Principal 3GPP Standards Engineer – 5G/6G
Bothell, Washington
This is a full-time onsite role based in the location(s) posted and is performed from the designated work location five days per week. No relocation is offered.
At AT&T, we're helping shape what comes next in global connectivity. This is an opportunity to influence the standards behind 5G-Advanced, 6G, AI-enabled networks, satellite connectivity, mission-critical communications, and next-generation mobile services while representing AT&T within one of the telecommunications industry's most influential standards organizations.
We're seeking a highly accomplished telecommunications standards professional to serve as an AT&T delegate to 3GPP TSG SA Working Group 1 (SA1). You'll translate AT&T's technology and business priorities into global standards, develop and negotiate technical contributions, and build consensus with operators, equipment vendors, technology companies, and industry stakeholders.
If you've helped shape 3GPP standards and want your work to influence the evolution of 5G-Advanced and 6G networks worldwide, this role offers that opportunity.
What You'll Do:
- Represent AT&T in 3GPP SA1 and related industry forums, helping shape global service requirements for 5G-Advanced and 6G.
- Translate AT&T technology, network, product, and business priorities into technically rigorous 3GPP Stage 1 requirements.
- Author, submit, present, and negotiate TDocs, Change Requests (CRs), Study Items, Work Items, liaison statements, and normative requirements.
- Develop and advocate AT&T technical positions while building consensus among global operators, vendors, vertical-market participants, and other 3GPP stakeholders.
- Evaluate industry proposals and advise internal teams on potential technical, architectural, operational, deployment, regulatory, and strategic impacts.
- Coordinate across SA1, SA2, SA3, SA5, SA6, RAN, and CT to support end-to-end consistency across requirements, architecture, security, network management, radio, and protocol development.
- Track 3GPP Release milestones, Study Items, Work Items, dependencies, and risks and provide clear recommendations and meeting readouts to internal stakeholders.
- Partner across network architecture, engineering, security, product, operations, regulatory, public safety, and vendor-management organizations.
- Identify emerging technology opportunities and potential patentable innovations supporting AT&T's long-term network and intellectual-property strategy.
What You'll Bring:
- Recognized expertise in 3GPP standards development, particularly SA1, with a track record of influencing technical requirements and industry direction.
- Deep knowledge in one or more emerging telecommunications areas such as: 5G-Advanced and 6GAI/ML for networks, network AI agents, and AI-related KPIsAutonomous and intent-based network operationsIntegrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC)Positioning and sensingNon-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) and satellite connectivityImmersive communications and servicesMission-critical communications and public safetyIMS and voice evolution
- Ability to connect business and operator objectives with long-term technology and standards roadmaps.
- Working knowledge across mobile network architecture, security, network management, application enablement, RAN, and protocols, enabling you to evaluate the downstream implications of Stage 1 requirements.
- Strong technical writing, presentation, negotiation, and consensus-building skills.
- Executive-level communication skills and the ability to influence internal and external stakeholders without direct authority.
- Ability to operate independently in a highly technical, globally distributed standards environment while managing competing priorities.
What You'll Need:
- Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications, or a closely related technical discipline.
- Relevant industry experience aligned to degree level: PhD: 4+ years Master's: 6+ years Bachelor's: 8+ years
- Direct 3GPP SA1 experience, including developing, presenting, negotiating, and gaining support for technical contributions and service requirements.
- Deep understanding of 3GPP processes and specifications, including: Release lifecycle Stage 1, Stage 2, and Stage 3 methodology Study Items and Work Items TDocs and Change Requests Specification drafting and normative requirements
- Demonstrated ability to translate use cases, operator objectives, and business requirements into precise, solution-agnostic Stage 1 requirements.
- Experience writing and presenting technical standards contributions in international industry forums.
- Understanding of operator priorities including resilience, security and privacy by design, autonomous operations, energy efficiency, and cost efficiency.
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally, including occasional weekend travel, for standards meetings and industry events.
- Availability to participate in global meetings across multiple time zones.
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:
40Time Type:
RegularLocation:
Austin, Texas, USA:WA:Bothell / 20309 North Creek Pkwy - Adm (bothell 7):20309 N Creek Pkwy @ Bldg LSalary Range:
$189,200.00 - $283,800.00AT&T and its subsidiaries are committed to equal employment opportunity. All hiring, promotion, and other employment decisions remain merit-based and free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical disability, mental disability, pregnancy, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, military status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. In addition, AT&T will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. AT&T is a fair chance employer and does not initiate a background check until an offer is made. Click here to learn more or request an application accommodation here.
Job ID R-127866 Date posted 11/12/2026
Benefits
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- Paid Time Off
- Tuition Assistance
- Medical and dental plans
- Discounts
- Training & Development
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