Staff Applied AI Scientist

Lumen is the trusted network for the AI‑powered world, connecting people, data, and applications through our expansive fiber network and connected ecosystem. We enable secure, high‑performance 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 AI‑ready connectivity, join us today.

Overview 
 Lumen is seeking an accomplished Staff Applied AI Scientist to serve as a technical leader and strategic advisor for enterprise AI transformation initiatives. In this role, you will define AI strategy, influence and develop enterprise architecture, drive innovation, and deliver scalable AI solutions that create significant business impact across Lumen. You will combine world-class expertise in artificial intelligence, applied research, product strategy, and technical leadership to shape the future of AI adoption across the company. The ideal candidate is a recognized expert capable of leading highly complex initiatives, establishing technical direction, and influencing executive stakeholders while remaining hands-on with critical solution design and technical decision-making. What You'll Do 
 Define and drive technical strategy for enterprise AI capabilities, platforms, and solution architectures. Lead the design and deployment of large-scale AI systems across multiple business domains. Partner with executive leaders to identify transformative AI opportunities aligned to business strategy. Architect advanced AI solutions leveraging generative AI, agentic systems, machine learning, predictive modeling, knowledge retrieval, and emerging AI technologies. Establish enterprise standards for AI evaluation, governance, responsible AI, reliability, performance, and operational excellence. Lead highly complex, cross-functional AI initiatives involving product, engineering, technology, security, legal, and business stakeholders. Serve as a thought leader and trusted advisor on AI strategy, innovation, and industry best practices. Influence AI platform direction, technical roadmaps, tooling, and investment priorities. Mentor senior scientists and engineers while helping develop organizational AI capabilities. Represent Lumen externally through industry events, partnerships, publications, research collaborations, or thought leadership opportunities. Required Qualifications 
 8+ years of experience in applied AI, machine learning, data science, or related technical disciplines. Proven track record delivering enterprise-scale AI solutions with measurable business impact. Deep expertise in machine learning, generative AI, LLMs, RAG architectures, agentic systems, experimentation, and AI product development. Demonstrated experience defining AI strategy and influencing executive-level decision making. Extensive experience designing production AI systems that operate at scale. Expertise in AI governance, Responsible AI, model evaluation, observability, and operational excellence. Advanced proficiency with modern AI frameworks, cloud AI platforms, software architecture, and engineering best practices. Exceptional communication and leadership skills with the ability to influence technical and business audiences.

PhD or Master's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Statistics, or a related technical discipline. Recognized expertise through publications, patents, conference presentations, industry leadership, or open-source contributions. Experience leading enterprise AI Centers of