The Applied R&D Engineer -Technical Specialist conducts target-oriented research to directly apply findings to the specification, design, further development, and incremental improvement of products, services, systems, tools, processes, etc. Integrates, verifies, tests, and modifies SW / HW / system components and capitalises on innovative solutions to meet particular requirements and specifications.
ResponsibilitiesNIFN2026
• Independently works within broad guidelines and uses best practices and knowledge of internal or external business issues.
• Works with substantial discretion and uses specialist knowledge, analytical skills, judgment and broad conceptual and practical experience to solve complex problems and to contribute to process improvements.
• Transfers concepts for professional direction of own organisational unit into actionable measures.
• Provides working leadership and training to less experienced personnel.
• May lead small projects with limited risks and resource requirements.
• Analyses, designs, develops and tests products / services / improvements / bug resolutions for integrated hardware / software systems as per customers' requirements.
• Resolves customer trouble tickets. Diagnoses complex problems / issues (EG hardware, software, combination) and provides resolution or recommend corrective actions.
• Plans technical requirements from customers’ needs.
• Develops SW / HW build-controlled productions releases (EG main and update releases, service packages, maintenance updates, and customer design engineering).
• Defines product hardware / software evolutions through the creation and release of hardware / software documentation, hardware / software change control management, supplier and customer notifications.
• Retains technical and design knowledge for assigned products and technologies and provides training to the lower support teams (Tier 2 and Tier 3).
• Applies and maintains quality standards. Participates in process and tools evolutions and improvements.
• Applies the SW Care process (especially emergency case handling) contributing when needed to the fastest problem restoration.
Must Have Skills:
- Master's in Computer Science Engineering with 8+ years of experience in Manual/automation testing for L2 & L2+, including Ethernet, VLAN, QoS, and Carrier Ethernet
- Experience with working in Large GPON/PON access networks (OLT/ONT) and/or Routers/Switches.
- Understanding of network configuration protocols like NetConf and YANG
- Any combination of L2 & L2+ protocols => Layer 2 Forwarding, Switching, VLAN, xSTP, LLDP, IGMP, ARP, 802.1x, QoS, ERPS, CFM, and LACP.
- Strong/Proficient in test automation using Python and manual testing practices.
- Hands-on experience with traffic generators like Spirent or IXIA
- Skilled in analysing, reproducing, and resolving complex system-level issues.
Nice to have skills:
- Proven experience in test design, test bed preparation/setup, test execution, and reporting.
- Advanced programming skills in Python to design and implement automated test scripts for protocol validation using:
- Python / Robot Framework or similar
- REST, NETCONF, or CLI APIs for device configuration
- Develop automated regression pipelines using CI/CD tools (Jenkins, GitLab CI, etc.).
- Build reusable libraries and frameworks for device interaction and traffic validation.
Nokia is a global leader in connectivity for the AI era. With expertise across fixed, mobile and transport networks, powered by the innovation of Nokia Bell Labs, we’re advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world.
Our recruitment process
We act inclusively and respect the uniqueness of people. Our employment decisions are made regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. We are committed to a culture of inclusion built upon our core value of respect.
If you’re interested in this role but don’t meet every listed requirement, we still encourage you to apply. Unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences enrich our teams, and you may be just the right candidate for this or another opportunity.
The length of the recruitment process may vary depending on the specific role's requirements. We strive to ensure a smooth and inclusive experience for all candidates. Discover more about the recruitment process at Nokia.
- Flexible and hybrid working schemes
- A minimum of 90 days of Maternity and Paternity Leave, with the option to return to work within a year following the birth or adoption of a child (based on eligibility)
- Life insurance to all employees to provide peace of mind and financial security
- Well-being programs to support your mental and physical health
- Opportunities to join and receive support from Nokia Employee Resource Groups (NERGs)
- Employee Growth Solutions to support your personalized career & skills development
- Diverse pool of Coaches & Mentors to whom you have easy access
- A learning environment which promotes personal growth and professional development - for your role and beyond
Skills Required
- Master's in Computer Science Engineering with 8+ years of experience in manual/automation testing for L2 & L2+, including Ethernet, VLAN, QoS, and Carrier Ethernet
- Experience working in large GPON/PON access networks (OLT/ONT) and/or routers and switches
- Understanding of NetConf and YANG
- Experience with Layer 2 protocols: Layer 2 Forwarding, Switching, VLAN, xSTP, LLDP, IGMP, ARP, 802.1x, QoS, ERPS, CFM, LACP
- Proficient in test automation using Python and manual testing practices
- Hands-on experience with traffic generators such as Spirent or IXIA
- Skilled in analysing, reproducing, and resolving complex system-level issues
- Proven experience in test design, test bed preparation/setup, test execution, and reporting
- Advanced Python programming to design and implement automated test scripts (Python / Robot Framework or similar)
- Experience with REST, NETCONF, or CLI APIs for device configuration
- Experience developing automated regression pipelines using CI/CD tools (Jenkins, GitLab CI, etc.)
- Experience building reusable libraries and frameworks for device interaction and traffic validation
Nokia Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Nokia and has not been reviewed or approved by Nokia.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Equity programs include a global employee share purchase plan with company matching and multi‑year share awards. These mechanisms broaden participation and tie rewards to long‑term outcomes.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage includes major medical plans with supplementary options such as vision, legal services, and care navigation. The range of offerings indicates comprehensive support for medical needs.
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Parental & Family Support — A global policy grants paid leave for new parents regardless of gender and provides structured return‑to‑work support. Company‑paid life insurance further strengthens family protection across regions.
Nokia Insights
What We Do
At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together. As a trusted partner for critical networks, we are committed to innovation and technology leadership across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. We create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs. Adhering to the highest standards of integrity and security, we help build the capabilities needed for a more productive, sustainable and inclusive world.
