Lead AI‑Powered Network Architect

Lumen; Annapolis (MD); On-site; USD 145,000 - 194,000; Full time

Job summary

Lumen seeks a Senior Lead Architect to shape AI-ready connectivity architectures across our optical network. You will lead multi-discipline initiatives, translate tech into scalable designs, and drive architectural decisions with business impact.

The role requires leadership, deep DWDM/coherent optics expertise, and experience delivering product introductions into production networks, with a focus on future-ready resilience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical/optical/telecom or 5-7+ years of equivalent experience.
• MBA or 5-7+ years of equivalent experience in financial modeling.
• Fluent in DWDM, Coherent Optics, ROADM/Open Line Systems, optical modeling, and resiliency.
• Experience explaining technical solutions from C-Level to staff.
• Has led a new product introduction into production networks.

Responsibilities

• Translate emerging technologies into deployable architecture and standards.
• Develop technology roadmaps, reference architectures, and lifecycle plans.
• Envision future optical networks over a 1–3-year horizon.
• Lead with an original mindset to solve complex problems.
• Use AI-enabled tools to accelerate research, analytics, and automation.
• Engage with standard bodies to drive initiatives (MSA, IEEE, OIF, etc.).
• Mine data and present current and trending network demands.
• Derive financial models (TCO, ROI, NPV) and support business cases.
• Create an automation vision for the Optical Product line.

Skills

DWDM

Coherent Optics

ROADM/Open Line Systems

Optical performance modeling

Network resiliency

Analytical thinking

SQL

Power BI

C-Level communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical, optical, or Telecommunication engineering

MBA

Tools

SQL

Power BI

Job description

Lumen seeks a Senior Lead Architect to shape AI-ready connectivity architectures across our optical network. You will lead multi-discipline initiatives, translate tech into scalable designs, and drive architectural decisions with business impact.

The role requires leadership, deep DWDM/coherent optics expertise, and experience delivering product introductions into production networks, with a focus on future-ready resilience.