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Principal Architect Jobs in Remote, OR (NOW HIRING)

Lumen Technologies

Principal Architect

OR · Remote

The Role In a culture built on accountability, trust, and bold thinking, the Principal Architect, Cloud FinOps, plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of AI-ready connectivity. Working at the ...

Lumen Technologies

Principal Architect

OR · Remote

The Role We are looking for a strategic and technical Principal Architect to design the new architecture evolution for Lumen Connect. With a clear goal to improve the quality and availability of our ...

All JobsPrincipal Architect JobsPrincipal Architect Jobs in Remote, OR

Principal Architect information

See Remote, OR salary details

$80.4K

$171.2K

$230.8K

How much do principal architect jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal architect in Remote, OR is $171,213.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $144,900.00 and $194,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a principal architect typically collaborate with other departments during a large-scale project?

A Principal Architect often acts as a bridge between the design team, engineering, project management, and client stakeholders to ensure alignment on project goals and constraints. They participate in regular cross-functional meetings, provide technical guidance, and resolve complex design challenges while balancing aesthetic vision with practical requirements. Strong communication and leadership skills are essential, as Principal Architects are responsible for articulating architectural concepts and integrating feedback from various teams. This collaborative approach helps ensure a cohesive and successful project delivery.

What does a principal architect do?

A principal architect is a senior technical leader responsible for designing and overseeing complex systems and software architecture within an organization. They set technical standards, guide development teams, and ensure that projects align with business goals, often requiring strong expertise in design patterns, tools, and industry best practices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal architect, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Architect, you need deep expertise in architectural design, project management, and building codes, typically backed by a professional degree and relevant licensure (such as an Architect Registration or equivalent). Proficiency with tools like AutoCAD, Revit, and BIM software, as well as familiarity with sustainable design standards and certifications (LEED or WELL), is crucial. Exceptional leadership, communication, and client management skills set top candidates apart by enabling successful collaboration and stakeholder engagement. These skills are vital to ensure innovative, compliant, and client-focused architectural solutions that lead complex projects to successful completion.

What is the difference between Principal Architect vs Software Architect?

AspectPrincipal ArchitectSoftware Architect
CredentialsTypically requires extensive experience in architecture and certifications like TOGAF or AWS Certified Solutions ArchitectOften holds a degree in computer science or software engineering; certifications like AWS or Microsoft Azure are common
Work EnvironmentLeads enterprise-wide architecture strategies, collaborates with executive teamsFocuses on designing software systems, working closely with development teams
Industry UsageUsed across industries for high-level architectural planningPrimarily in software development and IT companies

The Principal Architect oversees overall enterprise architecture, setting strategic direction, while the Software Architect concentrates on designing specific software solutions. Both roles require technical expertise, but the Principal Architect has a broader scope and higher-level responsibilities.

How hard is it to become a principal architect?

Becoming a principal architect typically requires extensive experience in architecture or engineering, often 10 or more years, along with strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of design and project management. Many professionals pursue advanced certifications or degrees to advance to this senior role, which also involves demonstrating a successful track record of complex projects. The path is competitive and demands continuous skill development and industry knowledge.

What are popular job titles related to Principal Architect jobs in Remote, OR?

For Principal Architect jobs in Remote, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Principal Architect jobs in Remote, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Principal Architect jobs in Remote, OR are:

What cities near Remote, OR are hiring for Principal Architect jobs?

Cities near Remote, OR with the most Principal Architect job openings:

Principal Architect jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Architect job openings in Remote, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $171,213 per year, or $82.3 per hour.

Principal Architect

Lumen Technologies

OR • Remote

Full-time

Medical, Life

Re-posted 5 days ago

Lumen Technologies rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 105 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 98 rated telecommunications companies

Job description

Lumen is the trusted network for the AIpowered world, connecting people, data, and applications through our expansive fiber network and connected ecosystem. We enable secure, highperformance connectivity across cloud, edge, and AI workloads for enterprises, governments, and communities.

At Lumen, you'll work on infrastructure customers rely on today and build for what's next, where performance, security, and resilience matter.

This is a high accountability environment where bold ideas drive real innovation for our customers, partners, and industry. The work is challenging, expectations are clear, and trust is built into how we operate. If you're ready to take ownership, deliver meaningful impact, and help shape the future of AIready connectivity, join us today.

