What you ll do

• Develop IP network design solutions based on architectural requirements and test them in the central laboratory.
• Design and test new network features and network transformation solutions.
• Define standard IP configuration guidelines that can be reused by Vodafone Group and local-market network teams.
• Develop Software-Defined Networking testing approaches, methodologies, and automation capabilities.
• Prepare laboratory environments and execute tests for Software-Defined Networking functionality and use cases.
• Design, dimension, and configure the cloud-hosting environment used to onboard virtualised transport network applications, including Software-Defined Networking controllers, TACACS platforms, virtual routers, virtual firewalls, and distributed denial-of-service solutions.
• Prepare and conduct hardware and software regression testing through both manual methods and automated test suites.
• Create test templates that document test steps and expected results for new features.
• Provide test templates to scripting teams, review automation scripts, and verify script-run results against defined test cases.
• Maintain the required test catalogue through regular collaboration with engineering teams across Connectivity and Cloud Engineering.
• Manage and develop central laboratories, ensuring that required hardware, software, configurations, and virtualisation capabilities support the harmonised development plan.
• Coordinate the installation of new hardware required for central testing activities.
• Introduce laboratory automation through external tools and internally developed scripts, reducing manual configuration work during planned test campaigns.
• Support proofs of concept used to certify new hardware, software, and network solutions.
• Coordinate third parties involved in laboratory management and installations.
• Work with technology vendors to build a detailed understanding of relevant features and hardware and software characteristics.
• Act as a key interface for engineering and operations teams.
• Support hardware, software, and configuration harmonisation across Connectivity and Cloud Engineering networks.
• Facilitate Software-Defined Networking adoption by involving relevant teams throughout the design and testing lifecycle.
• Contribute to hardware and software acceptance testing in line with agreed plans.

Who you are

• You have strong knowledge of internet technologies and IP/MPLS network technologies.
• You understand MPLS technologies, including LDP, RSVP, and fast reroute.
• You have practical knowledge of BGP, IS-IS, OSPF, Ethernet, Quality of Service, Operations, Administration and Maintenance, and Layer 2 and Layer 3 VPNs.
• You are familiar with IP Quality of Service, Broadband Network Gateways, multicast, PPP, L2TP, third-party Ethernet and broadband-access products, and Metro Ethernet Forum services, including E-LAN and E-Tree.
• You understand internet peering and transit, RIPE, IPv6, and Network Functions Virtualisation.
• You have a good understanding of Software-Defined Networking architecture and protocols within transport networks, including how they enable automation across IP network engineering and operations.
• You are familiar with VMware, virtualisation techniques, and associated good practices.
• You understand telecommunications or internet service provider solution-design lifecycles, including design, build, testing, commissioning, provisioning, assurance, and billing processes and systems.
• You understand hardware and software characteristics, features, and product lifecycles, including their application in operational environments.
• You have practical experience working with live IP networks. Experience in IP operations or IP network design is preferred.
• You can present technical capabilities clearly to customers and internal teams.
• You collaborate effectively, communicate clearly, and work constructively across different cultures and organisational areas.
• You take initiative, approach challenges pragmatically, and remain focused on delivering agreed outcomes.

Not a perfect fit?

Concerned you may not meet every requirement? Vodafone is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. If you are excited about this role but your experience does not align exactly with every aspect of the job description, you are encouraged to apply. You may be the right candidate for this or another opportunity, and the recruitment team will support you in exploring where your skills fit best.

What's in it for you

• The opportunity to influence major technical decisions affecting international and local-market IP networks.
• Exposure to strategic network transformation, Software-Defined Networking, virtualisation, and automation initiatives.
• The opportunity to collaborate with engineering, operations, architecture, vendor, and third-party teams.
• Hands-on involvement in central laboratory environments, proofs of concept, and hardware and software acceptance activities.
• The chance to help create reusable technical standards that support network harmonisation across multiple Vodafone networks.

What skills you will learn

• Advanced approaches to IP network design, validation, and harmonised configuration management.
• Software-Defined Networking test methodology and use-case validation.
• Automated testing practices, including test-template creation, script review, and result verification.
• Laboratory automation using external tools and internally developed scripts.
• Design and configuration of VMware-based environments hosting virtualised transport network applications.
• Hardware and software regression testing, acceptance testing, lifecycle management, and certification.
• Cross-functional technical communication involving architecture, engineering, operations, vendors, and internal customers.

Desired Candidate Profile

You have strong knowledge of internet technologies and IP/MPLS network technologies. You understand MPLS technologies, including LDP, RSVP, and fast reroute. You have practical knowledge of BGP, IS-IS, OSPF, Ethernet, Quality of Service, Operations, Administration and Maintenance, and Layer 2 and Layer 3 VPNs. You are familiar with IP Quality of Service, Broadband Network Gateways, multicast, PPP, L2TP, third-party Ethernet and broadband-access products, and Metro Ethernet Forum services, including E-LAN and E-Tree. You understand internet peering and transit, RIPE, IPv6, and Network Functions Virtualisation. You have a good understanding of Software-Defined Networking architecture and protocols within transport networks, including how they enable automation across IP network engineering and operations. You are familiar with VMware, virtualisation techniques, and associated good practices. You understand telecommunications or internet service provider solution-design lifecycles, including design, build, testing, commissioning, provisioning, assurance, and billing processes and systems. You understand hardware and software characteristics, features, and product lifecycles, including their application in operational environments. You have practical experience working with live IP networks. Experience in IP operations or IP network design is preferred. You can present technical capabilities clearly to customers and internal teams. You collaborate effectively, communicate clearly, and work constructively across different cultures and organisational areas. You take initiative, approach challenges pragmatically, and remain focused on delivering agreed outcomes.

Concerned you may not meet every requirement? Vodafone is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. If you are excited about this role but your experience does not align exactly with every aspect of the job description, you are encouraged to apply. You may be the right candidate for this or another opportunity, and the recruitment team will support you in exploring where your skills fit best.