Principal 5G Wireless & Device Technology Architect

AT&T • Plano, TX

3d • $189,200 - $283,800 • Onsite

About The Position

The Principal 5G Wireless & Device Technology Architect is a highly visible technical leadership role on AT&T’s Wireless Delivery team within Device Technology. The role shapes device and network readiness for evolving wireless capabilities by defining 4G/5G spectrum and bandwidth strategy, carrier aggregation and dual connectivity architecture, device requirements, interoperability, certification, and technology readiness.

The architect works across RAN, mobility core, product, operations, IoT, OEMs, chipset manufacturers, and network infrastructure vendors. The position translates network evolution and 3GPP specifications into device requirements, roadmaps, certification criteria, and test strategies; leads interoperability and certification alignment; and resolves device/network gaps through lab and field testing. It also develops data-driven engineering tools and evaluates AI and automation workflows to improve analysis and delivery.

This is a full-time onsite role performed at the designated work location five days per week. No relocation is offered. Locations listed are Bothell, Washington, and Plano, Texas. The position is regular and has a 40-hour workweek. The stated annual salary range is $189,200 to $283,800; individual starting salary may depend on geography, experience, expertise, and education or training.

Requirements

• 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 the relationship between device capabilities, chipset functionality, RAN capabilities, spectrum deployment, and network evolution.
• Experience with device certification, carrier acceptance, interoperability testing, IODT/IOT, and wireless industry certification processes.
• Hands-on experience with network/device testing platforms from vendors 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 and ability to turn complex technical problems and large datasets into actionable engineering recommendations.
• Ability to influence technical decisions and work effectively across OEMs, chipset manufacturers, network vendors, suppliers, and internal engineering organizations.
• Excellent technical communication, troubleshooting, interpersonal, and stakeholder-management skills.
• 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.
• Working knowledge of 3GPP LTE/NR standards and their application to commercial device and network deployments.
• Experience managing multiple complex technical initiatives and delivering against established milestones and deadlines.
• Ability to work with internal technical organizations and external suppliers to develop, certify, troubleshoot, and launch wireless products and services.
• 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.

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 on LTE and 5G NR bands, channel bandwidths, low-, mid-, and high-band/mmWave spectrum, and wideband deployment strategies.
• Evaluate chipset and device compliance with UE capability signaling, carrier combinations, RF/network capabilities, and feature-readiness requirements.
• Lead IODT/IOT and interoperability alignment across RAN vendors, chipset manufacturers, OEMs, IoT modules, and device partners.
• Identify and resolve device and network feature gaps through lab testing, 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 for 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/network issues using 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.

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 but is unprotected
• Adoption reimbursement
• Short-term and long-term disability benefits
• Life and accidental death insurance
• Supplemental benefits, including critical illness, accident hospital indemnity, and group legal programs
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
• Employee wellness programs
• Employee discounts 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