The Role
In a culture built on accountability, trust, and bold thinking, the Principal Architect, Cloud FinOps, plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of AI-ready connectivity. Working at the intersection of innovation and impact, this leader thrives in an environment where challenging work is embraced, expectations are clear, and meaningful contributions drive lasting value for customers, partners, and the industry.
 
As the enterprise's technical authority for FinOps architecture, cloud economics, and financial governance, the Principal Architect leads the design of cost-aware cloud strategies across a complex multi-cloud ecosystem. By combining deep technical expertise with strategic business insight, this individual helps ensure that every cloud investment delivers measurable outcomes while supporting performance, scalability, resiliency, and security.
 
Partnering closely with Engineering, Enterprise Architecture, Finance, Cloud Platform teams, Strategic Sourcing, Product organizations, and Executive Leadership, the Principal Architect brings people and ideas together to solve complex challenges. Through collaboration and influence, they champion a shared vision of financial accountability and operational excellence across the cloud landscape.
 
Their impact extends beyond architecture design. By establishing enterprise standards, cloud consumption guardrails, unit economics frameworks, commitment optimization strategies, and migration blueprints, they create a foundation that empowers teams to innovate with confidence. Every decision is guided by a commitment to delivering business value, enabling sustainable growth, and helping the organization stay ahead in an increasingly connected, AI-driven world.
Location

This is a work from home position within the US. 

The Main Responsibilities
Enterprise Architecture
Define and govern multi-cloud architecture standards across Azure, AWS, and GCP. Develop reusable reference architectures, solution patterns, and governance frameworks. Lead architecture reviews for cloud transformation, modernization, and strategic initiatives while embedding financial accountability into design decisions.
 
FinOps Leadership
Integrate cost optimization into architecture and engineering practices. Establish cost-aware patterns for compute, storage, networking, AI/ML, Kubernetes, databases, and SaaS platforms. Develop unit economics, chargeback/showback models, cloud costing methodologies, and enterprise FinOps maturity programs.
 
Cloud Optimization
Lead application rationalization, cloud migration, and platform modernization efforts. Identify savings through rightsizing, scheduling, architectural improvements, consolidation, and commitment-based discounts. Implement financial guardrails, policy-as-code, and workload placement strategies that improve cost efficiency.
 
Governance, Risk & Compliance
Define standards for cloud consumption, tagging, allocation, lifecycle management, and capacity planning. Ensure alignment with security, compliance, operational, and risk management requirements while participating in architecture and FinOps governance forums.
 
Automation & Platform Enablement
Partner with engineering teams to automate cost controls, budget management, policy enforcement, optimization recommendations, and reporting. Support FinOps platforms, dashboards, operational tooling, and promote Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) and FinOps-as-Code practices.
 
Executive Leadership
Present architecture strategies, cloud economics recommendations, and optimization roadmaps to senior leadership. Develop business cases, ROI analyses, TCO assessments, and cloud investment strategies. Mentor architects, engineers, and FinOps practitioners while driving enterprise-wide cloud financial accountability.
What We Look For in a Candidate
  • 12+ years of enterprise architecture, cloud architecture, or technology strategy experience, 8+ years of public cloud experience across Azure, AWS, and/or Google Cloud Platform and 5+ years of FinOps, cloud economics, cloud governance, or cost optimization experience.
  • Proven experience influencing executive stakeholders and enterprise architecture decisions.

Technical Expertise

  • Enterprise architecture frameworks and governance and cloud economics, financial management. and FinOps operating models and unit economics and allocation methodologies.
  • Cloud migration strategies and kubernetes, container platforms, infrastructure-as-Code (Terraform, Bicep, CloudFormation) and cost management platforms (Flexera, CloudHealth, Apptio Cloudability, native CSP tooling) and AI/ML platform architecture and cost optimization.

Business Acumen

Financial modeling and forecasting, budget management, executive communications, business capability mapping.and strategic planning

Required Certifications

Candidates must possess at least one advanced FinOps certification and one major cloud architecture certification.

