Principal Analyst, AI-Enhanced Software Development

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About This Role:

Forrester Research is seeking a Principal Analyst to be a critical member of the research team writing for our AI-enhanced software development body of work. This work serves software development leaders and helps them achieve high performance - the ability to deliver great business results through technology. It also guides vendors in defining the future of the market.

The Principal Analyst will do work that encompasses 1) delivering an AI-enhanced software development portfolio of research alongside other key analysts; 2) bringing the right mix of both strategic and technical experiences; and 3) fostering a culture of collaboration across our research, sales, product, and customer success teams. The Principal Analyst has a strong understanding of development and business leader concerns and helps them understand the implications of technology, economies of scale, labor, and other key trends of strategy and delivery.

Job Description:

The Principal Analyst will work as part of a high-performing team with a strong emphasis on collaborating with others in all aspects of the job. The Principal Analyst is expected to:

• Conduct primary research alongside key analysts on 1) the present and future of AI-enhanced software development strategy, architecture, and roadmaps; 2) the ability to generate parts or entire applications using AI agents; 3) AI-enhanced software development governance and risk management; 4) financial and cost optimization of AI-enhanced software development tools; and 5) performance management of AI-enhanced software development including KPIs, benchmarks, etc.; and, most importantly, 6) the future of the market as AI compresses the traditional software development lifecycle (SDLC). This research will help clients navigate challenges by providing insights on development needs, investment prioritization, cost optimization, and long-term development strategy.
• Create approximately 8 to 12 high-quality, actionable, analytically deep, and fact-based research projects per year which include a mixture of written reports, tools, webinars, videos, blogs, podcasts, infographics, and other intellectual property. Work alongside sales and marketing teams to promote visibility for this research.
• Drive and lead key Forrester Wave and Landscape reports.
• Consult with clients to apply Forrester's research in the context of their specific business environment and help solve their problems through inquiry, guidance, and advisory and consulting engagements.
• Present at Forrester-sponsored and industry-related events, as well as deliver client webinars.
• Establish an industry presence as an influential speaker and thinker, build relationships with journalists who cover the sector, and participate in press inquiries as necessary.
• Support business development and prospect conversations as arranged by Forrester's account leadership teams.
• Fosters a style that drives a culture of cross-team collaboration, mentorship, integrity, and relentless and positive pursuits.

Job Requirements:

• At least 10 years of experience in software development as a leader (director level or above) of practitioners. Alternatively, at least 10 years of experience being a research analyst, product management lead, or consultant lead with project experience in the software development space.
• Understand the AI-enhanced software development market space, especially as it heads toward a world of partially and completely generating applications with AI agents.
• A demonstrated ability to serve as an advisor to senior management and C-level clients.
• Superior client-facing communication; listening; critical thinking; and collaboration skills with researchers, subject matter experts, and client leaders.
• Strong knowledge of the issues and challenges that technology executives and leaders face and expertise in the broad implications of current and emerging technology markets, economics, labor, and econometrics.
• The ability to take complex, disparate ideas and distill them into simple, provocative concepts; a willingness to take a stand on outcomes with clients, vendors, press, and competition.
• The ability to travel 30% of the time.

We're a network of knowledge and experience leading to richer, fuller careers. Here, we're always learning. Whether you want to hone your strengths or discover new ones, Forrester is the place to go for it. It's a place where everyone is given the tools, support, and runway they need to go far. We'll be right there beside you, every step of the way.

Please note that the base salary range indicated here is inclusive of all applicable US geographies listed in this requisition. This salary range is based upon the position as described in the job listing. The offered compensation may vary within this range and is dependent upon the successful candidate's primary work location, experience, training, education, and credentials.

Base salary range: $126,000 - $229,000

For employees based in Washington State, the percentage listed here is an estimated bonus target as a percentage of base salary,in accordance with the Forrester Employee Bonus plan. Individual and company performance, as well as other eligibility criteria, will determine the actual incentive amount.

Bonus target: 15%

For information on benefits, please visit: https://forresterbenefits.com/

The application deadline is September 30, 2025. Please refer to the job posting on Forrester.com careers page if the deadline has been extended.

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FLSA Status:

Here at Forrester, we welcome people from all backgrounds and perspectives. Our aim is for all candidates to be able to fully participate in Forrester's recruitment process. If you would like to discuss a reasonable accommodation, please reach out to accommodationrequest@forrester.com.

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

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