The Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI) is a government agency conducting world-renowned research within the fields of defence and security. Our mission is to generate knowledge and provide specialist support, based on the latest research, to advance and innovate Sweden’s military and civil defence, build resilience in society and meet future defence and security needs.
In collaboration with the Swedish Armed Forces, industry, civilian stakeholders and NATO allies, we deliver innovative, field-tested science and technology solutions to support and strengthen Sweden’s defence capabilities. Our work covers a diverse range of areas including under water research; cyber defence and security; space technology; electromagnetic warfare; sensor systems; civil defence; chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defence (CBRN); explosives; military systems and adaptation; and security policy and strategic analysis.
Rating Reviews
Rating is calculated based on
21
reviews and is evolving.
Pros: The best part is definitely the mission-driven work and the high level of job security you get as part of a government research institute. I've had the chance to work on some really interesting and impactful projects within defense technology and analysis. The colleagues are smart and dedicated, making it a great environment for knowledge sharing. Work-life balance is also very respected here, which is a huge plus.
Cons: The pace can sometimes feel a bit slow due to the administrative processes common in public sector organizations. Getting new initiatives approved can take time, and career progression isn't always as dynamic as in the private sector. There's a lot of valuable expertise, but sometimes collaboration across different departments could be smoother.
Advice to Management: Streamline internal processes to speed up project initiation and decision-making. Foster even more cross-departmental collaboration to leverage diverse expertise.
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Pros: The mission to contribute to Sweden's security is highly motivating. I appreciate the intellectual stimulation and the chance to work on cutting-edge research projects. Colleagues are generally very competent and collaborative. Work-life balance is excellent, and the job security is a significant plus for a public sector organization. The flexibility in working hours is also a definite advantage.
Cons: While growth is possible, the career progression can feel quite linear and sometimes slow, heavily dependent on internal structures and funding cycles. Bureaucracy can sometimes slow down project initiation or innovation. Opportunities for rapid advancement or diverse project exposure might be limited compared to faster-paced private sector roles. It's important to be patient.
Advice to Management: Consider streamlining some internal processes to allow for quicker project deployment and potentially offer more diverse internal development opportunities to retain talent.
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Pros: The work at FOI is genuinely impactful, dealing with complex problems in defense and security. You get to collaborate with highly skilled experts in your field, and the intellectual stimulation is constant. The job security is excellent given it's a government agency, and the work flexibility, especially for researchers, is generally good, allowing for focused individual work.
Cons: While compensation is decent for the public sector, it might not always compete with top private industry salaries, especially for highly specialized roles. Bureaucracy can sometimes slow down project initiation or procurement, which can be a bit frustrating when aiming for rapid development. Communication flow between different departments could also be more streamlined.
Advice to Management: Continue fostering collaborative research environments and look for ways to streamline administrative processes to better support fast-paced innovation and employee efficiency.
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How does [Company Name] ensure everyone feels included in their remote tech teams in [City, State]?
At [Company Name], our inclusion initiatives are core to our working culture, fostering a sense of belonging for all our employees, from entry-level developers to senior engineers.
How long does it typically take for a recruiter at a large tech company in San Francisco to respond after applying for a software engineering role?
From my experience applying to major tech firms in the Bay Area, I usually hear back within 3-5 business days for roles like senior backend engineer, sometimes faster if they're actively recruiting.
What's the day-to-day like for an FOI analyst at a mid-sized tech company in Seattle?
As an FOI analyst, I spend my days reviewing and responding to public information requests, ensuring compliance and data accuracy, which is crucial for our tech operations in Seattle.
Do I need to wear special safety equipment over my work clothes at the manufacturing plant in Ohio?
Yes, depending on the specific area of the plant, you might need to wear safety vests and steel-toed boots in addition to your regular work attire to ensure everyone's safety in the production environment.
Does your company offer good health insurance benefits for employees in the tech industry in San Francisco?
Yes, as a mid-sized tech company, we offer comprehensive health insurance plans that cover many medical needs, including specialist visits and prescription drugs, ensuring our San Francisco-based software engineers have excellent coverage.
How does [Company Name] foster a sense of belonging for remote tech roles in London?
As a remote software engineer at [Company Name], I've found our regular virtual team meetups and dedicated inclusion channels really help build connections across our London office and beyond.
What's the typical salary range for a junior software engineer in a mid-sized tech company in London?
When I joined a mid-sized fintech in London as a junior software engineer, the salary was around £40k, which felt competitive for entry-level roles in the area.
How does FOI impact salary expectations for entry-level marketing roles in a mid-sized tech company in London?
Based on my research for FOI, entry-level marketing salaries in London's mid-sized tech companies are competitive, generally ranging from £28,000 to £35,000 annually, reflecting the area's cost of living and the industry's demand for these roles.
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