What You’ll Do
* Design, integrate, and validate OpenRAN solutions in Vodafone’s lab and field environments, ensuring readiness for commercial deployment across multiple markets
* Drive the evolution of the OpenRAN ecosystem by developing advanced test strategies, system architectures (HLD/LLD), and automation frameworks for multi‑vendor, cloud‑native, and disaggregated RAN deployments
* Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to build and operate the OpenRAN Central Lab, supporting diverse projects from vendor release cycles and hardware/software benchmarking to strategic product evaluations and innovation initiatives
* Champion Vodafone’s influence in industry forums, suppliers, and standards bodies such as 3GPP, O‑RAN Alliance and TIP
* Build and operate advanced OpenRAN test labs using COTS hardware (e.g., Dell XR, PowerEdge, HPE Synergy), supporting both virtualized (VMware, OpenStack) and containerized (Kubernetes, Wind River, Red Hat OpenShift) environments
* Design and implement robust transport networking solutions for OpenRAN, including dual‑stack IPv4/IPv6, VLANs, routing, IPSec, and secure management of lab and field deployments
* Test and deploy OpenRAN through the Vodafone Package and release process, achieving key milestones to support business deployments across multiple countries in the Vodafone Group
* Verify, validate, and optimise system performance across the full RAN stack (2G/4G/5G), including fronthaul (ORAN 7.2x), midhaul (ORAN 2), and backhaul interfaces, ensuring interoperability and scalability with multi‑vendor hardware and software
* Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis for complex integration issues in both lab and live environments, collaborating with vendors and internal teams
* Produce and maintain high‑quality technical documentation (HLD, LLD, test plans, lab management tools) and support procurement and configuration of lab infrastructure
* Develop and maintain automated test and integration pipelines (CI/CD), leveraging open‑source tools and infrastructure‑as‑code (e.g., Ansible, Helm) for rapid validation and deployment
* Explore AI and emerging technologies to enhance automation and improve efficiency in testing and integration processes
Who You Are
* Hands‑on experience with COTS hardware (server installation, IDRAC, Redfish, IPMI), Linux systems administration (multiple distributions), and hardware management/monitoring, including supporting systems such as DNS, DHCP, and registry services
* Strong background in transport networking: IPv4/IPv6, VLANs, routing, security (IPSec, PKI), and cloud networking (OpenStack, Kubernetes CNI, DPDK, SR‑IOV)
* Experience in mobile operator or radio supplier environments, with expertise in RAN (2G/4G/5G), system integration, and lab operations
* Knowledge of Samsung, Wind River (StarlingX), Dell, and Intel would be highly advantageous
* Proficiency in automation and scripting (Python, Bash, Ansible, etc.), and experience with CI/CD pipelines for test and integration
* Familiarity with cloud‑native and virtualized RAN architectures: containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), orchestration, and lifecycle management
* Experience in System Integration of complex technology solutions
* Excellent analytical, communication, and project management skills
* Experience with industry‑standard test tools (e.g., Keysight, Accuver) and methodologies for multi‑vendor, multi‑domain integration and validation
* Passion for working with complex technologies and developing innovative solutions
* Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field (advanced degree desirable) or comparable experience
* Certifications in networking, cloud, or Linux (e.g., CCNP, RHCE, CKA) are a plus
* Proven ability to lead virtual teams across vendors and internal stakeholders
* Technical expertise in Mobile Access Technologies and standards (3GPP, O‑RAN Alliance, TIP, etc.)
* Experience in design, build, and implementation of cloud solutions, including edge computing and O‑Cloud orchestration
What’s In It For You
* Yearly bonus: 10%
* Annual leave: 28 days + bank holidays + the opportunity to buy/sell/carry over 5 days/year
* Charity days: 5 days/year
* Maternity leave: 52 weeks – the first 13 weeks are fully paid, followed by 26 weeks of half pay
* Private pension: You can contribute up to 5% of your basic pay with 2:1 matching from Vodafone up to 10%
* Access to private medical, private dental, free health assessments, share save scheme
* Additional discounts: Vodafone retail, gym, cinema, cycle to work, season ticket loan
If you require any reasonable adjustments or have an accessibility request as part of your recruitment journey, for example, extended time or breaks in between online assessments, please refer to https://careers.vodafone.com/application-adjustments/ for guidance.
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