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 Role Bring 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. Location This is a remote opportunity open to candidates located anywhere in the U.S. The Main Responsibilities Apply proven software architecture principles to DJAS design work: microservices, event-driven patterns, distributed systems, API-first design, domain-driven design Lead architecture design sessions and design reviews - challenge assumptions, surface tradeoffs, ensure solutions address NFRs (performance, reliability, scalability, observability, security) from the start Produce high-quality architecture artifacts: solution designs, ADRs, integration specifications, architecture standards Define architecture governance practices: what makes a design "good enough to ship" vs what needs more work; codify standards the team applies consistently Evaluate and adopt modern architecture patterns and methodologies - not just what Lumen has done, but what the broader engineering discipline has learned Apply AI-augmented engineering practices: LLM-assisted design, agentic workflow architecture, integrating AI capabilities into system designs safely and observably Architect for operational excellence: observability-first design, chaos engineering readiness, runbook-aligned failure handling Bridge the gap between architecture and implementation: stay present through delivery, validate that what gets built matches the design intent, surface gaps early Mentor architects and engineers on architecture fundamentals, design patterns, and how to think about system design rigorously Partner with cloud, IAM/security, and domain architects to ensure cross-cutting concerns are addressed coherently across DJAS's portfolio Challenge technical debt patterns where they emerge in designs - not to block delivery, but to ensure the team is making conscious choices What We Look For in a Candidate Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or related field with 12+ years of software architecture experience or Master's degree with 10+ years of software architecture experience AI-first practitioner - actively integrates AI tools (LLMs, coding assistants, AI-powered analysis and design 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 or improved their work. Classically trained software architecture background: formal education or structured architecture practice exposure (not exclusively developed through a single company's environment) Deep expertise in distributed systems: microservices, event-driven architecture, saga patterns, CQRS, async messaging API design authority: REST, gRPC, GraphQL - knows when to use each, how to version, how to govern Domain-driven design (DDD) and bounded context modeling Non-functional requirements design: performance engineering, reliability patterns (circuit breakers, bulkheads, retries), scalability modeling Observability architecture: OpenTelemetry instrumentation, metrics design, distributed tracing, alerting standards Security architecture integration: threat modeling, secure design patterns, data classification in architecture Strong written and verbal communication: can produce ADRs and solution designs that are clear, precise, and decision-quality Track record of delivered production systems - not just designs, but architectures that were built and operated Preferred Experience architecting AI/ML-augmented systems: LLM integration patterns, RAG architecture, agentic workflow design Cloud-native architecture depth (AWS, Azure, or GCP) - complements the dedicated Cloud Architect role Experience in telecom, network automation, or NaaS domains - reduces ramp time on Lumen-specific context Platform architecture experience: designing systems that other teams build on, not just end-user applications Architecture governance experience in a multi-team engineering organization: standards enforcement, design review processes, exception handling Contributions to technical standards bodies, open source architecture frameworks, or published architectural thinking Compensation This 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 WA Lumen 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 Bonus Structure #LI-Remote Requisition #: 343195 Life at Lumen Life 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: https://jobs.lumen.com/global/en/life-at-lumen Background Screening If 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-by-case basis. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Equal Employment Opportunities We 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 Notice Lumen is committed to protecting the privacy and security of personal information collected during the recruitment and hiring process. Our Applicant Privacy Notice explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect applicant information, as well as how individuals may request access to or deletion of their personal data. To review Lumen’s Global Employment Applicant and Talent Community Privacy Notice, please visit: https://jobs.lumen.com/global/en/privacy-notice Disclaimer The job responsibilities described above indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to include a comprehensive inventory of all duties and responsibilities for this job. Job duties and responsibilities are subject to change based on evolving business needs and conditions. In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information. 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