Master Thesis: Evaluating coaxial connector contact integrity for ultra-low-level RF receive signals
About this opportunity:
Modern radio systems rely on highly sensitive receiver channels to detect very weak uplink signals. Coaxial connectors are critical interconnection points in these paths, where contact quality can directly affect radio performance and system noise figure.
Current connector qualification methods typically measure contact resistance using currents in the tens of milliamperes, while actual receiver signals may correspond to currents in the microampere range. This raises questions about whether conventional qualification methods accurately represent real-world performance, particularly when alternative plating materials are introduced.
This thesis will investigate how contact degradation, oxidation, and plating materials influence the transmission of ultra-low-level RF signals. The work will identify potential gaps in current verification methods and provide recommendations for connector qualification in low-noise radio systems.
What you will do:
- Study the relationship between connector contact integrity, plating materials, degradation, and receiver performance.
- Evaluate whether standard contact-resistance measurements correlate with performance under ultra-low-level RF conditions.
- Perform experiments using RF measurement equipment, including vector network analyzers, climatic chambers, and low-level signal setups.
- Investigate the impact of oxidation and surface degradation on RF performance and system noise figure.
- Examine connector contact and material microstructure where relevant.
- Relate experimental results to receiver requirements involving filters, interconnections, and low-noise amplifiers.
- Recommend improved qualification and verification methods for future radio applications.
The skills you bring:
- You are pursuing a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or a related field.
- You have knowledge of RF systems and receiver performance, particularly filters, interconnections, and low-noise amplifiers.
- Familiarity with vector network analyzers, climatic testing, low-level signal measurements, or other RF laboratory equipment is an advantage.
- Interest in connector technology, contact materials, microstructure, and degradation mechanisms is beneficial.
- You are analytical, curious, and able to combine experimental work with technical analysis.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work independently.
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: 791559
Skills Required
- Currently pursuing a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or a related field
- Knowledge of RF systems and receiver performance, including filters, interconnections, and low-noise amplifiers
- Analytical, curious, and able to combine experimental work with technical analysis
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to work independently
- Familiarity with vector network analyzers, climatic testing, low-level signal measurements, or other RF laboratory equipment
- Interest in connector technology, contact materials, microstructure, and degradation mechanisms
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Ericsson Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — U.S. job postings describe multiple medical plan options (including PPO and HSA‑eligible HDHP) plus dental and vision, aligning with a comprehensive medical suite. Corporate materials also emphasize wellbeing resources and EAP support.
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Retirement Support — Company communications and U.S. materials reference market‑competitive retirement benefits, including a 401(k) with automatic employer contributions and additional matching. Investor and benefits materials signal a structured approach to total rewards that includes long‑term savings programs.
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Parental & Family Support — U.S. and EWS guides and postings highlight paid maternity and parental/adoption leave at full pay, alongside structured short‑term disability at full pay for defined weeks by tenure. These programs are positioned as part of a family‑friendly, work‑life‑balance offering.
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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.
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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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