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 archit