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Lab Technical Authority

Aggregate function:  Technology
Business Area:  VT Netw. Strategy Archit. Eng.
Posting Country:  United Kingdom
Date Posted:  26 Mar 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.

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.

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

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  

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.

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