Principal Cybersecurity - Telecom Network Security Architect

AT&T•Charlotte, NC

19h•Onsite

About The Position

This position requires office presence of a minimum of 5 days per week and is only located in the location(s) posted. No relocation is offered. Join AT&T and reimagine the communications and technologies that connect the world. Our Chief Security Office ensures that our assets are safeguarded through truthful transparency, enforce accountability and master cybersecurity to stay ahead of threats. Bring your bold ideas and fearless risk-taking to redefine connectivity and transform how the world shares stories and experiences that matter. When you step into a career with AT&T, you won’t just imagine the future-you’ll create it. We are seeking an accomplished Principal Cybersecurity Engineer with deep expertise in telecom network security and cutting-edge AI-driven techniques. In this strategic leadership role, you will shape and drive advanced cybersecurity solutions focused on protecting core telecom infrastructure through the integration of machine learning and automation. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, vendors, and executive stakeholders to design, implement, and continuously advance the network’s security posture against evolving cyber threats.

Requirements

Extensive experience at least 8 years+ in telecom network security, including routing, segmentation, and multi-vendor environments (e.g., Cisco, Juniper, Nokia).
Deep knowledge and hands-on experience with AI/ML frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn) and the operational integration of these technologies in cybersecurity applications.
Proven track record with automated security testing, adversary simulation, and penetration testing in large-scale network or telecom settings.
Demonstrated ability to bridge technical and business stakeholders through clear communication of risk and mitigation strategies.
Bachelor’s degree (BS/BA) desired in Computer Science or Cybersecurity.
7+ years of related experience.
Certification is required in some areas.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
Experience mentoring security teams and promoting adoption of advanced tools and methods.
Familiarity with applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Learning (ML) techniques in cybersecurity contexts (e.g., anomaly detection, threat hunting, behavioral analytics, or risk scoring).

Responsibilities

Collaborate with router software vendors and internal engineering teams to design and standardize new security features, ensuring consistent security controls and software status verification across multi-vendor network environments.
Architect, implement, and maintain security controls, policies, and standards for the core telecom network, focusing on routing security, network compartmentalization, and risk reduction.
Hands-on experience with Telecom Service Provider grade switches and routers (Cisco, Juniper, Arista, Whitebox etc.).
Strong server administration skills (Linux/Windows), including patching and resource monitoring.
Develop and maintain automation scripts using EEM (Embedded Event Manager), Ansible, and other orchestration tools to streamline network operations and maintenance tasks.
Build and maintain Power BI dashboards and metric dashboards to monitor network health, security controls, and operational KPIs.
Test, validate, and report on the effectiveness of security controls and defenses throughout the network environment.
Deploy, review, and enforce network security policies, including CoPP (Control Plane Policing), DDOS mitigation measures, and router ACLs.
Implement and support advanced BGP security measures such as RPKI (Resource Public Key Infrastructure) and best practices to prevent hijacking and route leaks.
Optimization of AI-powered security solutions to monitor, detect, and mitigate risks in multi-vendor telecom network environments.
Drive ideation, testing, and proof-of-concept development for innovative cybersecurity initiatives impacting core network infrastructure.
Lead vulnerability management by identifying, exploiting, and remediating issues such as BGP hijacking, ACL bypasses, segmentation flaws, and misconfigurations within routers, firewalls, and segmented environments.
Design and execute adversary simulation exercises and advanced penetration testing to validate the security of telecom-critical and multi-vendor infrastructure.
Research and analyze adversarial tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), with an emphasis on threats targeting critical and next-generation networking technologies.
Conduct complex security analysis and steer engineering efforts to mitigate network-wide risks and enhance overall cyber resilience.
Leverage Python scripting and AI-driven automation tools for security testing, vulnerability assessment, and real-time threat detection across core network elements.
Mentor and develop offensive and defensive security skillsets within blue and red teams, fostering a proactive and collaborative security posture.
Work closely with security operations, incident response, and cross-functional teams to share intelligence, refine detection capabilities, and continuously improve response strategies using AI and advanced analytics.
Communicate technical findings, risks, and strategic recommendations to internal stakeholders, executive leadership, and external partners, clearly conveying the business impact and prioritization of advanced cyber threats.

Benefits

Medical/Dental/Vision coverage
401(k) plan
Tuition reimbursement program
Paid Time Off and Holidays (based on date of hire, at least 23 days of vacation each year and 9 company-designated holidays)
Paid Parental Leave
Paid Caregiver Leave
Additional sick leave beyond what state and local law require may be available but is unprotected
Adoption Reimbursement
Disability Benefits (short term and long term)
Life and Accidental Death Insurance
Supplemental benefit programs: critical illness/accident hospital indemnity/group legal
Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
Extensive employee wellness programs
Employee discounts up to 50% off on eligible AT&T mobility plans and accessories, AT&T internet (and fiber where available) and AT&T phone.