Principal Network R&D Architect (Remote)

Lumen; Boise (ID); Remote; USD 159,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Lumen, a leading communications and AI-ready connectivity provider, seeks a Principal Architect, Network Research & Development, to guide architecture across emerging technologies. You’ll define hypotheses, run experiments, and translate results into strategic guidance for enterprise partners and executives.

This role is remote within the U.S., signals a strong external focus, and requires deep expertise spanning optical, IP, cloud-native, automation, and AI-enabled infrastructure.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to translate complex tech into actionable guidance.
• Strong communication to senior leaders, peers, and external partners.
• Demonstrated experience shaping architecture and strategy from experiments.

Responsibilities

• Serve as senior technical authority for Network R&D initiatives.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and develop reference architectures.
• Design experiments, pilots, and assessments for feasibility and scale.
• Translate findings into architecture implications and risk analyses.
• Collaborate across teams to align R&D with enterprise priorities.
• Represent Network R&D in forums, reviews, and executive briefings.
• Establish governance, milestones, and kill criteria for projects.
• Mentor contributors and elevate architectural thinking across the org.

Skills

Architectural thinking

Executive communication

Influence without authority

Mentorship

Experimentation discipline

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering / CS / EE / telecom

Job description

Lumen, a leading communications and AI-ready connectivity provider, seeks a Principal Architect, Network Research & Development, to guide architecture across emerging technologies. You’ll define hypotheses, run experiments, and translate results into strategic guidance for enterprise partners and executives.

This role is remote within the U.S., signals a strong external focus, and requires deep expertise spanning optical, IP, cloud-native, automation, and AI-enabled infrastructure.