Principal Architect

Innovation at its Best: Join our Forward-Thinking Company

At CableLabs we wake up every day to invent the future. CableLabs is a global, award-winning innovation and R&D lab dedicated to keeping people connected by building and orchestrating emergent technology and igniting co-innovation today for the broadband of tomorrow.

The Principal Architect position resides in the Future Infrastructure Group at CableLabs. This department drives research and development activities focused on future access network technologies and virtualized infrastructure. Our team plays a crucial role in delivering software and infrastructure innovations that benefit the cable industry, with particular emphasis on Network Evolution, Platform Evolution, Reliability & Experience and Differentiated Services.

Why This Role Is Exciting

This position requires a detail-oriented thought leader who can architect software-first solutions from a deep understanding of network virtualization, data design and API architecture, while also exhibiting a passion for pushing the boundaries of what's possible in cable technology though the application of cutting-edge advancements in areas like generative artificial intelligence. The impact of your work will be evident as cable operators move toward their continuing domination of the broadband industry while increasingly relying on software. We are looking for an individual who can develop detailed, complex architectural designs in a way that can be easily communicated, utilize expertise from previous software development roles to jumpstart solution development, manage software development practices in a collaborative, agile fashion and think creatively to find alternate solutions or creative ways to solve problems.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the architectural design and proof-of-concept development of next-generation cable access network solutions, focusing on flexibility, scalability, performance, and reliability.
• Drive the adoption of virtualization technologies within cable access networks, enabling dynamic network configurations and differentiated service offerings.
• Create and maintain detailed UML diagrams and architectural blueprints to visualize and communicate complex system designs effectively.
• Define best practices for API design, architecture, and security, ensuring consistency, interoperability, and seamless integration between network components, network operators and third-party developers, enabling rapid development of innovative applications and services.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including engineers, researchers, and software developers to design, implement, and deliver technical solutions that impact the cable industry, leveraging a diverse set of programming languages and development frameworks as well as a Git workflow for planning, development, and delivery.
• Explore the application of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to automate network optimization, improve QoS/QoE, and enhance overall network efficiency and reliability.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies, industry trends, and research developments, and drive innovation within CableLabs and the broader cable industry.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and thought leader within the organization and the industry, representing CableLabs in technical forums, standardization bodies, and industry conferences.

What Is a Must Have:

• Strong experience leading software development projects and cross-functional teams in a collaborative, agile fashion while maintaining quality standards and on-time delivery.
• Expertise in architecting complex systems using architectural diagramming tools (e.g., Lucidchart), with a strong proficiency in Unified Modeling Language (UML) and the ability to communicate technical concepts effectively.
• Expertise in API design, RESTful principles, and microservices architecture.
• Expertise in at least one of the following: Python, JavaScript, Rust, C, C++, Go. You should be able to code and lead a team of software developers and be proficient in the use of Git and other continuous software development tools.
• 8+ years of experience in software development and architecture.
• Strong proficiency in OpenAPI Specification.
• Extensive experience creating effective technical documentation using markdown.
• Experience in network virtualization technologies, such as SDN and NFV, and experience with related frameworks (e.g., Kubernetes, OpenShift).
• Experimentation with Generative AI tools.
• Proven track record of driving technical innovation and delivering high-impact solutions.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a dynamic, cross-functional environment

What Will Set You Apart:

• Experience working with or leading external stakeholder teams and driving technology adoption.
• Solid understanding of HFC network architecture including Distributed Access Architecture (DAA), RPHY, vCMTS, etc.
• Familiarity with wireless technologies and architectures (e.g., IEEE 802.11/Wi-Fi, 4G, 5G).
• Deep expertise in multiple programming languages.
• Expertise in agile software development methodologies; specifically, Kanban and Scrum.
• Experience with DevOps or DevSecOps practices.
• Strong background in data modeling, database design, and distributed systems architecture.
• Practical experience with distributed databases, distributed ledgers, smart contracts, and blockchain technologies.
• Experience applying Generative AI techniques, such as RAG and reinforcement learning, to real-world problems.

At CableLabs You’ll Enjoy Comprehensive Compensation and Benefits:

Compensation: The salary range is $186,030 - $239,030. This position is eligible for bonus incentive compensation up to 25% of base salary.

Health Benefits: Comprehensive healthcare coverage including medical, dental, vision insurance. Access to flexible spending and health savings accounts with employer HSA contribution.

Retirement Benefits: Competitive 401(k) retirement plan with an employer match up to 6% plus an ADDITIONAL 8% contribution to 401(k) which becomes fully vested after only two years of employment.

Work-Life Balance: Flexible work arrangements, Unlimited PTO, 11 paid holidays, 100% paid family and medical leave.

To learn more and discover additional benefits, read our Employee Benefits Guide.

Working conditions and physical requirements:

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment.

We understand that the confidence gap and imposter syndrome can make it challenging for exceptional candidates to apply. We encourage you to apply confidently and without hesitation, you may just be the right candidate for this position or similar opportunities.

CableLabs is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment decisions are decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at humanresourcesteam@cablelabs.com or 303-661-3307. View our full EEO policy here.