Physical Layer SW Design manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Physical Layer SW Design Manager

Company: Ericsson

Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Software Engineering Management / GTM Operations (Talent Acquisition focus)

Date Posted: 2026-06-18

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the establishment and growth of a new Physical Layer (L1) embedded software team, focusing on 6G development and performance leadership within Radio Base Stations.

• Drive the adoption of AI-driven software development methodologies to enhance team productivity, software quality, and overall development efficiency.

• Oversee the end-to-end software development lifecycle, including design, implementation, integration, and verification of critical L1 embedded software components.

• Collaborate strategically with architects, Product Owners, and project leaders to ensure successful product delivery and alignment with business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Physical Layer SW Design Manager," the core responsibilities and required skills point strongly towards a leadership role focused on building and managing a software engineering team specializing in embedded systems within the telecommunications sector. This role has a significant talent acquisition and team-building component, which is crucial for operations professionals in talent management or HR roles. The emphasis on AI-driven development also positions this as a forward-looking operations management role.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Build and lead a high-performing Physical Layer (L1) embedded software engineering team in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, from inception.

• Spearhead the recruitment, onboarding, and continuous professional development of skilled L1/embedded software engineers, ensuring a robust talent pipeline.

• Champion and implement AI-driven software development practices, tools, and methodologies to optimize workflows, boost productivity, and elevate software quality.

• Ensure the meticulous design, precise implementation, seamless integration, and thorough verification of embedded L1 software, meeting stringent performance and reliability standards.

• Foster strong collaborative relationships with cross-functional teams, including architects, Product Owners, project leaders, and other development teams, to effectively plan and execute product roadmaps.

• Assume full ownership and accountability for a defined scope of the L1 software product, guaranteeing its performance, unwavering quality, and long-term maintainability.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the team and across the L1 development process, focusing on efficiency gains and best practice adoption.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities are heavily focused on team building, leadership, and technical oversight of embedded software development. For operations professionals, this translates to managing a critical functional unit, optimizing resource allocation, and ensuring process adherence and efficiency, particularly in the context of R&D and new technology development (6G). The emphasis on AI integration is a key operational driver.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field is typically expected for this level of management role in the telecommunications industry.

Experience: A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in software development and engineering, with a significant portion in leadership or management roles within an R&D environment.

Required Skills:

• Proven leadership experience in an R&D organization, such as a First Line Manager, team lead, technical coordinator, operations project manager (OPO), or project manager.

• Solid foundation in embedded software development, with strong proficiency in C/C++ for real-time and embedded systems.

• Comprehensive understanding of Radio Access Network (RAN) and Layer 1 (Physical Layer) concepts.

• Demonstrated experience working with real-time operating systems or hardware-close software development.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and motivational skills to effectively lead and inspire a technical team.

• A genuine interest and demonstrated capability in leveraging AI tools and methods to evolve and enhance software development practices. Preferred Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of Ericsson’s L1/Physical Layer software stack and internal development tools.

• Familiarity with specific AI/ML platforms and practices utilized within Ericsson's development environment.

• Deep specialization in particular L1 functions or advanced 5G/6G features.

• Experience with Ericsson-specific processes, frameworks, and governance models.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of technical depth in embedded systems and telecommunications with strong leadership and modern development practices (AI). For operations professionals, this means understanding the technical domain to effectively support or manage the team, and critically, the ability to manage talent acquisition and development processes. The "nice to have" skills highlight specific company knowledge that can be a significant advantage.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate experience in building and scaling high-performing engineering teams, showcasing recruitment strategies and team development success.

• Provide evidence of implementing process improvements that led to measurable gains in software quality, development speed, or efficiency, particularly in embedded systems.

• Showcase examples of managing complex software development projects from conception through delivery, highlighting planning, execution, and risk mitigation.

• Illustrate how you have integrated new technologies or methodologies (e.g., AI tools) into established development workflows to drive innovation and productivity. Process Documentation:

• Documented workflows for team building and talent acquisition, including sourcing, interviewing, and onboarding processes for specialized engineering roles.

• Experience in establishing and refining processes for software design, implementation, integration, and verification within an embedded systems context.

• Protocols for performance management, team development, and continuous feedback loops to foster a high-achieving team culture.

• Frameworks for managing cross-functional collaboration, stakeholder communication, and product roadmap alignment within a complex R&D environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a management role focused on building a new team, the "portfolio" is less about individual code contributions and more about demonstrated leadership in team building, process optimization, and strategic implementation. Operations professionals will need to highlight their ability to structure and manage these critical business processes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Ottawa, ON, Canada: $136,000 CAD - $178,500 CAD per year.

Benefits:

• Health & Wellness: Choice of 3 medical and dental plan options with core coverage fully paid by Ericsson.

• Financial Security:

  • Ericsson’s Group Retirement & Savings Program with an automatic 2% company contribution.
  • 50% RRSP match on employee contributions, up to 8% of employee contribution (maximum 4% match), leading to a total potential company contribution of 6%.
  • Basic life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment coverage (2x annual base pay).
  • Short-term disability coverage.
  • Optional participation in Ericsson’s Stock Purchase Plan.

• Time Off:

  • Minimum of 18 accrued vacation days.
  • At least 3 personal days.
  • Minimum 10 paid holidays.
  • 1 paid volunteer day.
  • Sick days.
  • Paid time off is pro-rated based on the start date.

• Family Leave: Up to 10 weeks of paid maternity leave and 6 weeks of paid parental or adoption leave at 100% of pay.

• Additional: Financial wellness programs, educational assistance, matching gifts, wellness account, and recognition programs.

Working Hours:

• Standard work week is 40 hours. While the role is on-site, Ericsson typically offers some flexibility within this framework, depending on team and project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided and falls within typical market rates for a management role of this scope in Ottawa. The benefits package is comprehensive, covering health, financial security, and work-life balance, which are key considerations for operations professionals evaluating total compensation. The AI-derived benefits list is extensive and accurately reflects the provided details.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Telecommunications, Technology, Software Development. Ericsson is a global leader in telecommunications infrastructure, playing a pivotal role in the development of 5G and future 6G networks.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Ericsson is a global company with tens of thousands of employees worldwide). This implies structured processes, significant resources, and opportunities for impact within a large organization.

Founded: 1876. Ericsson has a long-standing history and deep expertise in the telecommunications industry, fostering a culture of innovation and reliability.

Team Structure:

• This role will lead a newly formed embedded software team focused on the Physical Layer (L1) for Radio Base Stations.

• The team will likely report into a broader Radio Software or Product Development organization, with a direct reporting line to a higher-level engineering director or VP.

• Close collaboration is expected with other L1 development teams, architects, Product Owners, and project management. Methodology:

• Emphasis on data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement, particularly through the adoption of AI in software development processes.

• Agile or hybrid agile methodologies are likely employed for product development, with a focus on iterative delivery and quality assurance.

• Structured R&D processes for innovation, design, implementation, and verification of complex software systems.

Company Website: https://www.ericsson.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Ericsson's position as a telecommunications giant is crucial. For operations professionals, this means operating within a large, established, and highly technical organization with a strong focus on innovation, quality, and long-term strategic goals like 6G. The emphasis on AI integration suggests a forward-thinking operational approach.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior management position within a specialized technical domain (embedded software for telecommunications). It's a "First Line Manager" role, meaning direct management of individual contributors. The scope includes building a team from scratch and driving strategic initiatives like AI adoption.

Reporting Structure: The manager will report to a Director or VP of Engineering within the Radio Software or Product Development division. They will manage a team of embedded software engineers.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on Ericsson's ability to deliver cutting-edge 6G technology. Success in building and leading this team will directly influence product performance, market competitiveness, and the company's long-term technological leadership. As a manager, the impact extends to talent development, team morale, and operational efficiency within their scope.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Expansion: Potential to grow into managing larger or multiple teams, overseeing broader product areas, or moving into senior management roles (e.g., Director of Engineering).

• Strategic Initiatives: Opportunity to lead further AI integration projects, influence R&D strategy for future network generations, or specialize in areas like performance optimization or system architecture.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior managers and lead engineers, contributing to the development of future leaders within Ericsson.

• Technical Specialization: While a management role, opportunities may arise to deepen expertise in specific L1 functions or 6G technologies, potentially leading to Principal Engineer or Architect roles if desired.

📝 Enhancement Note: This is a significant leadership opportunity focused on building a critical team for Ericsson's future. Growth potential is strong within both technical management and strategic operational leadership, aligning well with career aspirations for experienced operations professionals looking to make a substantial impact.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site. The role is based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, and requires the manager to be physically present to lead and build the new team.

Office Location(s): Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. This location is a hub for technology and R&D in Canada, offering access to a skilled talent pool.

Workspace Context:

• The work environment will likely be collaborative, involving close interaction with team members, peers, and other stakeholders.

• Access to modern development tools, testing equipment, and potentially advanced AI platforms for software development and analysis.

• Opportunities for team-building activities and informal knowledge sharing sessions to foster a strong team culture.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week. While on-site, there's an expectation of flexibility to meet project deadlines and ensure team success, particularly during the critical phase of building a new team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is key. For operations professionals, this signifies a hands-on management role requiring direct presence for team building, collaboration, and oversight, which is typical for establishing new functional units within a large organization.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application by a recruiter, focusing on leadership experience, technical background in embedded systems, and relevant R&D management.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to assess your leadership style, team-building philosophy, technical understanding of L1/RAN, and vision for AI integration. Expect questions about past team successes and challenges.

• Technical/Team Assessment: This may involve technical discussions with senior engineers or architects, or a presentation on your approach to building and managing a high-performing embedded software team. A case study on process improvement or team scaling might be presented.

• Cross-functional/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with Product Owners, project leaders, or other relevant stakeholders to evaluate your collaboration and communication skills.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a higher-level executive to discuss strategic alignment, cultural fit, and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Prepare a concise overview of your leadership philosophy and approach to building and motivating technical teams.

• Develop 1-2 detailed case studies showcasing your experience in improving development processes, leading successful product deliveries, or implementing new technologies (especially AI) that resulted in measurable improvements. Focus on the "what, how, and results."

• Highlight your experience in recruitment and talent development, providing examples of successful hires and team growth.

• Be ready to discuss your understanding of embedded C/C++, real-time systems, and the nuances of Layer 1/Physical Layer development in telecommunications.

• Articulate your vision for leveraging AI in software development and how you would implement it within a new team. Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach building a team from scratch in a new location, including recruitment strategies and initial team setup.

• Anticipate questions about managing technical debt, ensuring software quality, and driving innovation in a competitive market like 6G.

• Practice articulating complex technical and managerial concepts clearly and concisely, as you will need to communicate effectively with both technical experts and non-technical stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize leadership capabilities, technical acumen in embedded systems, and strategic thinking regarding AI integration. Operations professionals need to emphasize their process management, talent acquisition, and strategic implementation skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Programming Languages: C/C++ are paramount for embedded software development.

• Development Environments: Embedded IDEs, compilers, linkers, debuggers (e.g., GCC, GDB, specific vendor tools).

• Version Control Systems: Git is standard.

• Project Management & Collaboration: Tools like Jira, Confluence, Azure DevOps, or Ericsson's internal equivalents for task tracking, workflow management, and documentation.

• AI/ML Platforms: Potential use of platforms like TensorFlow, PyTorch, or custom Ericsson AI tools for development and analysis.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Tools for tracking team velocity, code quality metrics, bug resolution rates, and performance against project milestones.

• Reporting dashboards to communicate team progress and impact to stakeholders. CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how L1 software integrates with broader system components that interact with CRM/sales enablement tools might be relevant indirectly.

• Automation tools for CI/CD pipelines, testing frameworks (e.g., Google Test, custom unit testing frameworks), and build systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is management, a strong understanding of the tools and technologies used in embedded software development, particularly C/C++, real-time systems, and the emerging use of AI in development, is crucial for effective leadership and communication with the team.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A drive to explore and implement new technologies, especially AI, to push the boundaries of mobile network performance.

• Quality & Reliability: A deep commitment to delivering robust, high-quality embedded software that forms the foundation of telecommunications networks.

• Collaboration: Fostering a strong sense of teamwork, open communication, and mutual support within the team and across departments.

• Efficiency: Continuously seeking ways to optimize processes, improve productivity, and deliver value effectively.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of responsibilities, commitments, and outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a collaborative environment where cross-functional teams work closely to achieve common goals.

• Emphasis on open dialogue, constructive feedback, and knowledge sharing to drive collective success.

• A culture that encourages proactive problem-solving and a willingness to adapt to evolving technological landscapes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Ericsson's culture likely emphasizes innovation, global collaboration, and a strong technical foundation. For operations professionals, aligning with these values means contributing to a high-performance, forward-looking environment that values both technical excellence and efficient execution.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Team Building: Establishing a new team from scratch in a specific location, requiring effective recruitment and onboarding strategies.

• Technology Evolution: Keeping pace with the rapid advancements in telecommunications technology, particularly the transition to 6G and the integration of AI.

• Performance Demands: Meeting Ericsson's high standards for performance, quality, and reliability in critical network infrastructure software.

• AI Integration: Successfully implementing and deriving value from AI tools and methodologies in a complex embedded software development context.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Formal training and on-the-job experience in managing technical teams, strategic planning, and talent development.

• Technical Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in L1/Physical Layer technologies, 5G/6G features, and AI applications in software engineering.

• Industry Exposure: Potential to attend industry conferences, participate in standardization bodies, and engage with the broader telecommunications and AI communities.

• Mentorship: Access to experienced leaders within Ericsson who can provide guidance and support for career growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a leadership role focused on growth and innovation. The opportunities for learning and development are substantial, offering a clear path for career advancement within a leading technology company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to building a high-performing embedded software team from the ground up in a new location. What are your key priorities in the first 3-6 months?" (Focus on recruitment strategy, team structure, initial projects, and culture building).

• "How would you integrate AI tools and methodologies into the L1/Physical Layer software development process to enhance quality and productivity? What potential challenges do you foresee, and how would you address them?" (Highlight practical applications, risk mitigation, and stakeholder buy-in).

• "Walk me through a time you managed a complex technical project that faced significant challenges. How did you navigate these challenges, and what was the outcome?" (Use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result, focusing on leadership, problem-solving, and process management). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Ericsson and our role in the 6G journey?" (Research Ericsson's vision, recent news, and industry position).

• "How do you foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within your teams?" (Discuss your management style, encouragement of new ideas, and methods for driving efficiency).

• "How do you ensure alignment between your team's objectives and the broader business goals of the company?" (Focus on communication, collaboration, and understanding strategic priorities). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure your presentation around key leadership achievements, focusing on team building, process optimization, and successful project delivery.

• For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your strategic approach, the specific actions taken (emphasizing process and methodology), the tools/technologies involved, and the measurable results (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements, successful product launch).

• Be prepared to discuss your experience with C/C++, embedded systems, and your vision for AI in software development with confidence and clarity.

• Demonstrate your ability to communicate complex technical and operational concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on showcasing strong leadership, strategic thinking, technical understanding, and a forward-looking approach to software development management, particularly concerning team building and AI integration.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations management position:

• Submit your application through the Ericsson careers portal.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight leadership experience, R&D management, embedded software development (C/C++), team building, recruitment, and any experience with AI/ML in development contexts. Quantify achievements whenever possible.

• Prepare your portfolio: Curate 1-2 detailed case studies showcasing your leadership in process improvement, team scaling, or technology adoption (especially AI).

• Practice your pitch: Be ready to articulate your vision for building and leading this new team, your approach to AI integration, and your understanding of Ericsson's role in the 6G landscape.

• Research Ericsson: Familiarize yourself with their products, services, recent news, and company culture to demonstrate genuine interest and alignment.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.