Lab Technical Authority

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/yearCharity days: 5 days/yearMaternity leave: 52 weeks: the first 13 weeks are fully paid, followed by 26 weeks of half payPrivate 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 schemeAdditional discounts: Vodafone retail, gym, cinema, cycle to work, season ticket loan

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