Principal Software Engineer

This is a full-time onsite role based in the location(s) posted and is performed from the designated work location five days per week. No relocation is offered.AT&T is transforming network operations through AI, automation, and software-defined technologies. We are seeking a Principal Software Engineer to help drive the next generation of intelligent operational platforms that power one of the world's largest telecommunications networks.In this role, you'll help develop, integrate, validate, and automate enterprise platforms and operational systems that support network provisioning, service delivery, observability, orchestration, and autonomous operations. You'll work at the intersection of software engineering, telecommunications, AI, automation, and operational transformation, partnering with network engineering, architecture, operations, and development teams to deliver innovative solutions that improve reliability, scalability, and operational efficiency.If you're passionate about leveraging AI and software automation to modernize large-scale telecommunications environments, we'd love to hear from you.What You'll Do: Build Intelligent Network Automation SolutionsDesign, develop, test, and support AI-driven automation solutions that improve network operations, service delivery, and operational efficiency.Develop and enhance automation workflows leveraging APIs, orchestration platforms, enterprise systems, and AI technologies.Validate inventory synchronization, service orchestration, workflow execution, telemetry collection, and platform integrations.Develop & Validate Operational PlatformsBuild, deploy, and maintain N/N+1 lab environments supporting telecommunications platforms, automation systems, and OSS ecosystems.Create realistic test environments that replicate production network architectures and operational workflows.Support software upgrades, feature validation, interoperability testing, and operational readiness initiatives.Enable Network & Service OnboardingSupport onboarding of network infrastructure, applications, and services into automation and operational platforms.Validate provisioning, activation, assurance, inventory management, and lifecycle management workflows.Ensure connectivity, configuration accuracy, and operational data integrity across systems.Drive Troubleshooting & Operational IntelligenceAnalyze logs, telemetry, events, and operational datasets to identify issues and improve platform performance.Perform root-cause analysis and collaborate across engineering teams to resolve complex integration challenges.Contribute to observability, monitoring, and operational intelligence initiatives.Advance AI & Next-Generation OperationsSupport development of AI, Machine Learning, and Generative AI capabilities that enhance operational decision-making.Contribute to intelligent automation initiatives involving: Test Automation Predictive Analytics Log Analysis Event Correlation Anomaly Detection Workflow OptimizationEvaluate emerging technologies that improve automation, visibility, and network operations.Create Technical Documentation & Best PracticesDevelop deployment guides, validation plans, onboarding procedures, architecture documentation, troubleshooting runbooks, and operational standards.Share knowledge and contribute to engineering excellence across teams.What You'll Bring:Passion for solving complex operational challenges through AI, software engineering, and automation.Strong understanding of telecommunications network operations and modern OSS ecosystems.Experience collaborating across software engineering, network architecture, operations, and platform teams.Ability to translate business and operational requirements into scalable automation solutions.Strong analytical, troubleshooting, documentation, and communication skills.Curiosity to evaluate emerging AI and automation technologies that improve operational outcomes.A mindset focused on innovation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.What You'll Need:Telecommunications ExpertiseExperience working with telecommunications network environments, including IP, transport, optical, wireless, or service delivery architectures.Knowledge of OSS platforms, network lifecycle management, service provisioning, activation, inventory, assurance, and operational workflows.Understanding of network automation, orchestration, controller-based architectures, and operational support systems.Familiarity with network observability, telemetry, monitoring, and performance management solutions.Software Engineering & AutomationStrong programming skills in Python or similar languages used for automation, testing, and analytics.Experience with APIs, microservices, distributed systems, and enterprise platform integrations.Hands-on experience with Linux/Unix environments, Git, containers, CI/CD pipelines, and automation frameworks.Experience developing, testing, and maintaining scalable software-based solutions.AI & Data TechnologiesKnowledge of AI, Machine Learning, Generative AI, intelligent automation, or advanced analytics solutions.Experience applying AI to operational use cases such as automation, anomaly detection, predictive analytics, or workflow optimization.EducationBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Data Science, or a related technical discipline.Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.Preferred Qualifications:Experience supporting telecommunications service providers, network operators, or large-scale enterprise network environments.Experience with OSS modernization, network transformation, cloud-native platforms, or autonomous network initiatives.Exposure to software-defined networking (SDN), network orchestration, observability platforms, and AI-powered operations.Ability to bridge telecommunications domain expertise with software engineering and AI-driven automation. Our Principal Software Engineering jobs earn between $174,100.00 - $261,100.00 USD Annual. Not to mention all the other amazing rewards that working at AT&T offers. Individual starting salary within this range may depend on geography, experience, expertise, and education/training. Joining our team comes with amazing perks and benefits:Medical/Dental/Vision coverage401(k) planTuition reimbursement programPaid Time Off and Holidays (based on date of hire, at least 23 days of vacation each year and 9 company-designated holidays)Paid Parental LeavePaid Caregiver LeaveAdditional sick leave beyond what state and local law require may be available but is unprotectedAdoption ReimbursementDisability Benefits (short term and long term)Life and Accidental Death InsuranceSupplemental benefit programs: critical illness/accident hospital indemnity/group legalEmployee Assistance Programs (EAP)Extensive employee wellness programsEmployee discounts up to 50% off on eligible AT&T mobility plans and accessories, AT&T internet (and fiber where available) and AT&T phoneWeekly Hours:40Time Type:RegularLocation:Plano, TexasSalary Range: $174,100.00 - $261,100.00AT&T and its subsidiaries are committed to equal employment opportunity. All hiring, promotion, and other employment decisions remain merit-based and free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical disability, mental disability, pregnancy, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, military status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. In addition, AT&T will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. AT&T is a fair chance employer and does not initiate a background check until an offer is made. Click here to learn more or request an application accommodation here.