What is a Software Engineer at AKKODIS?

At AKKODIS, the role of a Software Engineer—often encompassing titles like Systems Engineer, Cyber Security Engineer, or Automation Engineer—is far removed from typical web development. You are stepping into the world of Smart Industry. You will join a global leader in engineering and R&D services, working on mission-critical projects that power society. Your work will likely interface directly with physical systems in sectors such as Aerospace, Defense, Energy, Rail, and Life Sciences.

In this position, you are not just writing code; you are engineering safety, reliability, and innovation. You might be developing software for radar surveillance systems in Kongsberg, securing Operational Technology (OT) networks for offshore energy platforms in Asker, or programming PLCs for the next generation of railway infrastructure in Oslo. You act as a consultant, representing AKKODIS at client sites, which means your technical contributions directly impact the safety and efficiency of national and international infrastructure.

This role requires a unique blend of high-level software capability and a deep understanding of hardware, physics, and regulatory standards. You will solve complex problems where failure is not an option, contributing to projects that range from "greenfield" developments to optimizing existing "brownfield" industrial assets. If you are driven by technology that interacts with the real world, this is where you can make a tangible impact.

Getting Ready for Your Interviews

Preparing for an interview at AKKODIS requires a shift in mindset. You are interviewing to be a consultant who can be deployed to high-profile clients. Consequently, interviewers are looking for technical excellence combined with the adaptability to integrate into different client cultures and technical environments.

Domain Expertise & Standards – You must demonstrate familiarity with the specific standards relevant to your field. Whether it is IEC 62443 for cyber security, safety standards for civil aviation, or NORSOK for the energy sector, showing you understand the context of your code is as important as the code itself.

System-Level Thinking – AKKODIS projects are rarely isolated software applications. Interviewers evaluate your ability to understand how your software interacts with hardware components, sensors, and broader system architectures. You need to show you can see the "big picture" of a complex engineering package.

Consultancy & Communication – As a consultant, you are the face of AKKODIS. You will be evaluated on your ability to communicate complex technical concepts to stakeholders, manage client expectations, and work autonomously. Fluency in English is mandatory, and for many roles in Norway, proficiency in Norwegian is a critical asset.

Interview Process Overview

The interview process at AKKODIS is designed to assess both your fit for the consultancy firm and your specific suitability for a client project. Typically, the process is efficient but thorough. It often begins with a screening by an AKKODIS talent acquisition specialist who assesses your general engineering background, availability, and interest in specific industries (e.g., Defense, Rail, Oil & Gas).

Following the screen, you will likely face a technical interview with an AKKODIS delivery manager or a senior technical lead. This stage digs into your resume, your experience with specific tools (like PLCs, C/C++, or SCADA), and your understanding of safety-critical development. Because AKKODIS hires for specific assignments, this interview will be highly targeted toward the requirements of the current open project.

A distinctive feature of the AKKODIS process is the potential for a final "client interview." Since you will often work embedded within a client's team (such as a major defense contractor or energy company), the client may have the final say. This step is usually a mix of behavioral fit and technical validation. Throughout the process, expect questions to pivot between your technical skills and your ability to deliver results in regulated environments.

This timeline illustrates the typical flow from your initial application to the final offer. Note that the "Client Assessment" stage is pivotal; treating it with the same preparation level as your primary technical round is essential. The timeline can vary depending on the urgency of the project start date, which is often "ASAP."

Deep Dive into Evaluation Areas

The evaluation at AKKODIS focuses heavily on your ability to apply engineering principles in regulated, high-stakes environments. Based on the role's focus—whether it is automation, safety, or systems engineering—you should prepare for deep dives in the following areas.

Safety-Critical Systems & Compliance

For roles in Aerospace, Defense, and Rail, understanding safety is paramount. Interviewers need to know you can work within strict regulatory frameworks without cutting corners.

Be ready to go over:

• Standards knowledge – Familiarity with IEC 61508, DO-178C (Aerospace), or CENELEC (Rail).
• Risk assessment – How to perform safety analyses, risk and vulnerability assessments, and document results.
• Traceability – The importance of linking code and design decisions back to specific system requirements.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "Describe a time you had to implement a safety requirement that conflicted with system performance. How did you resolve it?"
• "How do you ensure your documentation meets the audit requirements for a safety-critical release?"
• "Walk us through your experience with Safety Integrity Levels (SIL) or similar safety classifications."

