, economics and emerging technology markets.
• Talent for distilling complex ideas into simple, provocative concepts and taking a stand with clients, vendors and the press.
• Strong academic record, analytical writing, editing and presentation skills.
• Willingness to travel 30% of the time or more.

Benefits & Compensation

Base salary range: $141,000 – $229,000 (U.S. markets). Georgia: $126,000 – $206,000. New York City: $161,000 – $263,000. Bonus target: 15% of base salary.

Forrester Research, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.As a federal contractor, Forrester encourages veterans and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment.