AT&T

Principal AI-Native Software Engineer

AT&T$174K — $279K *
Enterprise Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of fullstack Python development experience
  • Hands-on expertise with LLMs and agent orchestration frameworks
  • Experience in designing and integrating REST APIs
  • Familiarity with cloud platforms like AWS, GCP, or Azure
  • Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
  • Strong background in secure and scalable software design
  • Excitement for applying emerging AI tools to create business value

Responsibilities

  • Partner with business stakeholders to translate goals into software solutions
  • Collaborate in a co-ownership model from ideation to delivery
  • Build and integrate AI-enabled applications using Python frameworks
  • Design intelligent workflows using LLMs and multi-agent systems
  • Optimize prompts and retrieval strategies to enhance agent performance
  • Utilize AI coding assistants for various development tasks
  • Integrate backend services and third-party platforms into solutions

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
  • 401(k) plan
  • Tuition reimbursement program
  • Generous Paid Time Off (minimum 23 vacation days annually)
  • Paid Parental and Caregiver Leave
  • Adoption reimbursement
  • Disability benefits and life insurance
  • Employee wellness programs and discounts on AT&T services
Full Job Description

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.

We’re looking for an AI-Native Software Engineer (Principal Engineer) who blends strong fullstack Python engineering with hands-on experience building intelligent systems powered by LLMs, agent orchestration, and AI-augmented development workflows.

This is not a traditional software engineering role. We want someone who has fully integrated AI into how they design, code, test, debug, and deliver solutions — and who can work side-by-side with business partners to turn ideas into production-ready applications with speed and precision.

In this role, you’ll help shape requirements in real time, build scalable AI-enabled systems, and create seamless integrations across backend services, agent frameworks, data sources, and user-facing applications.

What You’ll Do

  • Partner directly with business stakeholders to understand needs, refine ideas, and translate goals into working software solutions.
  • Operate in a collaborative “2-in-a-box” model, co-owning outcomes from ideation through delivery.
  • Build and integrate AI-powered applications using Python and frameworks such as FastAPI, Flask, or Django.
  • Design and orchestrate intelligent workflows using LLMs, LangGraph, MCP, and multi-agent systems.
  • Develop and optimize prompts, context strategies, session memory, retrieval pipelines, and vector-based search to improve agent performance.
  • Use AI coding assistants and agentic development tools as a core part of your workflow for prototyping, refactoring, testing, documentation, and code review.
  • Integrate backend services, APIs, databases, vector stores, third-party platforms, and machine learning systems into robust end-to-end solutions.
  • Implement testing, monitoring, evaluation, logging, and CI/CD practices to improve reliability and system performance.
  • Apply best practices in security, privacy, scalability, and operational resilience across AI and backend systems.

What You’ll Bring

  • A strong ability to work directly with business partners and turn ambiguous ideas into clear, deliverable engineering solutions.
  • Clear communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
  • Deep, practical use of AI tools in software development, with examples of how they’ve meaningfully improved your speed, quality, and approach.
  • Experience building AI agents, conversational systems, RAG pipelines, or multi-agent workflows in real-world environments.
  • Strong problem-solving skills, technical curiosity, and a builder mindset.
  • A passion for exploring emerging AI tools and applying them in ways that create real business value.

What You’ll Need

  • Strong experience in fullstack Python development, including backend frameworks such as FastAPI, Flask, or Django.
  • Experience designing and integrating REST APIs, backend services, and database solutions across SQL and/or NoSQL environments.
  • Hands-on expertise with LLMs, prompt engineering, context engineering, session management, retrieval strategies, and vector search.
  • Experience with LangGraph, MCP, or similar agent orchestration frameworks.
  • Familiarity with cloud platforms such as AWS, GCP, or Azure.
  • Experience with Docker, CI/CD pipelines, testing frameworks, and production deployment practices.
  • A strong foundation in secure, scalable, and maintainable software design.

If you’ve already embraced AI as a core part of how you build software — and you’re excited to partner closely with the business to deliver high-impact solutions quickly — we’d love to hear from you.

Our Principal Software Engineer, earns between$174,100.00 - $279,800.00 USD Annual. Not to mention all the other amazing rewards that working at AT&T offers. Individual starting salary within this range may depend on geography, experience, expertise, and education/training.

Joining our team comes with amazing perks and 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.

#LI-Onsite 6 Full-time office role-

Ready to join our team? Apply today.

Weekly Hours:

40

Time Type:

Regular

Location:

Palo Alto, California, USA:TX:Dallas / One AT&T Plaza (208 S Akard - Whitacre Tower) - Adm:208 S Akard St

Salary Range:

$174,100.00 - $279,800.00

About AT&T

Cricket Wireless is a U.S.-based company that offers prepaid wireless voice, text, and data services. Cricket Wireless was founded in 1999 by Leap Wireless International, Inc. Currently, it operates as a subsidiary of AT&T Inc.

AT&T Careers

Joining AT&T means becoming part of a global team known for driving innovation and leading the telecommunications industry. It's an opportunity to grow your career at one of the most diverse and resource-rich companies in the world. Work You'll Do At AT&T, we're not just about phone lines and data plans. We're about connecting people and fostering relationships. As a member of our team, you'll help deliver cutting-edge solutions across various sectors, ensuring that our services are not only available but also transformative. Lead with Innovation Embrace a role at AT&T where technology meets creativity. Our professionals lead the market in developing and deploying technology solutions that transform how people communicate and do business. We are pioneers in creating new paths for technology, with a focus on sustainable and responsible innovation. Join a Diverse and Inclusive Team AT&T is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employees can thrive. We are proud to offer diversity training and leadership programs that empower our team members to grow professionally and personally. Our culture is one of inclusivity, where every voice is heard and valued. Explore Job Opportunities Whether you're looking for an entry-level position or a more senior role, AT&T offers a range of job opportunities across various fields. From engineering to marketing, our team is composed of skilled professionals who are leaders in their respective areas. Internship Programs Kickstart your career with an AT&T internship. Gain hands-on experience, work on real projects, and learn from leaders in the industry. Our internships provide a robust platform for learning and growth, helping you build skills that are crucial for future success. Benefits and Growth AT&T is dedicated to the growth and development of its employees. We offer comprehensive benefits, including health care, retirement plans, and continuous professional development opportunities. With resources like career coaching and resume workshops, we support your journey every step of the way. Networking and Professional Development Expand your professional network within AT&T through various networking events, mentorship opportunities, and collaborative projects. Our focus on career development is designed to help you reach your professional goals, enhancing your skills and preparing you for leadership roles. Stay Connected Join Our Team Discover the career you've always wanted by exploring the open positions at AT&T. We are constantly on the lookout for passionate, innovative, and driven individuals to join our team. Check out our current job listings and find where your skills and interests align with our needs. Keep Up to Date Stay informed with the latest career tips, company news, and industry insights—all from the professionals who are part of our team. AT&T is a place where you can make an impact, leading the way in the telecommunications industry. Job Alert Emails Customize your experience by signing up for job alerts that match your career preferences. Stay ahead of the curve and be the first to know about exciting and rewarding opportunities at AT&T. At AT&T, your career is poised for success, equipped with the right tools, culture, and team to make it happen. Join us and be part of a company that values innovation, leadership, and a diverse workforce.
Learn more about AT&T
Size
203,000 employees
Market Cap
$131.2 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$5.1 billion
Founded
1983
5 Year Trend
+0.6%
Revenue
$171.7 billion
NASDAQ

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