Job Details

Solution Architect

Lumen connects the world. We are igniting business growth by connecting people, data and applications quickly, securely, and effortlessly. Together, we are building a culture and company from the people up committed to teamwork, trust and transparency. People power progress. We're looking for top-tier talent and offer the flexibility you need to thrive and deliver lasting impact. Join us as we digitally connect the world and shape the future.

The Role

Lumen Technologies is seeking a highly skilled Solution Architect to join our Pre-Sales Solution Engineering team to help our customers define the next generation of optical and amplification architectures needed for unlocking maximum value from their fiber investments in support of accelerating AI demand. This role will support hyperscaler, cloud, and technology companies as they expand their networks to meet the demands of AI-driven architectures. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in optical architectures, fiber planning and installation, and the space, power, and cooling requirements critical to ILA and micro edge data center solutions. As a Solution Architect, you will collaborate with sales, product, and engineering teams to develop tailored solutions, provide pre-sales technical support, and drive innovation to position Lumen as a leader in next-generation network infrastructure.

Location and Schedule

This is a Work From Home position available from any US-based location. Schedule is typically daytime business though flexibility is required depending on business and customer needs. Travel may be up to 30%. US Citizenship or Permanent Residency/Green Card is required for consideration.

The Main Responsibilities

Design & Innovation

• Customized solutions to meet the unique needs of hyperscaler, cloud, and technology customers.
• Innovate optical architectures and fiber-based solutions to enhance performance, scalability, and efficiency.
• Develop detailed designs for fiber planning, installation, and integration.
• Optimize space, power, and cooling configurations to maximize reliability and sustainability.

Pre-Sales Support

• Partner with sales teams to engage with customers and understand their technical and business needs.
• Deliver compelling presentations, technical proposals, and proof-of-concept demonstrations.
• Respond to RFPs, RFIs, and customer inquiries.
• Act as a trusted technical advisor.

Collaboration

• Work closely with product management to provide feedback on market needs and drive the development of new offerings.
• Collaborate with network engineering and operations teams to ensure seamless transitions.

Technical Leadership

• Serve as a subject matter expert.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to knowledge-sharing initiatives.

What We Look For in a Candidate

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications, or a related field.
• 7+ years of related experience.
• Track record of large-scale network deployments.

Technical Skills

• Deep knowledge of optical networking technologies.
• Expertise in fiber planning, installation, and testing processes.
• Strong understanding of space, power, and cooling for ILAs and high density data centers.
• Proficiency in network design tools and simulation software.
• Knowledge of industry standards (e.g., ITU-T, IEEE, Telcordia).

Soft Skills

• Exceptional communication and presentation skills.
• Strong customer-facing skills, with a consultative approach to problem-solving.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with micro edge data center deployments, including modular or containerized solutions.
• Familiarity with sustainability practices in network infrastructure.
• Certifications in optical networking or data center design.

Compensation

This information reflects the anticipated base salary range for this position based on current national data. Minimums and maximums may vary based on location. Individual pay is based on skills, experience and other relevant factors.

Location Based Pay Ranges:

• $115,763 - $154,350 in these states: AL, AR, AZ, FL, GA, IA, ID, IN, KS, KY, LA, ME, MO, MS, MT, ND, NE, NM, OH, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, UT, VT, WI, WV, and WY.
• $121,559 - $162,068 in these states: CO, HI, MI, MN, NC, NH, NV, OR, and RI.
• $127,344 - $169,785 in these states: AK, CA, CT, DC, DE, IL, MA, MD, NJ, NY, TX, VA, and WA.

Lumen offers a comprehensive package featuring a broad range of Health, Life, Voluntary Lifestyle benefits and other perks that enhance your physical, mental, emotional and financial wellbeing.

Background Screening

If you are selected for a position, there will be a background screen, which may include checks for criminal records and/or motor vehicle reports and/or drug screening, depending on the position requirements. For more information on these checks, please refer to the Post Offer section of our FAQ page.

Equal Employment Opportunities

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all persons regardless of race, color, ancestry, citizenship, national origin, religion, veteran status, disability, genetic characteristic or information, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, family status, pregnancy, or other legally protected status (collectively, "protected statuses"). We do not tolerate unlawful discrimination in any employment decisions.

Disclaimer

The job responsibilities described above indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to include a comprehensive inventory of all duties and responsibilities for this job. Job duties and responsibilities are subject to change based on evolving business needs and conditions.