Principal analyst - development

At Forrester, we’re trusted to work on trailblazing, mission critical problems that business and technology leaders face today. That’s why we’re always looking to empower talented individuals to perform at their best every single day. We’re proud of our community of smart people and vibrant voices who come together to do what’s right by our clients and each other. Our success is driven by curiosity, courage and customer obsession. The confidence and drive to be bold at work. Join us and build an extraordinary future.

About This Role:

Forrester is seeking a Principal Analyst to be a critical member of the research team writing for our AI-enhanced low-code body of work. This individual serves low-code development and business leaders and helps them achieve high performance — the ability to deliver great business results through technology. Success in this position guide vendors define the future of the market.

This role entails 1) delivering an AI-enhanced, low-code 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. Our ideal candidate 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:

Working as part of a high-performing team focused on collaboration, the Principal Analyst must:

• Conduct primary research alongside key analysts on 1) the present and future of AI-enhanced low-code strategy, architecture, and roadmaps; 2) the ability to generate entire applications using AI and understand their underlying layers with low-code (what Forrester refers to as AppGen); 3) AI-enhanced low-code governance and risk management (including citizen development); 4) financial and cost optimization of AI-enhanced low-code tools; 5) performance management of AI-enhanced low-code development including KPIs, benchmarks, etc.; and, most importantly, 6) the future of the market as AI compresses the traditional software development lifecycle (SDLC) for both low-code and traditional development. This research will help clients navigate challenges by providing insights on development needs, investment prioritization, cost optimization, and long-term development strategy.
• Create approximately eight to 12 high-quality, actionable, analytically deep, and fact-based research projects per year. These 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. 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’ experience in low-code development as a leader (director level or above) of practitioners or consultants. Alternatively, at least 10 years of experience as a research analyst, product management lead, or consultant lead with project background in the low-code space.
• Understand the AI-enhanced low-code market space, especially as it heads toward a world of AppGen (completely generating applications with AI).
• A demonstrated ability to serve as an advisor to senior management and C-level clients.
• Excellent 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; 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, bold concepts; 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.

Let’s be bold, together.

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:

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

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.

Let’s be bold, together.

Explore #ForresterLife on:

Instagram

LinkedIn

Glassdoor

FLSA Status:

Exempt

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 [email protected].

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

Benefits at a Glance

Benefits at a Glance - Cambridge