Specialist Innovation Engineer

Would you like to be part of our new adventure in Malaga? Vodafone Group is launching its new technological HUB (MSH), an international center of excellence dedicated to research and development of technical solutions, such as Secure Networks, 5G and 6G development, Open RAN, IoT, MPN & MEC and UCC for Vodafone Business, platforms and enterprise Soluciones.

The successful candidate will work as a Connectivity Innovation Engineer with a focus on software-driven connectivity services, leveraging cutting-edge technologies including Generative AI, AI agents and modern software frameworks. They will consider major network technologies, cloud providers, SASE, SDN and emerging paradigms to bring state-of-the-art business products to market for global business customers.

This highly interactive role offers the opportunity to work with various internal departments, external partners, and Group and Local Markets teams. The innovation engineer will be at the forefront of technological advancements, driving the company's competitive edge in the rapidly evolving telco landscape.

What you'll do

The candidates’ responsibilities include:

• Design and build advanced components and solution prototypes, up to an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) for assigned areas, incorporating bleeding-edge technologies 
• Contribute to developing future services architecture aligned with business goals, focusing on scalable, cloud-native and AI-driven solutions.
• Research and analyze market trends to identify new product opportunities, with a particular emphasis on AI-powered services, edge computing, and next-generation network technologies.
• Engage with Commercial and Product Management functions, Line of Business and Technology Product Owners to ensure high-quality requirements and alignment with business goals, translating complex technical concepts into tangible business value.
• Design scalable, reliable, and secure service prototypes considering functional and non-functional requirements, looking at solutions that span end-to-end implementation. 
• Take accountability for the end-to-end view of proposed solutions, ensuring prototypes can transition to the product phase with the right balance between compliance with requirements, delivery time/cost, and quality. 
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and drive technical aspects at the architectural level, setting technical priorities and driving product evolution.
• Embrace and support the organizational strategy and principles, providing advice and guidance from a technological perspective and suggesting improvements. Stay abreast of emerging technologies such as quantum computing, 6G networks and advanced cryptography to future-proof solutions.

Who you are

If you have some of these requirements please apply:

• Positive team player attitude with the ability to collaboratively address complex issues in a fast-paced, innovative environment
• Strong communication and presentation skills, capable of explaining complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Cloud technologies expertise, with strong knowledge of cloud service models and providers (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
• Proficiency in AI and machine learning technologies
• Hands-on experience with Generative AI models
• Software development skills in languages such as Python, Go, or Rust
• Knowledge of API design principles, RESTful architectures, and modern API gateways
• Understanding of data engineering principles
• Proficiency in version control systems, preferably Git, and collaborative development workflows
• Experience with secure by design principles
• Relevant higher education in a related field (computer science / networking field with elements of modern SW programming) or comparable experience

Nice to have:

• Advanced networking knowledge, including in-depth understanding of SDN, SD-WAN, SASE, and emerging network architectures.
• Experience with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools like Terraform, Ansible or cloud-based solutions.
• Familiarity with containerization and orchestration technologies, including Docker and Kubernetes.
• Experience in dealing with internal stakeholders and external partners as well as with virtual teams geographically dispersed.
• Ability to manage multiple & changing priorities and follow-up until delivered.
• Proven ability to deal with technically and operationally complex solutions with strict timelines.
• Knowledge of both Mobile and Fixed Networks
• Working experience with Agile framework
• Proven experience of architecture and solution design leadership of telecoms services multi-national mobile operator
• Expertise in Infrastructure as a Code technologies and paradigms

Please, apply with an English version of your CV.

Not a perfect fit

Worried that you don’t meet all the desired criteria exactly? At Vodafone we are passionate about Inclusion for All 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 apply as you may be the right candidate for this role or another role, and our recruitment team can help you see how your skills fit in.

What's in it for you

• Possibility of hybrid working from Málaga or Madrid
• Direct Contract with Vodafone VOIS
• Ticket Restaurants
• Intensive Summer Hours (8:00 am-3:00 pm).
• Social benefits
• Flexible retribution plan
• Training plan
• 25 days of vacation + December 24 and 31.

Who we are

At Vodafone, we are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We take pride in our commitment to providing equal opportunities to individuals of all backgrounds and abilities.  We firmly believe that diversity includes a spectrum of experiences, and we welcome and support individuals with functional diversity.

Our mission is to create an accessible workplace where all team members can thrive, regardless of their unique abilities or challenges. We are committed to making reasonable accommodations to ensure that everyone can fully participate and excel in our organization. We value the unique perspectives and talents that individuals with functional diversity bring to our team and consider them an integral part of our success and innovation.

We recognize and celebrate the importance of diversity and inclusivity in our workplace so that we are as diverse as the customers and communities we serve. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination especially related to but not limited to race, colour, age, veteran status, gender identification, sexual orientation, pregnancy, ethnicity, disability, religion, political affiliation, trade union membership, nationality, indigenous status, medical condition, HIV status, social origin, cultural background, social or marital status.

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.

#LiHybrid

REF: 233708