ClubLabs is the acceleration team for Auto Club Enterprises, also known as AAA. We are the team responsible for developing products and enhancing member experiences across the organization’s insurance, membership, financial, emergency roadside, and travel services. We are a team of engineers, designers, researchers, and product managers within AAA delivering maximum value to our members and business for a smarter future.
As the leader of innovation R&D, you will set the enterprise-level agenda for discovery, experimentation, and piloting of advanced technologies with long-term impact. You will operate as the head of a small applied research team, driving foresight and technology scouting, and building strong coalitions for seamless handoffs to engineering, product, and operational teams. Production readiness and downstream delivery are owned by partner teams, so your success depends on strategic collaboration and stakeholder alignment.
Key Responsibilities
Team Leadership & Collaboration: Serve as the lead of the technology R&D function, partnering with the Sr PM of core product transformation (horizon one to two initiatives) and the Sr PM of strategic foresight (horizon two to three exploration). Mentor and build team capabilities, drive R&D strategy, and foster sustained alignment with stakeholders and execution teams.
Lead Applied R&D: Direct R&D function, focusing on discovery, experimentation, and piloting of product and technology with potential enterprise impact.
Set R&D Agenda: Establish and operationalize a disciplined R&D methodology, including hypothesis-driven research, structured experimentation frameworks, rapid iteration cycles, and clear criteria for advancing, pausing, or abandoning concepts.
Build Repeatable Processes: Develop processes for feasibility assessment, prototyping, and pilot evaluation.
Define Impact & Transition: Formalize how R&D outputs transition into production. Collaborate closely with business units and production engineering teams to prepare concepts for operationalization, ensuring downstream teams understand risks, requirements, and value propositions before pilot completion.
Vendor & Startup Scouting: Conduct vendor and startup scouting to supplement internal research and broaden awareness of promising technologies that may accelerate R&D objectives.
Qualifications
10+ years of experience in technology research, advanced engineering, or applied innovation.
Proven record of leading successful R&D and innovation initiatives.
Deep understanding of key technology areas such as AI/ML, IoT, autonomous systems, or data science.
Strong product development process knowledge and methodologies.
Advanced strategic thinking and ability to transform strategy into actionable plans.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills; ability to influence and inspire cross-functional teams.
High degree of independent decision-making and problem-solving skills.
Experience in Insurtech, Fintech, Travel, Mobility, or other tech-related industries.
Strong soft skill competency, essential for operating in a highly cross-functional environment.
The starting pay range for this position is:
$156,500.00 - $208,100.00Additionally, for full time positions, you will be eligible to participate in our incentive program based upon the achievement of organization, team and personal performance.
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Remarkable benefits:
• Health coverage for medical, dental, vision
• 401(K) saving plan with company match AND Pension
• Tuition assistance
• PTO for community volunteer programs
• Wellness program
• Employee discounts
“Through dedicated employees we proudly deliver legendary service and beneficial products that provide members peace of mind and value.”
AAA is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The Automobile Club of Southern California will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO), the Unincorporated Los Angeles County (ULAC) regulation, and the California Fair Chance Act (CFCA).
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