Principal Innovation Associate

Company Summary EchoStar is reimagining the future of connectivity. Our business reach spans satellite television service, live-streaming and on-demand programming, smart home installation services, mobile plans and products.   Today, our brands include Boost Mobile, DISH TV, Gen Mobile, Hughes and Sling TV. Department Summary As 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 Ranges Compensation: $130,000.00/Year - $160,000.00/Year Benefits We 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