Senior Network R&D Architect — AI‑Ready, Remote

Lumen; Trenton (NJ); Remote; USD 167,000 - 223,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work across the United States

Job summary

Lumen seeks a Principal Architect, Network Research & Development, to lead architectural direction for future network capabilities. You will evaluate quantum, post-quantum, AI infrastructure, and autonomous networks, and develop reference architectures and proof‑of‑concepts for enterprise use.

This remote, US-wide role requires deep technical breadth, excellent communication, and the ability to translate complex findings into actionable strategy for senior stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, telecommunications, applied science, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 12+ years of experience in network architecture, engineering, R&D, or related technical discipline.
• Deep technical expertise in optical/transport, IP networking, programmable networks, cloud-native infra, AI-enabled infra, edge compute, security architecture, or next‑gen access technologies.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a senior technical authority for Network R&D initiatives and provide architectural direction.
• Evaluate emerging technologies such as quantum networking, post-quantum cryptography, AI infrastructure, autonomous networks, and edge compute.
• Develop reference architectures, design patterns, proof‑of‑concept approaches, and decision frameworks for future network strategy.
• Lead technical analyses of external opportunities and ensure partnerships yield actionable insight.
• Design experiments, pilots, lab validations, simulations, and assessments for feasibility, interoperability, scalability, and security.
• Translate findings into architecture implications, risk assessments, and business-relevant recommendations.
• Collaborate with multiple teams to connect R&D to enterprise priorities and customer needs.
• Identify dependencies, standards implications, operating model impacts, and commercialization pathways for validated capabilities.
• Provide thought leadership on future network evolution and governance for R&D work.
• Represent Network R&D in technical forums, partner discussions, and executive briefings.

Skills

Executive communication

Architectural direction

Influence without authority

Ambiguity management

Cross-functional collaboration

Mentoring others

Education

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

Job description

Lumen seeks a Principal Architect, Network Research & Development, to lead architectural direction for future network capabilities. You will evaluate quantum, post-quantum, AI infrastructure, and autonomous networks, and develop reference architectures and proof‑of‑concepts for enterprise use.

This remote, US-wide role requires deep technical breadth, excellent communication, and the ability to translate complex findings into actionable strategy for senior stakeholders.