Master Thesis: Security and Performance Aspects of Using WebAssembly (WASM) in Embedded Systems
About this opportunity:
WebAssembly (WASM) is an emerging portable binary instruction format designed for safe, efficient, and fast execution across heterogeneous computing platforms. Initially created for web browsers, WASM has expanded beyond its origins to support non-web environments such as serverless computing, Internet of Things (IoT), and embedded systems.
Embedded systems are increasingly required to run complex, modular applications that demand both high performance and robust security guarantees. Traditionally, such systems rely on native binaries compiled for specific architectures, which often leads to platform fragmentation, security vulnerabilities due to unsafe code execution, and limited portability.
WASM offers a compelling alternative by providing:
- Portability across architectures via a standardized virtual machine (VM).
- Sandboxed execution for enhanced security isolation.
- Predictable performance close to native speeds through just-in-time (JIT) or ahead-of-time (AOT) compilation.
However, the adoption of WASM in resource-constrained embedded environments is still in its early stages. The runtime overhead, memory footprint, and actual effectiveness of WASM's sandboxing in low-level environments remain underexplored. This research seeks to fill that gap.
What you will do:
This thesis will investigate how WebAssembly performs and provides security in embedded systems with limited CPU, memory, and storage resources. You will explore questions such as:
- How does WASM compare with native binaries in terms of latency, throughput, and energy efficiency?
- What runtime overhead do WASM engines, such as Wasmtime, Wasmer, and WAMR, introduce in constrained environments?
- How effective are WASM sandboxing and memory safety mechanisms against threats such as buffer overflows and code injection?
- What are the trade-offs between performance optimization and strong security isolation?
Your work will include:
- Reviewing current research on WASM security and performance.
- Benchmarking WASM applications against native C/C++ implementations on platforms such as Raspberry Pi, ESP32, or ARM Cortex-A.
- Measuring CPU utilization, memory consumption, execution latency, throughput, and energy efficiency.
- Assessing sandboxing and isolation mechanisms through controlled security tests.
- Comparing lightweight WASM runtimes based on footprint, compile-time options, and scalability.
- Developing best practices or architectural recommendations for secure and efficient WASM deployment in embedded systems.
- Presenting the results at the conclusion of the thesis.
The skills you bring:
- Master's student in computer science, computer engineering, software engineering, or a related field.
- You have an interest in embedded systems, WebAssembly, software security, and performance evaluation.
- You have programming experience in C/C++ and an interest in benchmarking and experimental analysis.
- You are comfortable researching technical topics and presenting your findings clearly.
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) || Linköping
Req ID: 792028
Skills Required
- Currently enrolled as a master's student in computer science, computer engineering, software engineering, or a related field
- Interest in embedded systems, WebAssembly, software security, and performance evaluation
- Programming experience in C and C++
- Interest in benchmarking and experimental analysis
- Ability to research technical topics and present findings clearly
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.
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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.
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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