Master Thesis: Bringing Silicon to Life - Writing the First Code That Talks to Next-Gen Chips
About this opportunity:
Are you curious about what happens at the moment a brand-new chip powers on for the very first time, and would you like to write the low-level code that makes it work, then see it run on both real silicon and a virtual model of a chip that does not yet exist?
Every Ericsson radio and baseband ASIC needs to boot and store data, and that responsibility falls to the eMMC storage interface. Before engineers can trust it, test content must be developed that exercises the interface thoroughly. Creating that test content is the focus of this thesis.
You will develop bare-metal code, that is software that communicates directly with the hardware without an operating system in between, to drive the eMMC storage interface on an ARM-based processor. You will first prove it on existing project hardware, then run the same code on the SVP (System Virtual Platform), a software model of chips that are still under development. The result is a reusable validation asset that helps bring future Ericsson silicon to life.
You will be supported throughout by an experienced validation team, and building familiarity with the parts you have not encountered before is an expected and welcome part of the thesis.
What you will do:
- Study the eMMC storage interface and the ARM-based processor at the heart of Ericsson ASICs.
- Develop bare-metal code that drives the storage interface in its different speed modes (SDR and DDR).
- Implement DMA-based transfers, allowing the hardware to move data independently, and verify that the data arrives intact.
- Bring up and validate the test content on existing project hardware as a proof of concept.
- Port it to the SVP virtual platform, targeting chips that are still under development.
- Measure performance, characterize error behavior, and document a reusable methodology for the team.
What you will gain:
- Hands-on experience with real silicon bring-up, an opportunity few engineers have early in their careers.
- Firmware and embedded skills that are in demand across the industry.
- A concrete contribution that will be used in future Ericsson chips.
- Insight into how a global company designs and validates the hardware behind 5G and 6G.
The skills you bring:
- Master's student in electrical/computer engineering, embedded systems, or a related field.
- Enjoy programming in C and are curious about what happens close to the hardware.
- Have an interest in understanding how a system behaves at a low level.
Good to have knowledge in (but no reqirement):
- Bare-metal and firmware programming, including some assembly.
- Storage interfaces such as eMMC and SD.
- DMA and memory concepts.
- Test automation using scripting languages such as Python.
- Hardware validation workflows.
Why join Ericsson?
At Ericsson, you'll have an outstanding opportunity. The chance to use your skills and imagination to push the boundaries of what's possible. To build solutions never seen before to some of the world's toughest problems. You'll be challenged, but you won't be alone. You'll be joining a team of diverse innovators, all driven to go beyond the status quo to craft what comes next.
What happens once you apply?
Click Here to find all you need to know about what our typical hiring process looks like.Encouraging a diverse and inclusive organization is core to our values at Ericsson, that's why we champion it in everything we do. We truly believe that by collaborating with people with different experiences we drive innovation, which is essential for our future growth. We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply and realize their full potential as part of our Ericsson team. Ericsson is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. learn more.
Primary country and city: Sweden (SE) || Stockholm
Req ID: 790610
Skills Required
- Currently pursuing a master’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, embedded systems, or a related field.
- Enjoy programming in C.
- Interest in understanding low-level system behavior and hardware interaction.
- Knowledge of bare-metal or firmware programming, including assembly.
- Knowledge of storage interfaces such as eMMC and SD.
- Knowledge of DMA and memory concepts.
- Experience with test automation using scripting languages such as Python.
- Knowledge of hardware validation workflows.
What the Team is Saying
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Ericsson Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is described as broad and reliable, with multiple medical plan choices, dental/vision, and mental-health/EAP resources. Available descriptions highlight healthcare and disability insurance as consistent strengths.
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Retirement Support — U.S. materials point to an automatic company 401(k) contribution plus matching that can add up to a notably high employer contribution, and some regions also offer pension options. This structure is often cited as a meaningful component of total rewards.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time-off programs are characterized as generous, with sizable vacation allowances, paid holidays, sick time, volunteer time, and strong parental leave in some locations. PTO is frequently highlighted as a standout element of the package.
Ericsson Insights
What We Do
Ericsson builds the digital connectivity the world relies on. Our technology underpins the mobile networks, platforms, and systems that billions of people, businesses, and societies depend on every day. We are a global leader in communications technology, delivering mobile network infrastructure, cloud software, and wireless connectivity solutions for service providers and enterprises worldwide. Our networks support connectivity across 180+ countries, helping power everyday communication as well as critical digital services at global scale. Connectivity has evolved far beyond consumer mobile use. Today, nearly 80% of the world’s population accesses the internet via mobile networks, and Ericsson is helping shape what comes next. We are advancing 5G and 5G Advanced, developing network APIs that open connectivity to the global developer ecosystem, and applying automation and AI to make networks more intelligent, efficient, and resilient. Ericsson was the first company to launch live 5G networks on five continents, and our 5G platform is now commercially live in 150+ networks across 60+ countries. We also support more than 36,000 enterprise customers, enabling secure, high-performance connectivity for industries such as manufacturing, aviation, logistics, utilities, and public safety, where reliability and performance are mission critical. Innovation is central to how we work. Ericsson has approximately 28,000 employees in research and development, backed by one of the strongest intellectual property portfolios in the industry with 60,000+ granted patents. Our engineers, researchers, and technologists work across 100+ global R&D sites, helping define how networks evolve and how digital infrastructure is built for the long term. As the world moves toward a mobile-first, AI-powered, and cloud-driven future, connectivity becomes the foundation for digital transformation across every industry. Ericsson is building that foundation, shaping the future of digital connectivity through technology that operates at global scale and supports real-world impact, today and for what comes next.
Why Work With Us
Ericsson is a place for people who want to work on technology that powers everyday life. You’ll contribute to large-scale systems used every day, tackle complex challenges in live environments, and keep developing your skills and career in your own vision.
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