Role purpose: - Develop the Optical Technology Evolution plan for the transmission network including the Optical Area Controller to deliver harmonized solution across the European markets and the international networks. - Do the Optical SDN controller and Optical Network Element Type Approval Testing on centralized acceptance labs. As well the test of the Controller North Bound interface and the Integration Type Approval Test with the Hirarchycal Controller. - Steer the vendor toward quality improve of the SW and HW delivered using the Type Approval Test process managing the Bug fixing and the Request for Change planning. - High Level Design of the Optical SDN Controllers and development strategy definition to enable the optical network evolution toward the automation. - Develop the testing procedures for Optical SDN controller integrated on the full SDN stack architecture and with the Optical Lab Environment - Design and develop solutions for testing automation on the centralized labs - Delivery of the Optical Planning Guideline to guide the vertical design teams toward an harmonized network evolution path - Support through Cost/Benefit exercise strategic decision on transport network Key accountabilities and decision ownership: - Analyse country specific and/or international demands to develop the technology harmonized plan. - Type Approve Testing of the new HW and SW delivered by the optical vendor - Deliver Optical Planning Guide document based on the configuration type approved. - Manage the Optical Lab in Milano dealing with the on site services provided by the external company managing the lab infrastructure - Contribute to the Optical SDN Use Cases definition and plan the optical release to deliver the Optical SDN Use Cases Preferred core competencies, knowledge and experience: - Act as a team player - Self-Starter with plenty of drive to push barriers and a pragmatic approach to get the job done - Optimum communication skills - Cultural awareness Preferred technical / professional qualifications: - Deep knowledge of Networking and Transmission Protocols and Technology (e.g. DWDM, OTN) on multivendor environment (e.g. Nokia, Huawei, Ciena) with at least 5 years of experience on the business - Very good knowledge of the testing methodologies for optical transmission technology- Good knowledge of the IP/MPLS technology - Knowledge of Python and Software scripting is a plus - Experience on network process automation is a plus Key performance indicators: - Optical Planning Guideline delivered and adopted - Harmonized HW and SW type approved as per the plan - Number of tests moved from manual to automatic execution Location: Milan Who we are: You may have already heard of Vodafone - We're a leading Telecommunications company in Europe and Africa. But what you might not know is that we are continuously investing in new technologies to improve the lives of millions of customers, businesses and people around the world, creating a better future for everyone. Together we can.