Job Description
Join Horizon Labs at the forefront of technological evolution. We're seeking a visionary 2026 Tech Futurist Strategist to architect the next generation of digital transformation. In this pivotal role, you'll shape our innovation roadmap by predicting emerging tech trends, developing strategic frameworks, and leading cross-functional teams to build solutions that define the post-2025 landscape. Our Austin-based hub offers unparalleled resources for research, collaboration, and cutting-edge experimentation.
What You'll Achieve:
You'll drive our market leadership by identifying disruptive technologies 3-5 years ahead of adoption, creating actionable scenarios for quantum computing, AI ethics, and spatial internet integration. This position reports directly to our Chief Innovation Officer and influences multi-million dollar R&D initiatives.
Responsibilities
- Conduct horizon scanning and trend analysis for 2026+ tech landscape (quantum computing, neurotech, AI governance)
- Develop strategic innovation frameworks and adoption roadmaps for emerging technologies
- Lead cross-functional workshops with engineering, product, and executive teams
- Produce forward-looking whitepapers and scenario-planning documents
- Partner with venture capital teams to evaluate emerging startups
- Represent Horizon Labs at global tech foresight conferences
- Mentor junior futurists and build internal foresight capabilities
Qualifications
- Master's degree in Technology Forecasting, Systems Thinking, or related field
- 7+ years experience in strategic tech planning or innovation consulting
- Proven track record of predicting market trends (portfolio required)
- Deep expertise in at least two emerging tech domains
- Exceptional data visualization and scenario modeling skills
- Experience with foresight methodologies (Delphi, horizon scanning, causal layered analysis)
- Certification in Futures Studies or Technology Assessment preferred
- Published thought leadership in tech innovation publications