Specialist IP & SDN Expert

Vodafone; Madrid; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Meal voucher

Flexible hours

Remote up to 20 days

Private health and life insurance

25 vacation days

Pension plan

Online learning platform

Job summary

Vodafone is seeking a senior IP/MPLS/SDN architect to define guidelines, roadmaps, and architectural standards for Vodafone Group International IP Backhaul Networks, ensuring resilient, fast, and converged transport solutions for mobile and fixed services.

The role demands deep IP/MPLS and SDN expertise, with strong communication and leadership skills to collaborate across groups, drive transformational planning, and contribute to budget planning. Hybrid work model in Madrid region is offered.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of technical IP experience in architecture, design, testing or operation.
• CCIE or equivalent certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Define Architectural and planning guidelines for Vodafone IP Backhaul networks.
• Define technology principles and roadmap for IP/MPLS designs in engineering and service domains.
• Define SDN principles and roadmap for transport and service domains.
• Standardise Data Model structure and microservices enabling orchestration of Transport Connectivity services.
• Provide SME thought leadership for multi-service networking across technology domains.
• Lead NPD activities for mobile and fixed services development and implementation.
• Manage key interfaces with OpCos, Group Product Management, Group Enterprise Technology, Sales, IT, and suppliers.
• Contribute to budgetary planning focusing on KTLO and Transform.
• Define standard KPIs for IP Backhaul networks and discuss deviations with Delivery/Operations teams.
• Document complex transformational planning of Transport Backhaul Networks.

Skills

IP/MPLS networking

Software Defined Networking

Programming (Python)

Communication skills

Leadership

Education

CCIE or equivalent certification

Tools

RESTCONF

NETCONF

PCEP

Yang

Python

Ansible

Job description

Who we are

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.

About this Role

Key accountabilities and decision ownership :

• To define Architectural and planning guidelines of Vodafone Group International IP Backhaul Networks catering for resilient, fast convergent, fully optimised IP Networks.
• To define the technology principles and roadmap on how IP/MPLS networks should be designed at both engineering and service domains according to Product & Business Requirements for Mobile and Fixed services.
• To define the technology principles and roadmap on how Software Defined Networking should be designed at both engineering transport and service domains according to Product & Business Requirements for Mobile and Fixed services.
• To define the technology principles for Intent Based Connectivity Services. Standardisation of Data Model structure and microservices enabling Orchestration of Transport Connectvity services inline with strategy.
• To provide thought leadership and be recognised SME for multi-service networking which is an area of critical importance to the Vodafones Spirit and to work with SME/architect counterparts in other technology domains to propose and champion effective converged solutions that meet our internal business and external customer’s needs
• To support and act as prime technology lead in NPD (new product development) activities for the development and implementation of market leading Mobile and Fixed services.
• Management of key interfaces within but not exclusively OpCos/, Group Product Management, Group Enterprise Technology,Sales Channels, Business Strategy, Customer Services, IT and Supplier Management
• Input to budgetary planning cycle focussing on KTLO and Transform.
• Define standard KPIs for Transport IP Backhaul networks traffic and efficiency and discuss deviations with respect to planned with the Delivery and Operation Teams.
• Accountability, analysis and documentation of complex transformational planning of our Transport Backhaul Networks

Who you are

Core competencies, knowledge and experience :

• Deep knowledge of Internet and IP/MPLS Network technology. Specifically, Broad and deep technical knowledge of the following as a minimum:
  MPLS (LDP, RSVP, fast re-route, Segment Routing), BGP, ISIS, OSPF, Ethernet (inc. QoS & OAM), L2 & L3 VPNs IP-QoS, BNGs, IP Multicast, PPP, L2TP, 3rd Party Ethernet & broadband access products, MEF services (E-LAN, E-tree , E-Line.), Internet peering & transit, RIPE, IPv6 and NFV. Security Gateway.
• Deep knowledge of Software Defined Networking technology Specifically, Broad and deep technical knowledge of the following as a minimum: RESTCONF, NETCONF, PCEP, BGP-LS, gRPC Telemetry, Yang, Programming & Developer skills such as Python, Ansible, Puppet etc

• Membership or tracking of industry forums and trends.
• Architectutural skillset in IP/MPLS technologies and services. Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Demonstrable security best practice awareness across service provider IP/MPLS domains.
• Familiar with Traffic and KPI indicators on IP/MPLS Networks
• Demonstrable thought leadership into emerging technologies for example Software Defined Networking and Network Functions Virtualisation as well as others.
• Understanding of key IP/MPLS operational and/or IP/MPLS network design requirements.
• Good background on Hw and Sw characteristics and lifecycle, in depth understanding of features and how they work in real environment
• Familiar with Traffic and KPI indicators on IP Networks
• Leadership and planning of the way regulatory and standards Impact on technology direction is desirable.
• Experience of presenting and communication with key external customers

Must have technical / professional qualifications:

• 5 or more years of Technical experience on IP either in Architecture, Design, Testing or Operation in both Internet and Enterprise
• CCIE (or equivalent) certification preferred

Benefits

• Hybrid work model
• Bonus on top of the gross salary.
• Meal voucher (Ticket Restaurant), additional to gross salary.
• Flexible working hours from Monday to Thursday, and an intensive schedule on Fridays.
• Intensive Summer Schedule during July and August.
• Up to 20 days per year of 100% remote work from other locations.
• Private Health and Life Insurance for employees.
• 25 vacation days, plus December 24th and 31st off.
• Optional Pension Plan.
• Access to an online learning platform for continuous training.

REF: 288914

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.

VOIS Equal Opportunity Employer Commitment

Vodafone recognises and celebrates the value of diversity in building a workforce that reflects the customers and communities it serves. No form of discrimination is tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to, discrimination based on race, colour, age, veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, maternity or parental status, ethnicity, disability, religion or belief, political affiliation, trade union membership, nationality, citizenship, indigenous status, medical condition, HIV status, neurodiversity, social origin, cultural background, marital or civil partnership status, or socio-economic background.

Join Us

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