Principal Software Architect

Lumen is the trusted network for the AI-powered world, connecting people, data, and applications through our expansive fiber network and connected ecosystem. We enable secure, high-performance connectivity across cloud, edge, and AI workloads for enterprises, governments, and communities.At Lumen, you'll work on infrastructure customers rely on today and build for what's next, where performance, security, and resilience matter.This is a high accountability environment where bold ideas drive real innovation for our customers, partners, and industry. The work is challenging, expectations are clear, and trust is built into how we operate. If you're ready to take ownership, deliver meaningful impact, and help shape the future of AI-ready connectivity, join us today.The RoleBring classically trained, broad software architecture expertise to the Digital Journey Architecture and Solutions team. DJAS architects have developed deep knowledge of Lumen's systems through years of embedded work - this role brings the architectural discipline, patterns, and methodologies that complement that institutional depth. The Principal Software Architect raises the architectural quality bar across DJAS's design work by bringing formal architecture practices, modern system design patterns, and a perspective that isn't shaped entirely by how things have been done at Lumen.This is not a domain specialist role. The value is breadth, discipline, and the ability to apply proven architectural principles to complex, multi-system problems - including the emerging domain of AI-augmented and agentic systems.LocationThis is a remote opportunity open to candidates located anywhere in the U.S.The Main ResponsibilitiesApply proven software architecture principles to DJAS design work: microservices, event-drivenpatterns, distributed systems, API-first design, domain-driven designLead architecture design sessions and design reviews - challenge assumptions, surface tradeoffs,ensure solutions address NFRs (performance, reliability, scalability, observability, security) from the startProduce high-quality architecture artifacts: solution designs, ADRs, integration specifications,architecture standardsDefine architecture governance practices: what makes a design "good enough to ship" vs what needsmore work; codify standards the team applies consistentlyEvaluate and adopt modern architecture patterns and methodologies - not just what Lumen has done,but what the broader engineering discipline has learnedApply AI-augmented engineering practices: LLM-assisted design, agentic workflow architecture,integrating AI capabilities into system designs safely and observablyArchitect for operational excellence: observability-first design, chaos engineering readiness,runbook-aligned failure handlingBridge the gap between architecture and implementation: stay present through delivery, validate thatwhat gets built matches the design intent, surface gaps earlyMentor architects and engineers on architecture fundamentals, design patterns, and how to think aboutsystem design rigorouslyPartner with cloud, IAM/security, and domain architects to ensure cross-cutting concerns areaddressed coherently across DJAS's portfolioChallenge technical debt patterns where they emerge in designs - not to block delivery, but to ensurethe team is making conscious choicesWhat We Look For in a CandidateBachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or related field with 12+ years of softwarearchitecture experience orMaster's degree with 10+ years of software architecture experienceAI-first practitioner - actively integrates AI tools (LLMs, coding assistants, AI-powered analysis anddesign tools) as a routine part of architecture and engineering work, not as an occasional experiment.Candidates must demonstrate specific, current examples of how AI has meaningfully accelerated orimproved their work.Classically trained software architecture background: formal education or structured architecturepractice exposure (not exclusively developed through a single company's environment)Deep expertise in distributed systems: microservices, event-driven architecture, saga patterns, CQRS,async messagingAPI design authority: REST, gRPC, GraphQL - knows when to use each, how to version, how togovernDomain-driven design (DDD) and bounded context modelingNon-functional requirements design: performance engineering, reliability patterns (circuit breakers,bulkheads, retries), scalability modelingObservability architecture: OpenTelemetry instrumentation, metrics design, distributed tracing, alertingstandardsSecurity architecture integration: threat modeling, secure design patterns, data classification inarchitectureStrong written and verbal communication: can produce ADRs and solution designs that are clear,precise, and decision-qualityTrack record of delivered production systems - not just designs, but architectures that were built andoperatedPreferredExperience architecting AI/ML-augmented systems: LLM integration patterns, RAG architecture,agentic workflow designCloud-native architecture depth (AWS, Azure, or GCP) - complements the dedicated Cloud ArchitectroleExperience in telecom, network automation, or NaaS domains - reduces ramp time on Lumen-specificcontextPlatform architecture experience: designing systems that other teams build on, not just end-userapplicationsArchitecture governance experience in a multi-team engineering organization: standards enforcement,design review processes, exception handlingContributions to technical standards bodies, open source architecture frameworks, or publishedarchitectural thinkingCompensationThis information reflects the anticipated base salary range for this position based on current national data. Minimums and maximums may vary based on location. Individual pay is based on skills, experience and other relevant factors.Location Based Pay Ranges$152,066 - $202,755 in these states: AL AR AZ FL GA IA ID IN KS KY LA ME MO MS MT ND NE NM OH OK PA SC SD TN UT VT WI WV WY$159,670 - $212,893 in these states: CO HI MI MN NC NH NV OR RI$167,273 - $223,031 in these states: AK CA CT DC DE IL MA MD NJ NY TX VA WALumen offers a comprehensive package featuring a broad range of Health, Life, Voluntary Lifestyle benefits and other perks that enhance your physical, mental, emotional and financial wellbeing. We're able to answer any additional questions you may have about our bonus structure (short-term incentives, long-term incentives and/or sales compensation) as you move through the selection process.Learn more about Lumen's:Benefits ( StructureLI-RemoteLife at LumenLife at Lumen is human and connected, even in a fast moving, AI-focused organization. We set clear expectations and trust people to meet them. With real support and shared accountability, teams collaborate better, move faster, and deliver meaningful outcomes.Our Lumen 8 behaviors guide how we interact, make decisions, and work together, shaping a culture built to perform and win.To learn more about Life at Lumen and how we live the Lumen 8, please visit: ScreeningIf you are selected for a position, there will be a background screen, which may include checks for criminal records and/or motor vehicle reports and/or drug screening, depending on the position requirements. For more information on these checks, please refer to the Post Offer section of our FAQ page ( . Job-related concerns identified during the background screening may disqualify you from the new position or your current role. Background results will be evaluated on a case-based basis.Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.Equal Employment OpportunitiesWe are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all persons regardless of race, color, ancestry, citizenship, national origin, religion, veteran status, disability, genetic characteristic or information, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, family status, pregnancy, or other legally protected status (collectively, "protected statuses"). We do not tolerate unlawful discrimination in any employment decisions, including recruiting, hiring, compensation, promotion, benefits, discipline, termination, job assignments or training.Privacy NoticeLumen is committed to protecting the privacy and security of personal information collected during the recruitment and hiring process. 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