Research Engineer in AI

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

Do you want to work with challenging applications in the AI field to strengthen total defense in both the short and long term? Are you a passionate software developer with a special interest in rapid prototyping? 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 defense and security. You will experiment with the latest AI technologies, adapt them to the needs of total defense, and investigate both 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.

With us, you will get to:

• Work at the forefront of AI-driven software development in Sweden's perhaps largest and sharpest AI environment.
• Have significant influence over architecture and technical choices.
• Have the opportunity to work with solutions that have real societal benefits and impact.
• Be part of a culture that encourages creativity, exploration, and learning.

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

About the Unit

You will be part of the Cognitive AI Systems unit, which is part of the Command Systems area within the Cyber Defense and Command Technology department. We work 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 the department does: Cyber Defense and Command Technology (https://www.foi.se/jobba-hos-oss.html). You can also read more about what we do in Scientific Publications Decision Support Systems (https://www.foi.se/jobba-hos-oss.html) and in Technical Reports Decision Support Systems (https://www.foi.se/jobba-hos-oss.html).

Do you have the competence profile we need?

Requirements

We are looking for someone who has:

• A Master's degree in computer engineering, computer science, software development (Software Engineering), or another related education and experience that we consider equivalent and relevant for the position.
• A full-stack mindset – comfortable in frontend, backend, APIs, and development tools.
• The ability to iterate quickly and deliver full-stack prototypes at various TRL/maturity levels according to the principles of rapid prototyping.
• Experience with cloud platforms and modern DevOps practices.
• Good communication skills in both spoken and written Swedish and English.

As a person, you are proactive and have good analytical and problem-solving skills. You are self-driven and take responsibility for your tasks while also being good at collaborating with others.

We also see that you have a strong passion for innovation, research, and continuous learning that drives you to constantly want to develop and deepen your skills. We place great importance on these personal qualities!

Meritorious

It is meritorious if you have:

• A strong interest in AI and how AI can be used in software development, demonstrated through work experience, studies, or other engagements.
• Experience in UX/user experience (e.g., user mapping, interaction design, and user testing).
• Experience in system architecture and a good understanding of software design principles.
• Experience in technical leadership, equivalent to SW-Techlead.
• Experience from the defense or security sector.

What do we offer you?

The Total Defence Research Institute (FOI) is a government agency conducting world-leading research in defense and security to support Sweden's military and civil defense. We offer a unique workplace where you have the opportunity to work on what is important for total defense and society as a whole. The research is applied both within defense authorities and with civil actors and plays a crucial role in building a relevant and effective defense 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's like to work with us: Work with us (https://www.foi.se/jobba-hos-oss.html).

The position is a permanent employment that may start 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 by March 22!

For more information about the position, please contact Unit Manager Martin Tiberg. 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 check with a background check will be conducted before employment according to the Security Protection Act (2018:585). For the security check, certified copies of the relevant education and service certificates will be requested.

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

Offers from recruitment companies are not welcome.