Innovation Principal (Remote)

trace3

Irvine, CA, United States · Irvine · United States

Posted Jan 29, 2026

Other
Remote
Innovation and Research

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Job description

Who is Trace3?

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, mentally mapping out every 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:

Trace3 Innovation team advises CxOs on emerging technology specific to their challenges and transformation strategy. As a trusted advisor to enterprise IT, we provide bespoke, high-impact advice combined with unparalleled access to emerging technologies. As an Innovation Principal (IP), your role would be to bring excellent technology consulting skills with strong IT strategy capabilities, together with impactful leadership abilities. It’s the job of an Innovation Principal to increase client engagement and ensure each client is applying their Trace3 Innovation resources to their work. An IP will ask insightful questions to diagnose the causes of client challenges and recommend the best course of action. The IP might also suggest a different approach or talk the client through a best practice from a different industry that could work within their business context.

SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Proactively find new opportunities for Innovation offerings within existing Trace3 customer base
Proactively develop net new Trace3 clients via above mentioned Innovation offerings
Engage senior-level executives by building relationships, establishing credibility, conducting substantive content discussions, diagnosing needs, solving problems, and identifying relevant resources
Manage each engagement with client from introduction to successful team hand-off with interval check-ins until close
Carefully balance the needs of all team members (internal and client staff) to lead each project to a successful outcome
Sense patterns among client needs to shape the ongoing research and product creation
Ensure collaboration amongst all teams (Innovation, Trace3 Field, & Client)
Ensure clients and Company’s interests are properly aligned
Escalate risks and issues to Sales and Innovation management as necessary
Manage communication between Trace3 and each client - making the determinations as to what, when and how things are communicated
Be the key point of contact and partner for each assigned client engagement
Establish a rapport and confidence with assigned clients and Trace3 Sales Reps
Work closely with Sales to ensure client engagements are relevant, provide value to all parties, and are in line with goals of Sales and Client.
Drive revenue with existing and net new clients via all Innovation offerings

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s Degree in a related field with at least 7 years’ experience in successful consultative selling and account development of Commercial Enterprise accounts.
Demonstrated leadership and initiative skills in successfully driving specialty sales in accounts - prospecting, negotiating and closing deals.
Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, ability to handle diverse situations, multiple projects and rapidly changing priorities.
Ability to communicate effectively with clients at all levels.
Excellent conflict resolution and/or mediation skills.
Demonstrated ability to plan, develop, and manage multiple projects. Ability to meet stated customer initiated deadlines.

ADDITIONAL EXPECTATIONS:

This position involves approximately 30% travel to support business needs.

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.

Estimated Pay Range

$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

At the core of Trace3's DNA is our people. We are a diverse group of talented individuals who understand the importance of teamwork and demonstrating leadership, character, and passion in all that we do.

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, fosters 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 recruiting@trace3.com.

***To all recruitment agencies: Trace3 does not accept unsolicited agency resumes/CVs. Please do not forward resumes/CVs to our careers email addresses, Trace3 employees or any other company location. Trace3 is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/CVs.