AT&T

Principal Software Engineering

AT&T$174K — $261K *
Enterprise Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 7+ years of experience in AI solutions and software engineering.
  • Strong software and AI development skills in Python, Java, or LangGraph.
  • Familiarity with CI/CD, DevOps, and API/web services.
  • In-depth understanding of AI/ML frameworks and cloud platforms.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Engineering preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Architect and scale AI-powered software solutions for business integration.
  • Drive the adoption of generative AI technologies in organizational practices.
  • Design enterprise-scale technology solutions with a focus on security and reliability.
  • Lead innovation initiatives and assess new AI capabilities for business use.
  • Develop and implement architectural standards and reusable frameworks.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company matching.
  • Tuition reimbursement for continuous learning.
  • Generous paid time off including vacation and holidays.
  • Paid parental and caregiver leave for work-life balance.
  • Access to employee wellness programs and support 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.

AT&T will not hire any applicants for this position who require employer sponsorship now or in the future.

 

What you’ll do:

As a Principal Software Engineering, you will be a lead architect for AT&T's AI-powered tools, automation platforms, and Agentic AI ecosystem, responsible for building and scaling the software foundation that enables converged wireline and wireless planning, intelligent automation, and AI-driven decision-making. The role combines strategic thinking, AI expertise, technical architecture, and execution capability to solve complex business problems. This leader will identify transformational opportunities, architect enterprise-scale solutions, and drive measurable outcomes through Artificial Intelligence, automation, modern platforms, and data-driven decision making.

 

An expert in their field, applying broad business knowledge and strategic insight surrounding emerging AI trends and technologies to solve complex problems and drive organizational results. Leads critical, high-impact projects and designs/implements innovative business strategies. Works with minimal oversight, frequently consulting senior leadership and influencing executive decisions. Serves as a mentor and assists others with challenging issues. The successful candidate is AI-first in their approach to problem solving. They instinctively evaluate how AI, automation, agents, copilots, and intelligent workflows can augment people, simplify processes, and accelerate business outcomes before defaulting to traditional solutions.

 

This role requires equal strength in strategy, leadership, architecture, and delivery. The ideal candidate can communicate with executives, influence business leaders, guide engineering teams, and personally build prototypes, proofs of concept, and production-grade solutions when necessary.

 

What you’ll bring:

  • Enterprise AI Leadership
    • Champion responsible and scalable adoption of generative AI technologies across the organization.
    • Evaluate AI use cases and guide teams through ideation, prioritization, and implementation.
    • Ensure AI solutions align with governance, compliance, security, and risk management requirements.
    • Drive innovation programs, AI communities of practice, and organizational enablement efforts.
    • Represent AI and technology initiatives in leadership forums, steering committees, and strategy sessions.
    • Work closely with leadership and business stakeholders to define KPIs and success metrics.

 

  • Solution Engineering & Architecture
    • Design and oversee enterprise-scale technology solutions that integrate business processes, data, applications, and AI capabilities.
    • Develop architecture patterns, standards, and reusable frameworks.
    • Ensure solutions meet requirements for security, scalability, reliability, maintainability, and performance.
    • Lead architecture reviews and provide guidance to implementation teams.
    • Evaluate technology platforms, tools, and vendors to support strategic objectives.
    • Drive architectural consistency across business units and initiatives

 

  • Innovation & Continuous Improvement
    • Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitive developments.
    • Pilot new capabilities and assess their business applicability.
    • Scale successful proof-of-concepts into enterprise-ready solutions.
    • Identify opportunities for AI agents, copilots, workflows, and automation solutions to improve productivity.
    • Capture lessons learned and institutionalized best practices.

 

What you’ll need:

  • Required Experience:
    • 7+ years of related experience in area of professional responsibility
    • Building AI-enabled business solutions
    • Familiarity with AI/ML concepts and modern AI platforms.

 

  • Desired Experience:
    • Technical Skills:
      • Strong software and AI development experience using one or more modern programming languages:
        • Python
        • Java
        • LangGraph
      • Git, CI/CD, and DevOps practices
      • Experience building and consuming APIs and web services.
      • Strong SQL skills, experience working with enterprise-scale datasets to build data pipelines and automation workflows.
      • Understanding of cloud platforms and data ecosystems.
      • Experience creating analytics solutions and data visualizations.

 

    • AI / Machine Learning Enablement
      • Integrate AI services, LLMs, predictive models, and intelligent automation capabilities into business workflows.
      • Support development and deployment of AI and machine learning solutions.
      • Prepare, transform, and engineer data for ML and GenAI use cases.
      • Partner with business teams to identify opportunities for AI-driven process improvements.
      • Evaluate emerging AI technologies and recommend practical business applications.
      • AI APIs, MCPs and model integration

 

  • Desired Education:
    • Bachelor’s degree (BS/BA) in Computer Science or Engineering preferred.

 

Supervisor: No


Our Principal Software Engineering jobs earn between $174,100.00 - $261,100.00 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

Weekly Hours:

40

Time Type:

Regular

Location:

Dallas, Texas

Salary Range:

$174,100.00 - $261,100.00

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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