ODM Software Manager

About Fairphone

Fairphone is more than just a company - we are a global leader in sustainable, modular electronics, on a mission to change the electronics industry from the inside out. Built on strong social and environmental values, we are a diverse and inclusive team from all walks of life creating market consumer electronics that make a real impact.
At Fairphone, you will find a supportive and safe space where everyone can be themselves, collaborate openly, and have the freedom to learn and grow - because that’s how we innovate and drive change together!
So… are you a proactive, self-motivated team player who loves taking initiative and bringing positive energy? Do you thrive in a fast-moving start-up or scale-up environment? Are you a great communicator who values collaboration and embraces different perspectives? And most importantly, do you feel a strong connection to Fairphone’s mission and values? If you're nodding along and thinking, “Yes, that’s me!”, then check out our vacancy below!

Please know that we acknowledge that we are living in a time where the use of AI can bring many efficiencies and support. However, we want to know the real YOU. Please try to limit the use of AI tools to generate answers to the application; we value authenticity and encourage you to use your creativity!

• Location: China-based position
• Hours: 40 hours per week
• Start: September 1, 2026
• Contract duration: The 1st 12-month employment contract with the possibility of extension to permanent
• Deadline to apply: We review applications on a rolling basis. Please apply as soon as possible

About your role

As an experienced and skilled ODM SW Manager with a strong understanding of the Android ecosystem, you oversee the entire software design flow, from conceptual high-level design and strategic direction to implementation. Ensuring the delivery of software projects meets business requirements and technical constraints. by acting as a bridge between business needs and technical implementation, making decisions about technologies, frameworks, and overall system structure.

Key Responsibilities & Objectives

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, design and guide the Product team with software requirements. Provide feasibility studies and set up correct expectations of features. Support Product team to complete product design documents/specifications.
• Perform hands-on technical audits, code reviews, and support for troubleshooting in AOSP/HAL layers.
• Lead product feature development with ODM partners, driving technical implementation and maintenance throughout the software lifecycle.
• Manage software release roadmaps, technical scope, and the full lifecycle of critical issues using tolling like Jira/Gitlab to ensure transparency and technical velocity.
• Supporting other teams to validate bug reports and improvements, design solutions. This includes reproducing problems, analyzing their impact, and documenting in-depth analysis to share your observations with corresponding persons in charge.
• Assessing software capabilities of potential new ODM partners and providing reports and opinions on the risks and benefits of them.

Key Objectives:

• Develops and communicates the software design vision and strategy for smartphone platforms to Fairphone’s ODMs.
• Ensures designs are consistent, coherent, and meet Fairphone product requirements.
• Bridge business requirements with technical implementation to ensure feasible and efficient software solutions.
• Drive software quality, performance, and stability improvements through rigorous issue tracking and process optimization.
• Build and maintain strong technical relationships with ODM partners to ensure timely delivery and high standards.
• Prioritize and champion software longevity by planning for long-term OS support, security updates, and maintainability to extend the useful life of our devices.

Core Activities

• Clarifying and prioritizing software issues and helping ODM to resolve them effectively.
• Continuously improving software performance and quality. By closely monitoring ODM issue-fixing processes and conducting necessary corrective actions.
• Setting up and monitoring software milestones with ODM and foresee potential risks achieving them. Ensure delivery on time with expected scope level of quality.
• Research and study new features to bring into and strengthen Fairphone products, including but not limited to software-related.

Your Skills & Experience

ExperienceMust-haves:

• BS/MS in Computer Science or related.
• 15+ years experience in the mobile (feature/smart) phones and telecommunication industry.
• Deep technical proficiency in Android architecture (AOSP, HAL, Kernel) with hands-on debugging experience on mainstream mobile chipsets.
• Experience in collaborating with ODM and familiar with board bring up processes.
• Strong understanding of software design principles, and is capable of auditing critical coding.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and resolve technical challenges.
• Good English and native Mandarin skills in writing and speaking to support communicating project progress and technical issues to stakeholders and addressing concerns.
• Proficiency with issue tracking systems (Jira is a strong preference) for bug lifecycle management and project coordination.

Nice-to-haves:

• Experience in modem development. Familiar with 3GPP/ETSI protocol stack and been supporting carrier IoT (interoperability testing).
• Experience in project/resource/budget planning, execution, and monitoring.
• Experience in code robustness checking tools such as Klockwork, BlackDuck or the equivalents.
• Knowledge of AI/ML integration in Android (e.g., on-device AI, NPU utilization, or relevant frameworks) is a nice-to-have.
• Experience with audio subsystem architecture (e.g., ALSA, Audio HAL) and audio-related software features is highly welcome, as audio integration is a key component of our products.
• You are proficient with GNU/Linux operating systems.

What Fairphone can offer you?

1. The opportunity to create an impact on the electronics industry around the world.
2. A diverse work environment full of international, passionate, warm-hearted team members.
3. Competitive salary aligned with market standards.
4. Paid annual leave, birthday leave, public holidays, and rest days in accordance with the labour law.
5. Hybrid work model
6. Home Office Allowance
7. Social benefits & contributions made by both employer and employee as required under Taiwan law.
8. Professional development opportunities for training, skill development, and career advancement.