Join a strategic initiative to transform our broadband device software development organization. As Director Embedded Software development, you will lead the buildout of a high-performance, in-house software development team tasked with delivering high-quality, innovative software for the next generation of broadband gateways serving 15 million+ customers. You will drive productivity through AI integration, foster a culture of quality-first delivery, and ensure our software differentiates us in a highly competitive market.

This position requires office presence of a minimum of 5 days per week and is only located in the location(s) posted.

Key Responsibilities

Team & Organization Buildout:

• Lead the recruitment, hiring, and onboarding of an embedded software team, including software architects and test engineers
• Insourcing a portion of software development by end of 2026, reducing reliance on external partners and optimizing cost efficiency.
• Oversee embedded Linux software transitions from proprietary to open source on Broadband Consumer Premise Equipment (CPE) (OpenWRT/Prplware Or similar experience preferred).
• Structure the team with a balanced focus: 70% maintaining broadband gateway stability, 30% developing innovative features (e.g., Smart home integration, AI-driven services).

AI Integration & Productivity:

• Champion the adoption of AI tools to boost team productivity and efficiency—position AI as an enabler, not a replacement
• Lead delivery in a high-stress, high-expectation environment where software reliability is critical for millions of customers
• Quality-First Development
• Instill a culture of quality-first delivery, with rigorous automated testing and daily functional checks before lab releases
• Overcome internal process and onboarding hurdles to maintain delivery velocity.
• Have expertise operating in Agile Development environments.

Product & Market Innovation:

• Collaborate with Consumer Product and Business teams to deliver differentiated software for both consumer and business broadband devices.
• Drive the software roadmap for unified hardware with market-segmented, software differentiated features

Operational Excellence

• Manage workflow bottlenecks and capacity constraints, ensuring realistic timelines and clear accountability
• Lead process improvement efforts to counteract bureaucratic slowdowns in hiring and onboarding.

Long-Term Vision

• Support the company’s insourcing strategy to enhance innovation, reduce costs, and maintain market agility.
• Enable faster, differentiated feature development to drive customer retention and revenue growth.

Required Qualifications:

• 10+ years’ experience in embedded software development, with 5+ years in engineering leadership roles.
• Proven track record building and scaling software development teams – preferably in broadband device, gateway, router, or CPE environments.
• Strong experience with embedded Linux, open source platforms (OpenWRT/Prplware preferred), and software architecture.
• Demonstrated success driving AI/automation adoption for productivity gains.
• Prior experience in high-stakes delivery for large-scale customer deployments.
• Onsite work required in Dallas, TX or Bothell, WA.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven experience leading and building high-performing broadband device technology teams, with deep expertise in fiber and fixed wireless gateway architectures, platforms, and technologies
• Demonstrated ability to foster a culture of innovation, driving transformative solutions and continuous improvement within telecom device portfolios.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications, or a related technical field. MBA or advanced degree preferred.

What We Offer:

• A pivotal leadership role in reshaping our broadband software capabilities.
• Opportunity to build a modern, AI-augmented engineering culture.
• Direct impact on millions of customers and the company’s market position.
• Competitive compensation and benefits.

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 28 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
• Long Term Grants and Deferred Compensation

A career with us, a global leader in communications and technology, comes with big rewards. As part of our team, you will lead transformation surrounded by trailblazing industry leaders like you. You will be empowered to go above and beyond – making a difference through company-sponsored initiatives or connecting and networking through one of our many employee groups. And regardless of where you are in your career trajectory, you will be rewarded by the impact that comes with making a difference in the lives of millions. With AT&T, you will be a part of something greater, do incredible things, and be rewarded with a chance to change the world.

AT&T will consider employment qualified applicants in a manner consistent with the requirements of federal, State, and local laws.

Ready to close the deal on a career with AT&T? Apply today!

Weekly Hours:

40

Time Type:

Regular

Location:

Bothell, Washington, Dallas, Texas

Salary Range:

$210,600.00 - $316,000.00

It is the policy of AT&T to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, AT&T will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. AT&T is a fair chance employer and does not initiate a background check until an offer is made.