Solution Architect

Aggregate function:  Technology
Business Area:  VT Netw. Strategy Archit. Eng.
Posting Country:  Portugal
Date Posted:  7 Jul 2026
Full Time / Part Time:  Full Time
Contract Type:  Permanent

At Vodafone, we’re working hard to build a better future. A more connected, inclusive and sustainable world. As a dynamic global community, it's our human spirit, together with technology, that empowers us to achieve this. 

We challenge and innovate in order to connect people, businesses, and communities across the world. Delighting our customers and earning their loyalty drive us, and we experiment, learn fast and get it done, together.

With us, you can be truly be yourself and belong, share inspiration, embrace new opportunities, thrive, and make a real difference.

Join Us

At Vodafone, we’re not just shaping the future of connectivity for our customers – we’re shaping the future for everyone who joins our team. When you work with us, you’re part of a global mission to connect people, solve complex challenges, and create a sustainable and more inclusive world. If you want to grow your career whilst finding the perfect balance between work and life, Vodafone offers the opportunities to help you belong and make a real impact.The Solution Architect role is responsible for leading the definition and execution of the end-to-end architecture of the Secure Net ecosystem, Vodafone’s flagship security product used by millions of customers. The role focuses on transforming business requirements into robust, scalable technical solutions that are aligned with different markets, platforms, networks, and technology partners. While serving as the primary architectural authority, the position maintains a strong hands-on component, directly contributing to architecture design, microservices specifications, APIs, and integration models. The Solution Architect works closely with Product Owners, engineering teams, and suppliers to ensure solutions are implementation-ready throughout the entire lifecycle, from concept to live operation. The role requires extensive expertise in distributed systems, network services, and complex integration environments, combining strategic vision, technical excellence, and strong delivery execution within an Agile/SAFe framework.

What you’ll do

End-to-End Solution Architecture

  • Own and drive the end-to-end architecture across the Secure Net ecosystem, including backend platforms, microservices, local market IT systems, network components, and third-party security solutions; 
  • Define high-level and detailed solution designs covering system interactions, APIs, data flows, integrations, and technical dependencies;
  • Ensure architecture decisions are aligned with Vodafone’s strategic, operational, and market requirements.

Hands-on Technical Leadership

  • Actively contribute to architecture design, microservice specifications, API definitions, and integration models;
  • Produce clear and comprehensive technical documentation, ensuring solutions are implementation-ready;
  • Provide hands-on guidance to engineering teams and suppliers throughout the delivery lifecycle.

Technical Feasibility & Delivery Excellence

  • Translate product requirements into scalable, robust, and delivery-ready technical solutions;
  • Validate feasibility across complex multi-system and multi-market environments;
  • Proactively identify, manage, and mitigate technical risks, dependencies, and integration challenges.

Cross-System & Cross-Market Integration

  • Ensure seamless integration between backend systems, network components, IT platforms, and external OTT partners;
  • Balance global architectural standards with local market requirements and constraints;
  • Drive consistency, interoperability, and reusability across platforms and markets.

Supplier & Partner Technical Leadership

  • Lead technical engagement with vendors and third-party providers;
  • Review, challenge, and validate supplier solutions to ensure alignment with Vodafone architecture principles;
  • Retain ownership of critical solution design decisions and prevent dependency on external parties.

Architecture Governance & Quality

  • Ensure solutions are scalable, secure, resilient, cost-efficient, and maintainable;
  • Drive design excellence by reducing technical debt and promoting standardisation across markets;
  • Leverage Agile/SAFe practices and identify opportunities to apply AI-driven approaches to enhance solution design, delivery efficiency, and operational performance.

Technical Authority & Stakeholder Alignment

  • Act as the primary technical authority across product, engineering, delivery, and partner organisations;
  • Ensure alignment between business objectives and technical implementation;
  • Provide clear architectural direction, governance, and decision-making on complex technical challenges.

Who you are

  • Master’s or Bachelor’s Degree or technical institute certificate in Computer Science, Information Systems or other related field; 
  • +10 years of experience in Solution Architecture, Systems Design, or related technical leadership roles;
  • Proven track record delivering complex, end-to-end solutions in large-scale and enterprise environments;
  • Strong expertise in cloud architectures (AWS or equivalent cloud platforms);
  • Solid hands-on experience with Java, Spring Boot, and the broader Spring ecosystem;
  • Deep knowledge of microservices, API-driven architectures, and distributed systems;
  • Experience integrating systems across complex and heterogeneous IT landscapes;
  • Strong understanding of cloud-native environments and Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, Terragrunt, Helm);
  • Knowledge of security architectures, ideally within consumer, telecommunications, or network-based services;
  • Good understanding of networking technologies, particularly DNS services and CPE environments;
  • Demonstrated experience applying AI-driven capabilities to enhance solution design, delivery efficiency, automation, observability, and operational performance;
  • Strong knowledge of Agile/Scrum and modern software engineering practices;
  • Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with a proven ability to build trusted relationships and collaborate effectively across global, multicultural, and geographically distributed teams;
  • Proven experience delivering strategic initiatives within telecommunications, digital, web, or mobile services environments;
  • English (Fluency).

Not a perfect fit?

Worried that you don’t meet all the desired criteria exactly? At Vodafone we are passionate about empowering people and creating a workplace where everyone can thrive, whatever their personal or professional background. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align exactly with every part of the job description, we encourage you to still apply as you may be the right candidate for this role or another opportunity.

What's in it for you

  • Hybrid Work Model - Flexible hybrid work model with 8-10 in-office days per month, managed by team leaders;
  • Vodafone Products and Services - Employees get a mobile phone, free communication plan, data card, and various discounts on services and products;
  • Recognition - Recognition programs for innovative, creative, high-potential employees and exemplary behaviors;
  • Health and Well-being - Well-being Program offers nutrition and psychological consultations, webinars, workshops, and discounts on various services and products;
  • Learning - Access to Communities of Practice and a customizable digital training platform with high-quality content (namely Harvard Business Publishing, Skillsoft and Speexx);
  • Local and International Mobility - Internal recruitment with local and international rotation opportunities across departments and roles.

Who we are

We are a leading international Telco, serving millions of customers. At Vodafone, we believe that connectivity is a force for good. If we use it for the things that really matter, it can improve people's lives and the world around us. Through our technology we empower people, connecting everyone regardless of who they are or where they live and we protect the planet, whilst helping our customers do the same.

Belonging at Vodafone isn't a concept; it's lived, breathed, and cultivated through everything we do. You'll be part of a global and diverse community, with many different minds, abilities, backgrounds and cultures. ;We're committed to increase diversity, ensure equal representation, and make Vodafone a place everyone feels safe, valued and included.

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.

Together we can.

Vodafone is committed to attracting, developing and retaining the very best people by offering a motivating and inclusive workplace in which talent is truly recognised and rewarded. We are committed to promoting Inclusion for All with the belief that diversity plays an important role in the success of our business. We actively encourage everyone to consider becoming a part of our journey.