Industrial Automation & OT (Operational Technology)

If you are applying for roles involving infrastructure or energy, the focus will shift to the intersection of IT and physical machinery.

Be ready to go over:

• Protocol proficiency – Deep knowledge of Modbus, Profibus, Profinet, OPC UA, and IEC 61850.
• PLC & SCADA – Experience with programming Logic Controllers and designing Human-Machine Interfaces.
• Cybersecurity in OT – Understanding the Purdue model and IEC 62443 for securing industrial networks.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "How would you secure a legacy industrial controller that cannot be patched?"
• "Explain the difference between a greenfield and brownfield project approach in an automation context."
• "Describe a complex HMI/SCADA solution you designed. How did you handle data redundancy?"

Systems Engineering & Architecture

For "Systems Engineer" titles, particularly in defense, the evaluation centers on requirements management and architectural design.

Be ready to go over:

• Requirements lifecycle – From defining requirements to validation and verification (V-model).
• Hardware/Software integration – Managing interfaces between software modules and physical hardware (radars, sensors, actuators).
• Testing strategies – Planning and executing FAT (Factory Acceptance Tests) and SAT (Site Acceptance Tests).

Example questions or scenarios:

• "How do you manage changing requirements from a client halfway through the design phase?"
• "Describe a system architecture you designed. Why did you choose those specific interfaces?"
• "How do you approach troubleshooting a system failure where it is unclear if the issue is hardware or software?"

Key Responsibilities

As a Software or Systems Engineer at AKKODIS, your day-to-day work is dynamic and heavily dependent on your project assignment. You will typically act as a Package Responsible Engineer (PRE) or a key technical contributor within a larger project team. This means you own a specific slice of the project—such as the "Safety Procurement Package" or the "Control System Software"—and are responsible for its delivery from concept to commissioning.

Collaboration is central to the role. You will work in multidisciplinary teams, coordinating with electrical engineers, mechanical designers, and project managers. A significant portion of your time will be spent on technical documentation and specifications. In industries like Oil & Gas or Aviation, producing the correct documentation (datasheets, technical requisitions, safety reports) is as critical as the engineering work itself. You ensure that every deliverable meets strict client requirements (e.g., TR2237 for Equinor) and international standards.

You will also be involved in the practical side of engineering. This includes participating in bid clarification meetings, overseeing supplier follow-ups, and conducting testing activities like inspections, witness testing, and final commissioning at the client site. You are expected to be proactive, identifying potential scope changes or non-conformances early and reporting them to keep the project on schedule.

Role Requirements & Qualifications

Successful candidates at AKKODIS combine solid engineering fundamentals with the specific domain experience required by their clients.

Must-have skills

• Education: A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering (Computer Science, Cybernetics, Automation, Electrical, or similar).
• Relevant Experience: Typically 3 to 8+ years of experience in a specific domain (e.g., Subsea, Rail, Defense, or Process Industry).
• Language: Professional proficiency in English is required. For many defense and infrastructure roles in Norway, Norwegian proficiency is essential.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Proven experience with standards relevant to the role (e.g., NORSOK, IEC 62443, ATEX).

Nice-to-have skills

• Security Clearance: For defense and critical infrastructure roles, the ability to obtain a Norwegian or NATO security clearance is often a strict requirement.
• Certifications: FSE (Electrical Safety) courses, Ex (Explosion protection) certification, or specific vendor certifications (Siemens, ABB).
• Project Tools: Familiarity with tools like Navisworks, AutoCAD, Visio, or specific requirements management software.

Common Interview Questions

These questions reflect the "Smart Industry" focus of AKKODIS. Expect a mix of technical deep dives and behavioral questions regarding your consulting aptitude.

Technical & Domain Knowledge

• How do you ensure compliance with IEC 62443 when designing a network topology for a critical facility?
• Can you explain the Purdue Enterprise Reference Architecture and where your previous projects fit within it?
• Describe your experience with PLS programming. Which platforms (Siemens, Allen Bradley, etc.) are you most proficient in?
• How do you approach writing technical requisitions for safety equipment packages?
• What is your experience with "Redundant Network Protocols" like PRP or HSR?