FinOps Certifications (Requred)

  • One or more of:
  • FinOps Certified Practitioner (FOCP) / FinOps Certified Engineer (FCE) / FinOps Certified Professional (FCP) / FinOps Certified Cloud Practitioner/ FinOps for Containers (FFC)
  • Cloud Architecture Certifications (Required)
  • One or more of:
  • AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional
  • Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert
  • Google Professional Cloud Architect

Preferred Certifications

  • TOGAF 9/10, Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA), Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD), AWS DevOps Engineer Professional, Azure DevOps Engineer Expert
Compensation
This information reflects the anticipated base salary range for this position based on current national data. Minimums and maximums may vary based on location. Individual pay is based on skills, experience and other relevant factors.
Location Based Pay Ranges
$152,066 - $202,755 in these states: AL  AR  AZ  FL  GA  IA  ID  IN  KS  KY  LA  ME  MO  MS  MT  ND  NE  NM  OH  OK  PA  SC  SD  TN  UT  VT  WI  WV  WY 
$159,670 - $212,893 in these states: CO  HI  MI  MN  NC  NH  NV  OR  RI 
$167,273 - $223,031 in these states: AK  CA  CT  DC  DE  IL  MA  MD  NJ  NY  TX  VA  WA 
Lumen offers a comprehensive package featuring a broad range of Health, Life, Voluntary Lifestyle benefits and other perks that enhance your physical, mental, emotional and financial wellbeing. We're able to answer any additional questions you may have about our bonus structure (short-term incentives, long-term incentives and/or sales compensation) as you move through the selection process.   Learn more about Lumen's: Benefits

Bonus Structure

#LI-Remote

Requisition #: 342960

Life at Lumen

Life at Lumen is human and connected, even in a fast moving, AIfocused organization. We set clear expectations and trust people to meet them. With real support and shared accountability, teams collaborate better, move faster, and deliver meaningful outcomes. 

Our Lumen 8 behaviors guide how we interact, make decisions, and work together, shaping a culture built to perform and win.  

To learn more about Life at Lumen and how we live the Lumen 8, please visit:  
https://jobs.lumen.com/global/en/life-at-lumen

Background Screening

If you are selected for a position, there will be a background screen, which may include checks for criminal records and/or motor vehicle reports and/or drug screening, depending on the position requirements. For more information on these checks, please refer to the Post Offer section of our FAQ page. Job-related concerns identified during the background screening may disqualify you from the new position or your current role. Background results will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Equal Employment Opportunities

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all persons regardless of race, color, ancestry, citizenship, national origin, religion, veteran status, disability, genetic characteristic or information, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, family status, pregnancy, or other legally protected status (collectively, "protected statuses"). We do not tolerate unlawful discrimination in any employment decisions, including recruiting, hiring, compensation, promotion, benefits, discipline, termination, job assignments or training.

Privacy Notice

Lumen is committed to protecting the privacy and security of personal information collected during the recruitment and hiring process. Our Applicant Privacy Notice explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect applicant information, as well as how individuals may request access to or deletion of their personal data.

To review Lumen's Global Employment Applicant and Talent Community Privacy Notice, please visit:
https://jobs.lumen.com/global/en/privacy-notice

Disclaimer

The job responsibilities described above indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to include a comprehensive inventory of all duties and responsibilities for this job. Job duties and responsibilities are subject to change based on evolving business needs and conditions.

In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Please be advised that Lumen does not require any form of payment from job applicants during the recruitment process. All legitimate job openings will be posted on our official website or communicated through official company email addresses. If you encounter any job offers that request payment in exchange for employment at Lumen, they are not for employment with us, but may relate to another company with a similar name.

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About Lumen Technologies

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Lumen Technologies, headquartered in Monroe, LA, US, is a leader in the telecommunications industry. The company provides an array of solutions ranging from voice, broadband, and video services for consumers, businesses, and governmental agencies. Additionally, they offer data management, cloud, network, and IT services for enterprise customers. Lumen Technologies was founded in 1930, originally as the Louisiana Long Distance Independent Telephone Company. The company’s mission is to further human progress through technology, promoting a robust digital ecosystem, which is reflective of their core values of trust, respect, and innovative problem-solving that aims to have a significant impact on their clients' businesses.

Industry

Media and telecom

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Monroe, LA, US

Year founded

1968

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