Department SummaryAs we continue to evolve, we are seeking a dynamic and analytical problem-solver to serve as a Principal Innovation Associate. Reporting directly to the VP, Special Projects, this high-visibility role will drive incubation, market testing, and strategic execution for novel business initiatives across the EchoStar portfolio. The ideal candidate will combine venture-style incubation skills with structured enterprise strategy to validate emerging technologies, build business cases, and transition high-potential concepts into scalable operational units.
Job Duties and Responsibilities- Special Projects Execution: Leads cross-functional task forces on high-priority, strategic initiatives defined by the VP, Special Projects and executive leadership, turning vague business challenges into actionable programs
- Opportunity Identification: Evaluates emerging market trends, disruptive business models, and novel technology applications across telecommunications, media, and smart home sectors to identify high-value growth vectors
- Incubation & Proof of Concept (PoC): Designs, funds, and manages pilot programs and PoCs to test new consumer and enterprise offerings with minimal capital expenditure before scaling
- Business Case Modeling: Develops rigorous financial models, market sizing analyses, and unit economic frameworks to support investment decisions and executive buy-in
- Executive Support & Liaison: Acts as a trusted advisor and strategic proxy for the VP, Special Projects, synthesizing complex operational and market data into concise executive briefings and presentations
- Cross-Functional Alignment: Navigates organizational silos to secure resource allocation and operational buy-in from Legal, Product, Engineering, Finance, and Marketing for new incubation initiatives
Skills, Experience and Requirements- Strategic Agility: A self-starter with a founder mindset who thrives in ambiguity and can comfortably pivot between high-level strategy and granular execution
- Analytical Rigor: Exceptional quantitative modeling and problem-solving skills, with a proven ability to structure unstructured problems and build data-driven business cases
- Cross-Functional Influence: Highly collaborative leader skilled at building trust, negotiating for resources, and driving consensus across matrixed teams without direct authority
- Executive Communication: Superior written and verbal communication skills, capable of distilling dense technical and operational concepts into clear recommendations for executive audiences
- Curious & Adaptable: A continuous learner with deep curiosity about emerging technology, telecom innovation, and evolving consumer habits
- Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, or a related quantitative field and 6+ years of strategy, management consulting, corporate development, or venture incubation experience; OR a Master's degree/MBA with 4+ years of relevant experience
- Project Leadership Track Record: 3+ years of experience leading complex, cross-functional strategic projects or incubating new products/services from concept to launch
- Domain Expertise: 3+ years of exposure to telecommunications, media, tech platforms, or subscription-based consumer services
Salary RangesCompensation: $130,000.00/Year - $160,000.00/Year
BenefitsWe offer versatile health perks, including flexible spending accounts, HSA, a 401(k) Plan with company match, ESPP, career opportunities, and a flexible time away plan; all benefits can be viewed here: EchoStar Benefits.
The base pay range shown is a guideline. Individual total compensation will vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, and competencies; compensation is based on the role's location and is subject to change based on work location.
The posting will be active for a minimum of 3 days. The active posting will continue to extend by 3 days until the position is filled.
