Principal 5G Wireless & Device Technology Architect

AT&T • Plano, TX

2d • $189,200 - $283,800 • Onsite

About The Position

This is a full-time onsite technical leadership role performed at a designated work location five days per week. The role is part of AT&T’s Wireless Delivery team within Device Technology, which aligns device roadmaps, network evolution, emerging technologies, and certification strategies. The architect defines 4G/5G spectrum and bandwidth strategy, carrier aggregation and dual connectivity architecture, device requirements, interoperability and certification approaches, and readiness for future technologies.

The position collaborates across RAN, mobility core, product, operations, IoT, OEMs, chipset manufacturers, and network infrastructure vendors to ensure next-generation devices are ready for evolving network capabilities. It provides technical leadership on LTE and 5G NR bands and deployment strategies, translates 3GPP specifications and network evolution plans into device requirements and certification criteria, and guides device and network testing and issue resolution. The role also develops data-driven tools and evaluates AI and automation workflows to improve engineering productivity and decision-making.

The position is based in Bothell, Washington and/or the listed Plano, Texas location. Relocation is not offered. The stated salary range is $189,200–$283,800 USD annually; individual starting salary may depend on geography, experience, expertise, and education or training. The role has a 40-hour workweek.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Significant experience in wireless telecommunications, device technology, RAN, mobility architecture, RF, device certification, or network/device interoperability.
• Deep experience with 4G LTE and 5G NR, including spectrum strategy, bandwidth, carrier aggregation, dual connectivity, and mobility architecture.
• Demonstrated experience developing device technical requirements, test specifications, certification criteria, and test object lists.
• Strong understanding of how device capabilities, chipset functionality, RAN capabilities, spectrum deployment, and network evolution relate.
• Experience with device certification, carrier acceptance, interoperability testing, IODT/IOT, and wireless industry certification processes.
• Hands-on experience with network/device testing platforms such as Keysight, Rohde & Schwarz (R&S), or Anritsu.
• Experience with mobility design, RF integration, network tracing, lab validation, field testing, and troubleshooting pre-launch and post-launch device issues.
• Experience developing technical specifications for new or emerging wireless devices and services.
• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to turn complex technical problems and large datasets into actionable engineering recommendations.
• Ability to influence technical decisions and work effectively with OEMs, chipset manufacturers, network vendors, suppliers, and internal engineering organizations.
• Excellent technical communication, troubleshooting, interpersonal, and stakeholder-management skills.
• Working knowledge of 3GPP LTE/NR standards and their application to commercial device and network deployments.
• Demonstrated commitment to engineering quality, collaboration, continuous improvement, customer outcomes, and professional integrity.

Nice To Haves

• Exposure to AI/ML, generative AI, copilots, intelligent assistants, agentic workflows, or engineering automation is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive 4G/5G spectrum, bandwidth, carrier aggregation, and dual connectivity strategies across devices and network technologies.
• Partner with RAN, Standards, Operations, Product, and Device teams to turn network evolution plans into device requirements, certification criteria, and technology roadmaps.
• Provide technical leadership across LTE and 5G NR bands, channel bandwidths, low-, mid-, and high-band/mmWave spectrum, and wideband deployment strategies.
• Evaluate chipset and device compliance with requirements for UE capability signaling, carrier combinations, RF and network capabilities, and feature readiness.
• Lead IODT/IOT and interoperability alignment among RAN vendors, chipset manufacturers, OEMs, IoT modules, and device partners.
• Identify and resolve device and network feature gaps through lab and field testing, interoperability analysis, and cross-vendor issue triage.
• Provide technical input to device RFPs, specifications, roadmaps, test strategies, and certification requirements.
• Build data-driven dashboards, models, trackers, and automation to improve device compliance analysis, ecosystem readiness, and engineering decision-making.
• Interpret 3GPP standards and translate evolving wireless specifications into actionable device and network requirements.
• Troubleshoot complex pre-launch and post-launch device and network issues using appropriate test methodologies, network tracing tools, and RF analysis.
• Evaluate and implement AI, automation, copilots, and agentic engineering workflows to improve engineering productivity, analysis, and delivery.
• Provide technical leadership across Device Technology, RAN, Mobility Core, Operations, Product, IoT, OEM, chipset, and network infrastructure teams.
• Manage multiple complex technical initiatives and deliver against established milestones and deadlines.
• Work with internal technical organizations and external suppliers to develop, certify, troubleshoot, and launch wireless products and services.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) plan.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• Paid Time Off and holidays, including at least 23 vacation days per year and 9 company-designated holidays, based on date of hire.
• Paid parental leave.
• Paid caregiver leave.
• Additional sick leave beyond what state and local law require may be available; it is unprotected.
• Adoption reimbursement.
• Short-term and long-term disability benefits.
• Life and Accidental Death Insurance.
• Supplemental benefit programs, including critical illness, accident, hospital indemnity, and group legal coverage.
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).
• Employee wellness programs.
• Employee discounts of up to 50% on eligible AT&T mobility plans and accessories, AT&T internet and fiber where available, and AT&T phone.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal