Ericsson is a multinational telecommunications company that develops network infrastructure, 5G technologies, and managed services for operators and enterprises. Headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, the company delivers radio access networks, core network solutions, and cloud-native software that enable mobile broadband, IoT connectivity, and critical communications. Ericsson’s services include network deployment, optimization, and lifecycle management, alongside research in wireless standards and edge computing. The organization is known for engineering-driven work and global collaboration across R&D centers, offering employees exposure to cutting-edge telecom projects and standards development. Career paths typically emphasize technical depth, systems engineering, and cross-border program management, with professional development supported by mentorship and internal mobility. A notable achievement for the company is its long history of contributions to mobile standards and early leadership in 5G commercial rollouts, reinforcing its industry reputation for innovation. Ericsson promotes a performance-oriented yet inclusive culture, where engineers, product managers, and service teams work together to deliver scalable network solutions for operators worldwide.
You will often hear mixed but generally positive comments from people working there. Several engineers say they enjoy the technical challenges and the chance to work on large-scale 5G and cloud projects — “you learn fast and the work actually matters,” one network engineer told colleagues. Some product and software folks mention good collaboration across locations: “you’ll work with diverse teams and get exposure to end-to-end delivery.” On the other hand, a few employees note that processes can be slow and that internal politics occasionally get in the way. Overall, testimonials reflect a company where the work is meaningful and the learning curve is steep.
Company culture at Ericsson tends to be professional, engineering-driven, and globally minded. Teams value technical competence, structured problem solving, and adherence to standards. There is a pragmatic focus on delivering results for large telecom customers, and cross-country collaboration is common. While some parts of the organization feel more formal, other units—especially in software and R&D—can be quite innovative and startup-like. The balance between structure and agility varies by team, so your day-to-day experience may depend heavily on where you join.
Work-life balance at Ericsson is generally reasonable, especially with flexible and hybrid models in many regions. You will find teams that respect boundaries and encourage time off. Peak periods before product deliveries or network launches can be intense, so you will sometimes work longer hours. Managers increasingly emphasize sustainable workloads and remote policies, which helps maintain balance over time.
Job security is moderate to strong for employees in core business areas such as networks and 5G, where long-term demand persists. There is a business-cycle sensitivity tied to large customer contracts and capital spending in telecom. Employees should expect occasional restructuring and redeployments in response to market shifts. For the most part, the company invests in retaining talent with critical skills.
Leadership focuses on strategic priorities like 5G expansion, cloud-native solutions, and sustainability. Senior leaders communicate clear goals and long-term direction, and they are visible in town halls and investor communications. Management styles differ across regions and business units; some leaders are highly hands-on and supportive, while others concentrate on metrics and delivery. Overall, there is a clear corporate vision, though execution at local levels can be uneven.
Managers are a mixed bag, as in many large organizations. Many direct managers are described as knowledgeable, supportive of career growth, and good at facilitating cross-team work. Others are more execution-focused, pushing for deadlines and strict adherence to process. The best managers combine technical credibility with people skills and provide mentorship and realistic feedback. New hires are advised to ask questions during interviews to gauge manager style.
Learning and development are strong selling points. The company offers structured programs, internal courses, technical certifications, and a global knowledge base. Ericsson Academy and similar initiatives provide training ranging from product-specific skills to leadership development. There are also chances to learn on the job through international projects and rotations. Employees who are proactive about development will find plenty of resources.
Opportunities for promotions exist but are linked closely to performance, business needs, and visibility within projects. Promotions tend to reward technical excellence, cross-functional impact, and leadership potential. Career progression is clearer in fast-growing units such as cloud, software, and services. Mobility across countries or functions can also accelerate advancement.
Salaries are competitive within the telecommunications and large-technology sectors. Entry-level engineering roles typically start at market rate for each country, while senior engineers and specialists command higher compensation aligned with technical expertise. Management and specialist roles attract premium pay. Compensation varies significantly by location, local market conditions, and role specialization.
Bonuses and incentives are performance-based. There are annual bonuses tied to individual, team, and company performance, and some roles include long-term incentives such as restricted stock units or performance shares for higher levels. Sales and customer-facing roles may have commission or incentive plans linked to contract wins and revenue targets.
Health and insurance benefits are generally comprehensive and competitive. Benefits packages vary by country but typically include medical coverage, dental, and mental health support. Many locations offer retirement savings plans, life insurance, and disability coverage. Overall, benefits are seen as a solid part of total compensation.
Employee engagement is fostered through regular town halls, hackathons, technical conferences, and local team events. There are internal social and interest groups, diversity networks, and community outreach programs. These activities help build networks across locations and keep employees connected to company goals.
Remote work support is well established. The company has embraced hybrid working models, with tools and policies that support remote collaboration, virtual meetings, and cloud-based development. Local policies differ, but most employees have flexibility to work from home several days a week.
Average working hours are around a standard full-time schedule (roughly 40 hours per week) in most roles. Some teams and project phases will require additional hours, particularly before major deployments or customer deadlines. Flexibility in work scheduling often compensates for occasional peaks.
Attrition is moderate and fluctuates by business cycle and geography. There have been occasional rounds of restructuring and workforce adjustments driven by strategic pivots or market conditions. The company tends to manage reductions with internal mobility efforts, severance support where applicable, and redeployment programs when possible.
Overall, this is a solid employer for professionals interested in network technologies, 5G, and large-scale systems engineering. You will gain valuable technical experience, access to learning programs, and a generally balanced work environment with competitive pay and benefits. While managerial quality and pace of change can vary, the company offers substantive career opportunities for people who are adaptable and growth-oriented. If you want hands-on exposure to telecom infrastructure and global projects, working at Ericsson is worth considering.
Read authentic experiences from current and former employees at Ericsson
Supportive team, strong focus on learning and upskilling. Good hybrid policy and access to industry projects. Ericsson invests in training which helped me grow technically.
Promotion cycles can be slow and there is a fair bit of internal process and bureaucracy. Salary hikes are modest compared to startups.
Good colleagues and exposure to global HR processes. The role offered learning on international mobility and compliance.
Compensation is lower than market for similar roles, and there was quite a bit of admin work and internal politics. Career progression felt unclear at times.
Hands-on experience with telecom equipment, decent benefits and overall job stability at Ericsson. Good safety standards on site.
Long hours and unpredictable travel schedules. Paperwork and approvals could be streamlined. Felt limited career mobility in the field role.
Great exposure to cutting-edge 5G products and collaborative cross-functional teams. Leadership is approachable and there are clear growth paths. Ericsson promotes innovation and continuous learning.
Occasionally decisions take longer than expected due to multiple stakeholders, but overall the environment is very positive.