Comcast

Principal Engineer - Network Evolution Architecture

Comcast$130K — $180K *
Telecommunications & Hardware
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 10+ years of experience in telecommunications, systems engineering, or network architecture
  • Strong understanding of physical layer concepts and their impact on design
  • Deep expertise in RF, optical networking, or wireless domains
  • Experience with evaluating hardware/software architectures
  • Proven ability in system-level design tradeoffs
  • Experience in developing proof-of-concepts or prototypes
  • Ability to work collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams

Responsibilities

  • Lead strategic architecture and system design for access and transport technologies
  • Evaluate hardware and software architectures for various systems
  • Design and validate RF and optical networks across different topologies
  • Develop proof-of-concepts to validate new technologies
  • Perform technical and cost-benefit tradeoff analysis
  • Define product and system requirements with vendors
  • Provide technical leadership to external partners and standards bodies

Benefits

  • Medical & Dental
  • 401(k) Savings Plan
  • Generous paid time off
  • Life Milestones support including adoption assistance and childcare resources
  • Free digital TV and internet for employees
  • Discount tickets for Universal Resorts
Full Job Description
Job Summary
This job leads strategic R&D initiatives, pioneering solutions and guiding teams. It involves setting technical specifications, partnering with product teams, and evaluating external solutions. Responsibilities include authoring key documentation and mentoring within the research team.

Job Description

Role & Team Overview

Join Comcast's Network Evolution team, a forward-looking engineering group focused on identifying, validating, and scaling next-generation wireline, optical, and wireless technologies for the HFC network.

This team operates as an innovation and architecture function, driving early-stage technology evaluation, building proof-of-concepts, and influencing product direction and industry standards. The work is highly cross-disciplinary, spanning RF, optical, wireless systems, and hardware/software co-design, with a strong emphasis on improving bandwidth, latency, reliability, and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead strategic architecture and system design for next-generation access and transport technologies
  • Evaluate and compare hardware and software architectures (e.g., FPGA, ASIC, software-based solutions)
  • Design, model, and validate RF and optical networks, including link budgets across multiple topologies (P2P, P2MP, mesh, star)
  • Develop and deliver proof-of-concepts (PoCs) to validate new technologies and influence executive and industry decisions
  • Perform technical and cost-benefit tradeoff analysis across competing approaches
  • Define product and system requirements in collaboration with vendors and semiconductor partners
  • Provide technical leadership and direction to external partners, suppliers, and standards bodies (e.g., CableLabs)
  • Identify and apply innovations from adjacent industries to improve Comcast's network capabilities


Skills & Experience

Must-Haves
  • ~10+ years of experience in telecommunications, systems engineering, or network architecture
  • Strong understanding of physical layer (OSI Layer 1) concepts and their impact on system design
  • Deep expertise in at least one domain: RF, optical networking, or wireless (e.g., WiFi / 802.11 / O-RAN)
  • Experience evaluating and working with hardware/software system architectures (FPGA, ASIC, or software-based systems)
  • Proven ability to perform system-level design tradeoffs (technical + cost considerations)
  • Experience building or contributing to proof-of-concepts, prototypes, or early-stage solutions
  • Ability to collaborate across multi-disciplinary teams and external partners (vendors, chip manufacturers)
  • Experience with Python scripting or automation (ability to streamline workflows and experimentation)


Nice-to-Haves
  • Experience with O-RAN architectures and/or 802.11 (WiFi) systems
  • Background in telecom product design or R&D environments (vs. operations-focused roles)
  • Familiarity with RF and optical lab environments, including test equipment, emulators, and data capture tools
  • Exposure to CableLabs or industry standards development
  • Experience incorporating AI/ML techniques into system design or analysis


What Success Looks Like
  • Brings deep technical expertise with system-level thinking
  • Thrives in ambiguous, early-stage innovation environments
  • Ability to translate emerging technologies into practical, scalable solutions
  • Strong communicator who can influence across engineering, leadership, and industry stakeholders


About Our Perks & Benefits:

We are determined to create an environment where our employees feel valued, understand our business goals, and are motivated.

Here's a look at just some of the perks and benefits we make available to our US-based employees:
  • Medical & Dental
  • 401(k) Savings Plan
  • Generous paid time off
  • Life Milestones - from adoption assistance, childcare resources, pet insurance, and more, Comcast supports you at all life stages.
  • Courtesy Services - We offer all of our full-time employees in serviceable areas free digital TV and internet.
  • Discount tickets for Universal Resorts, including theme park tickets and onsite hotel rooms.


Learn more at jobs.comcast.com/benefits

Job Profile: Engineer 5, Technical Research & Development

Skills
Collaboration, OSI Layers, Telecommunications

Please visit the benefits summary on our careers site for more details.

Education
Bachelor's Degree

While possessing the stated degree is preferred, Comcast also may consider applicants who hold some combination of coursework and experience, or who have extensive related professional experience.

Certifications (if applicable)

Relevant Work Experience
10 Years +

About Comcast

FreeWheel manages the economics of content for the enterprise class of entertainment, offering technical infrastructure for revenue rights management and business operations, wrapped in advisory services. They offer advertising sales rights, display, video, mobile ad management, contract management, professional content, ad serving, reporting, analytics, technology, services, advisory services, business operations, programmatic advertising, advertising marketplace, and linear, and online advertising.

Comcast Careers

Joining Comcast means becoming part of a dynamic team committed to shaping the future of media and technology. As a leading company in entertainment, communications, and technology, Comcast offers unparalleled job opportunities designed to foster professional growth and innovation. Work You’ll Do At Comcast, you’ll be part of a culture that cherishes diversity, leadership, and innovation. Our team is at the forefront of the industry, leading changes that redefine how people connect and experience content across the globe. Transform your career with a company that is committed to your professional development. Comcast offers a variety of positions across multiple fields, where your skills will be honed for leadership roles and your career aspirations supported by comprehensive training programs. Join Our Leading Team Be part of a team that values creativity and diversity. Comcast’s commitment to inclusive culture and diversity training ensures that every team member’s voice is heard and valued. This approach not only enhances our work environment but also drives our leadership in the competitive tech industry. Innovate with Us Engage in work that matters with a team of over 100,000 employees worldwide. At Comcast, innovation isn’t just another buzzword—it's at the core of everything we do. From developing groundbreaking technology to reimagining how our customers experience entertainment and communication, your work will influence millions. Internship and Employment Opportunities Start your career with a Comcast internship, where you’ll gain invaluable industry experience, network with professionals, and develop skills that will benefit you throughout your career. For those seeking full-time positions, Comcast’s hiring process is designed to find not just the right skills but the right fit for our culture of growth and innovation. Benefits and Growth Comcast is dedicated to the well-being and advancement of our team members. Enjoy a wealth of benefits that support both your professional and personal life, including health, wellness, and retirement plans. Our employees are encouraged to pursue continuous growth through professional development opportunities and leadership training. Stay Connected Join the Comcast Team Explore job opportunities that match your skills and interests. We are always looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Search Comcast jobs today and find out where your career could take you. Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. Read Careers Blog Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await at Comcast. By joining Comcast, you’re not just finding a job—you’re joining a community of innovators who are passionate about creating extraordinary experiences for our customers and for each other.
Learn more about Comcast
Size
31,000 employees
Market Cap
$149.9 billion
Industry
Net Income
$10.5 billion
Founded
1963
5 Year Trend
+7.6%
Revenue
$103.5 billion
NASDAQ

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Comcast

More Telecommunications & Hardware Jobs

Find similar Principal Engineer - Network Evolution Architecture jobs: