About this opportunity:
Have you ever wondered how data moves through a chip fast enough to power a 5G network, and how every packet is timestamped with nanosecond precision? This thesis offers the opportunity to explore and validate exactly that, from inside the silicon.
Ericsson ASICs move large volumes of data between different engines on the chip, through dedicated DMA components that transfer data independently, out through the Ethernet interface, and to and from memory. For the chip to be trusted, the timing must remain correct even when these data paths are driven to their limits. Developing the test content that proves this is the focus of the thesis.
You will develop test content that sends packets from the on-chip engines, such as the Ericsson Many Core Architecture (EMCA) and the DMA components, out through the Ethernet physical interface (PHY). The central idea is to run the data paths at their maximum throughput, representing the worst-case load, and to verify that synchronization and timestamping remain accurate under that stress. You will exercise the different DMA components and the data paths between the engines, Ethernet, DDR, and internal RAM, first on existing project hardware and later on the SVP (System Virtual Platform), a software model of chips still under development.
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 Ethernet interface, the on-chip data engines (such as the EMCA and the DMA components), and the paths that data takes through the chip.
- Develop test content that sends and receives packets through the Ethernet physical interface (PHY).
- Drive the data paths at their maximum throughput to create a worst-case stress condition on the chip.
- Verify that synchronization and timestamping remain accurate, to nanosecond precision, under this maximum load.
- Exercise the different DMA components to move data between the engines, Ethernet, DDR, and internal RAM at full rate.
- 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 timing accuracy, latency, and throughput, 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.
- Skills in high-speed networking, timing, and embedded testing that are valued across the industry.
- A concrete contribution that will be used in future Ericsson silicon bring-up.
- Experience working alongside engineers who design world-class hardware.
The skills you bring:
- Master's student in electrical/computer engineering, embedded systems, or a related field.
- Enjoy programming (particularly in C) and are curious about how hardware and networks operate.
- Have an interest in understanding how a system behaves at a low level.
Good to have (but no requirement):
- Knowledge of Ethernet and packet-based networking.
- Familiarity with DMA, memory, and on-chip data paths.
- Experience with bare-metal or firmware programming.
- Knowledge of synchronization and timestamping, such as IEEE 1588/PTP.
- Experience with scripting, such as Python, for test automation and analysis.
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: 790609
Skills Required
- Current master's student in electrical engineering, computer engineering, embedded systems, or a related field
- Enjoys programming, particularly in C
- Curiosity about hardware and computer networks
- Interest in understanding low-level system behavior
- Knowledge of Ethernet and packet-based networking
- Familiarity with DMA, memory, and on-chip data paths
- Experience with bare-metal or firmware programming
- Knowledge of synchronization and timestamping, such as IEEE 1588/PTP
- Experience with Python scripting for test automation and analysis
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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