Project Execution & Problem Solving

• Tell me about a time you identified a non-conformance in a supplier's delivery. How did you handle it?
• You are working on a brownfield project with limited documentation. How do you proceed with the system upgrade?
• How do you manage your time when you are responsible for multiple packages with conflicting deadlines?
• Describe a situation where you had to translate a vague client requirement into a technical specification.

Behavioral & Consulting

• How do you handle a client who disagrees with your technical recommendation regarding safety?
• Describe a time you had to work independently on a client site. How did you ensure you stayed aligned with the main team?
• Are you willing to travel or work night shifts if the project commissioning phase requires it?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will I be working at an AKKODIS office or a client site? Most roles at AKKODIS involve working directly at the client's location or in a hybrid model integrated with the client's project team. This is key to the consultancy model, allowing you to work closely with major players in the industry.

Q: Is security clearance always required? Not always, but for roles in Defense (Kongsberg) or Critical Infrastructure (Energy/Rail), it is a very common requirement. You must be eligible for clearance in Norway and/or NATO, which generally requires extended residency in Norway.

Q: How long do projects typically last? Project durations vary significantly. The job descriptions indicate assignments can range from 1 year to long-term engagements ending in 2027 or beyond. AKKODIS aims to redeploy consultants to new interesting projects as current ones conclude.

Q: What is the work culture like? AKKODIS fosters a professional, engineering-first culture. While you are part of the AKKODIS family (with access to training and a professional network), your daily culture will often reflect the client you are supporting, whether that is a fast-paced energy project or a structured defense environment.

Q: Can I apply if I only speak English? It depends on the specific role. Some international projects in Oil & Gas operate primarily in English. However, for roles in Rail, Public Infrastructure, and Defense within Norway, speaking Norwegian is often a strict requirement for communication and safety reasons.

Other General Tips

Highlight Your "Package Responsibility" In your interviews, don't just talk about "coding." Talk about "ownership." Use terms like "Package Responsible Engineer (PRE)" or "System Owner." Show that you can manage the technical, financial, and schedule aspects of a deliverable, not just the technical implementation.

Know the Client's World If you are interviewing for a role that supports a defense client, read up on current defense projects in Norway. If it is for Rail, understand the current infrastructure upgrades (like ERTMS). Showing you understand the client's business challenges sets you apart from other candidates.

Emphasize Documentation Skills Engineers often dislike documentation, but in the regulated industries AKKODIS serves, it is vital. Proactively mention your experience with technical writing, datasheets, and compliance reporting. Frame it as a strength, not a chore.

Be Ready for "Scenario" Questions You will likely face questions like "What would you do if..." related to safety violations or equipment failure. Always prioritize safety and process compliance in your answers. In these industries, "moving fast and breaking things" is not the right answer; "methodical safety" is.

Summary & Next Steps

A position as a Software or Systems Engineer at AKKODIS is a gateway to working on some of the most advanced and critical engineering projects in the world. Whether you are ensuring the safety of civil aviation, securing the energy grid, or modernizing national transport, your work will have high stakes and high rewards. This role demands a professional who is technically rigorous, process-oriented, and ready to represent a global leader in Smart Industry.

To succeed, focus your preparation on the intersection of your technical skills and the specific industry regulations (Safety, Automation, Security) relevant to the job post. Review the specific standards mentioned (like IEC 62443 or NORSOK) and be prepared to discuss how you apply them in real-world scenarios. Approach the interview with the mindset of a consultant: capable, communicative, and ready to solve the client's toughest problems.

The compensation at AKKODIS is competitive and commensurate with the high level of expertise required for these specialist roles. Salaries often reflect the seniority of the position (e.g., Senior vs. Junior) and the specific sector (Oil & Gas and Defense often command premiums). Additionally, as a consultant, your package may include benefits related to travel or specific project allowances depending on the assignment location.

You have the skills to drive the future of industry. Prepare thoroughly, focus on your engineering impact, and good luck! For more insights and resources to sharpen your interview skills, visit Dataford.