AI and Automation Director
Ericsson
Join our Team
Ericsson Inc. does not sponsor US work authorizations for this job position including H-1B, O-1, and TN. Ericsson also does not hire F-1’s working on EAD for this position.
About this opportunity:
Ericsson is a world-leading provider of equipment & services to mobile network operators, with over 1,000 networks in 180+ countries using Ericsson equipment. In the US, Ericsson is the #1 player with 50%+ market share in wireless networks (RAN). Global headquarters are in Stockholm, Sweden; Americans headquarters in Dallas, TX.
At Market Area Americas (MACS), we're driving 5G adoption across mid-band and open programmable networks, while transforming networks into next-generation, cloud-native, intent-based, and fully automated systems. Components such as AI, orchestration, closed-loop assurance, and programmability are central to our mission of delivering efficient and transformative network capabilities.
We are seeking an experienced, visionary leader to join our dynamic team as AI & Automation Director, based in Plano, Texas. This role plays a significant part in defining the long-term Network Strategy Vision within MACS. You will shape Ericsson’s Technology Position from an AI and automation perspective, aiming to deliver strategic impact across the telecom landscape.
As part of a high-performing, fast-paced team, you’ll provide thought leadership while driving forward-looking AI portfolio differentiation, automation solutions, and cutting-edge network strategies. You will harness deep technical expertise to architect best-in-class solutions for automation, orchestration, and AI. You will leverage your leadership to translate technology potential into tangible telco network innovations, driving product advancement and long-term vision in alignment with Ericsson’s strategic priorities. With collaboration at its core, you’ll work alongside stakeholders across Strategy, R&D, Product Management, Commercial, Sales, and Delivery to drive network evolution and unlock new opportunities for the telco landscape.
This challenging environment requires a deep understanding of emerging telecom trends, diverse technologies (e.g., AI, ORAN, GenAI), and complex business priorities, while maintaining close alignment with regulatory, standardization, and transformative technology initiatives in the telecom industry.
What you will do:
- Drive Technology Thought Leadership
Lead AI and automation initiatives for end-to-end (E2E) telecom networks, ensuring alignment with long-term goals and strategic priorities. - Define Network Evolution Architecture
Champion simplified deployment and orchestration through telco-specific management architecture frameworks. Design and drive the technical vision for advanced AI and automation solutions focused on transforming telecom networks. - Advance the AI Portfolio
Shape the long-term AI portfolio to meet market-specific needs and develop strategies to secure alignment with Ericsson’s Business Area (BA) ownership. - Implement Automation Strategies
Guide best practices for leveraging Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) frameworks to automate Day 0/1/2 deployments efficiently. - Support Customer Units (CUs)
Advise and support CUs on intent-driven programmability, OSS/BSS software design, autonomous network solutions, and customer engagement to achieve differentiated AI portfolio goals. - Provide Technical Expertise
Deliver subject matter expertise (SME) insights on Ericsson’s BCSS portfolio, aligning with ORAN working groups (WGs), TM Forum and 3GPP, and other standardization bodies to ensure seamless compatibility and innovation within the broader telecom landscape. - Empower the Pre-Sales Organization
Equip the pre-sales team with strategic insights and direction to align with customer and organizational goals. - Collaborate Across Stakeholders
Engage with senior executives, fellow thought leaders, and diverse stakeholders to analyze technology trends and advance strategies for long-term impact - Deliver Comprehensive Recommendations
Translate cutting-edge technology advancements into actionable network strategies and recommendations to guide senior executives' decisions.
Skills you will bring:
- BS Degree in engineering (IT, Telecom, Computer Science) and MS/MBA preferred.
- 8+ years of relevant ICT experience including strong R&D & product management experience
- Exceptional knowledge and technology strategy expertise in:
- Strong foundational understanding of Core, OSS, BSS components, FCAPS, ORAN SMO, and cloud orchestration frameworks.
- Solid understanding of telecommunications networks, including spectrum holdings, RAN and antenna systems, and broader network architecture.
- Exceptional strategic expertise in AI, orchestration, and automation solutions tailored for telco environments.
- Proven success in deploying large-scale management solutions.
- Strategic thinker – strong systemic, critical and strategic thinking - quickly identifies patterns among problems and issues; able to identify alternatives, develop solutions and make proposals
- Business acumen – strong financial acumen and broad business skill set - capacity to drive for results by turning data analytics and insights into actionable business strategies
- Results-oriented – excellent planning, execution and project-management skills experience and ability to apply to enterprise, line of business and market area
- Experience developing Eco-system communities
- Familiarity with telecom economics, including cost drivers, investment planning, and regulatory considerations across North America and LATAM.
- Experience analyzing emerging telecom technologies such as Open RAN, 5G monetization models, and network automation and AI, and turning insights into actionable strategies.
- Strong team player working closely with the MACS Domains, MACS CU, MACS Strategy and the BAs
- Experience presenting Ericsson’s point of view (POV) to senior customer executives (CTO/CIO) and their leadership teams, articulating complex topics clearly and impactfully.
- Excellent presentation, public speaking and communication skills
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.
Ericsson uses a merit-based hiring approach that values people with different experiences, perspectives and skillsets. We truly believe this approach drives 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.
If you need assistance or to request an accommodation due to a disability, please contact Ericsson at hr.direct.mana@ericsson.com.
DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees in this position. They are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for this position, and you may be required to perform additional job tasks as assigned.
Primary country and city: United States (US) || Plano
Job details: Technical & Solution Sales Support
Compensation and Benefits at Ericsson
At Ericsson, we know that our people are the key to our success. We offer a competitive package to help with your individual needs and goals.
Your Pay
The salary range for this position is dependent on various factors including, but not limited to, location, and the candidate’s combination of job-related knowledge, qualifications, skills, education, training, and experience.
Short-Term Variable Compensation Plan: Your pay also includes the opportunity for an annual bonus. Actual bonus payouts are based on performance of the business against the unit’s objectives, individual performance, and the individual bonus target. Certain eligibility and pro-ration rules apply.
Your Health
Ericsson offers excellent health benefits including the choice of three medical plan options and a dental plan option that allow an employee to select the level of coverage that suits their needs. Employees will receive company credits in an amount equal to the cost that Ericsson pays toward the cost of their medical and dental premiums for themselves and eligible covered dependents.
Your Financial Security
We invest in both your short and long-term financial wellbeing. The Ericsson US 401(k) Plan offers an automatic 3% company contribution and Ericsson matches $1 for every $1 you put into the 401(k) Plan on the first 3% of your eligible pay, plus 50 cents on every $1 on the next 2% of eligible pay. When you contribute at least 5% of eligible pay, you are receiving Ericsson’s full matching contributions. Matching and company automatic contributions stop when your total eligible pay for the year reaches the IRS limits. Employees will also receive company credits in an amount equal to the cost of basic life insurance and basic accidental death and dismemberment coverage, as well as short-term and long-term disability coverage. Employees also have the option to participate in Ericsson’s Stock Purchase Plan.
Your Time
Your work-life balance is important to us. New employees are provided a minimum of 15 days of accrued vacation, up to 3 personal days per year, 11 annual holidays, 8 hours of volunteer time, and 80 hours of sick time annually. Please note paid time off is pro-rated based on the employee’s start date. Furthermore, Ericsson provides up to 16 weeks of paid maternity leave and 6 weeks of parental or adoption leave at 100% of pay.
Additional Benefits
Ericsson offers many other company-paid benefits such as financial wellness programs, educational assistance, matching gifts, and recognition programs.