Specialist O-RAN Engineer

Job Description

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.

About this Role

Role purpose:

• Develop advanced AI-driven network management capabilities aligned with 6G vision (automation, intelligence, scalability).
• Research and develop advanced radio resource management algorithms for 6G cell‑free Massive MIMO environments.
• Ensure research alignment with 3GPP and O‑RAN frameworks, actively contributing to standardization activities.
• Strengthen Vodafone’s innovation impact through IPR generation, papers, and other publications.

What you’ll do

Key accountabilities and decision ownership:

• Lead research and validation of advanced 6G radio technologies for ISAC, NTN, and cell‑free Massive MIMO.
• Design and validate novel algorithms/models for autonomous decision-making in telecom networks (e.g., RAN optimisation, SMO integration).
• Develop and assess innovative radio resource management and optimization algorithms.
• Ensure alignment with 3GPP and O‑RAN architectures and contribute to standardization.
• Build software prototypes and simulation tools to support research and trials.
• Translate research outcomes into impact through IPRs, papers, and publications
• Maturity and performance impact of developed radio resource management and optimization algorithms.
• Effective contribution to 3GPP and O‑RAN standardization, including accepted inputs and technical influence.
• Quality and reuse of software prototypes and simulation tools supporting research and trials.

Core competencies, knowledge and experience:

• Advanced expertise in 6G radio technologies, including ISAC, NTN, and cell‑free Massive MIMO.
• Strong capability in radio resource management design, analysis, and optimization.
• Solid understanding of 3GPP and O‑RAN architectures, processes, and standardization workflows.
• Proficiency in software development and simulation (Python) for radio research and validation.
• Ability to translate research into standards contributions, IPRs, and high‑impact publications

Who you are

Must have technical & professional qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Telecommunications Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Strong technical knowledge of RAN Physical Layer concepts, architectures, and protocols.
• Solid understanding of 3GPP and O‑RAN frameworks and standardization processes.
• Proficiency in Python or equivalent languages for radio modeling, simulation, and automation.
• Knowledge of AI/ML and data‑driven techniques applied to radio systems is a plus

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.