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.

Common Interview Questions

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?"