Research Engineer in Cognitive AI Systems

The Total Defence Research Institute (FOI) is a government agency conducting world-leading research in defence and security to support Sweden's military and civil defence. The research spans several areas, such as underwater, cyber defence, space, electronic warfare, sensor systems, civil defence, CBRNe (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive substances), military platforms including weapons and protection, as well as security policy analyses. FOI's research plays a key role in building Sweden's defence capability.

Then FOI could be your new workplace! We offer a balanced work life, a developing work environment, and a socially important job!

About the Position

As a research engineer at FOI, you will work on developing intelligent information systems for defence and security. You will experiment with the latest AI technology, adapt it to the needs of total defence, and investigate both its potential and vulnerabilities. Here, you will combine technical depth with a mission that truly makes a difference – and contribute to building knowledge that shapes the future.

The location is Stockholm, Kista.

About the Unit

You will be part of the Cognitive AI Systems unit, which is part of the Command and Control Systems area. The unit works with research and development of methods and techniques for information management and decision-making, primarily on behalf of the Armed Forces but also in European research projects and with civil authorities. Feel free to read more about what we do at Scientific Publications Decision Support Systems - Total Defence Research Institute - FOI (https://www.foi.se/jobba-hos-oss.html) and Technical Reports Decision Support Systems - Total Defence Research Institute - FOI (https://www.foi.se/jobba-hos-oss.html)

Do you have the competence profile we need?

We are looking for someone with high ambitions for your continued learning and development, driven by applying theoretical expertise in powerful applications for significant societal benefit.

With us, you will:

• Work at the forefront of AI-driven software development as well as with AI applications in applications.
• Have significant influence over architecture and technical choices.
• Have the opportunity to work on solutions that have real societal benefit and impact.
• Be part of a culture that encourages creativity, exploration, and learning.

Requirements

We want you to have:

• A Master's degree in computer engineering, computer science, software engineering, or another related education and experience that we assess as equivalent and relevant for the position.
• A strong full-stack mindset – comfortable with frontend, backend, APIs, and development tools.
• The ability to iterate quickly and deliver full-stack prototypes at various levels of requirements.
• Experience with cloud platforms and modern DevOps practices.
• Good ability to communicate verbally and in writing in both Swedish and English.

As a person, you are proactive and have good analytical and problem-solving skills. You take responsibility for your tasks and are good at collaborating with others. We place great emphasis on your personal qualities.

In the Cognitive AI Systems unit, you will become an important part of a well-functioning team. You will grow, develop, and solve complex challenges together with others. You can, and are expected to, influence the unit's path forward.

Meritorious

It is meritorious if you have several of the following qualities:

• A strong interest in AI, both in how AI can be utilized to build better systems and how it can be used in systems to enhance system capability.
• Experience with autonomous agents and ML pipelines.
• Solid experience in system architecture and a good understanding of software design principles.
• Experience in technical leadership, equivalent to SW-Techlead.
• A passion for innovation, research, and continuous learning.
• Experience from the defence or security sector.

What do we offer you?

The Total Defence Research Institute (FOI) is a government agency conducting world-leading research in defence and security to support Sweden's military and civil defence. We offer a unique workplace where you will have the opportunity to work on what is important for total defence and society as a whole. The research is applied both within defence authorities and with civil actors and plays a crucial role in building a relevant and effective defence capability.

We consciously work for a good work environment with a good balance between work and private life. In addition, we offer a range of benefits. Read more about what it is like to work with us: Work with us (https://www.foi.se/jobba-hos-oss.html)

The position is a permanent employment that may begin with a six-month probationary period.

Do you want to be part of seeking answers for a safer world?

Welcome with your application in the form of a CV and cover letter via the application button no later than January 18, 2026.

For more information about the position, you are welcome to contact Mikael Jangelind. Union representatives are Niclas Wadströmer (Saco-S) and Anette Frid (OFR/S – ST) All can be reached at 08-555 030 00.

As the employment is placed in a security class, Swedish citizenship is required. A security screening with a background check will be conducted before employment according to the Security Protection Act (2018:585). Prior to the security screening, certified copies of relevant education and service certificates will be requested.

FOI is an authority whereby submitted application documents become public documents that may be disclosed to outsiders upon request according to the Public Access to Information and Secrecy Act.

Offers from recruitment companies are not welcome.