Principal Analyst, Cloud-Native 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 software development body of work. This work serves technology 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 serves software development and delivery leaders and technology executives, helping them drive high performance through cloud-native development, including using AI to create software in public clouds. The role will also advise vendors (such as hyperscalers and edge platform providers) in shaping strategy, differentiation, and future market direction.

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 evolution of cloud-native development; 2) how generative AI and AI-assisted engineering are transforming best practices; 3) how hyperscaler and edge platform offerings are adjusting to meet new demand; 4) value measurement, governance, and metrics that shift cloud-native software delivery from outputs to business outcomes; and 5) the future of software development as AI compresses the SDLC and reshapes competitive differentiation.
• Create approximately eight 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.
• Foster a style that drives a culture of cross-team collaboration, mentorship, integrity, and relentless and positive pursuits.

Job Requirements:

• At least 10 years’ executive-level experience in either leading cloud-native software development in an enterprise or managing cloud-native products as a vendor. Industry analysis experience in this area with exposure to cloud-native delivery.
• A deep understanding of the cloud-native software development market and its forward trajectory, including the impact of AI-assisted development and platform engineering.
• 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.

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: $141,000 - $229,000

The application deadline is May 31, 2026. Please refer to the job posting on Forrester.com careers page if the deadline has been extended.

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