Remote Principal Architect, Network R&D & AI Infra

Lumen; Nashville (TN); Remote; USD 152,000 - 202,000; Full time

Job summary

Lumen is seeking a Principal Architect, Network Research & Development, to lead architectural direction for next‑gen network capabilities. You will guide experiments, assess vendor capabilities, and shape reference architectures for enterprise and government needs.

This remote role requires deep expertise in advanced networks, cloud-native infra, AI workloads, and security, with strong communication to executives and engineers alike.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 12+ years in network architecture, engineering, or R&D strategy.
• Deep expertise in optical/transport, IP networking, cloud-native infra, automation.
• Proven ability to translate uncertain tech into architecture options and recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a senior technical authority for Network R&D across emerging technologies.
• Evaluate quantum networking, post-quantum crypto, AI infrastructure, and edge compute.
• Develop reference architectures and design patterns for future capabilities.
• Lead analysis of external partnerships, vendors, labs, and consortia.
• Design pilots, simulations, and assessments for feasibility, interoperability, and scale.
• Translate findings into architecture implications and business recommendations.
• Collaborate with multiple groups to align R&D with enterprise priorities.
• Identify dependencies, standards implications, and commercialization paths.

Skills

Network architecture

R&D strategy

Technical leadership

Emerging technologies

Executive communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Lumen is seeking a Principal Architect, Network Research & Development, to lead architectural direction for next‑gen network capabilities. You will guide experiments, assess vendor capabilities, and shape reference architectures for enterprise and government needs.

This remote role requires deep expertise in advanced networks, cloud-native infra, AI workloads, and security, with strong communication to executives and engineers alike.