K
✓ High Confidence Aerospace / Defence / Maritime Technology Reviewed 30 April 2026

Kongsberg Assessment & Interview Preparation

Technical Interviews, Security Clearance & Values Assessment

Guide country context: Norway · Aerospace / Defence / Maritime Technology

Hiring processes can vary by country, role, business unit, and year.

Kongsberg is a leading international technology group operating across defence and aerospace (KDA), maritime (Kongsberg Maritime) and digital (Kongsberg Digital). Their recruitment assesses technical excellence, security awareness and alignment with their values: Determined, Innovative, Collaborative and Reliable. Some roles require Norwegian security clearance.

ℹ️ This preparation guide is independent and is not official Kongsberg material. It summarises publicly available candidate guidance from kongsberg.com/careers. Hiring processes vary by division, role and security classification. Always follow the instructions in your own invitation.
⚠️ Some Kongsberg roles require security clearance from NSM (Norwegian National Security Authority). Be prepared for extended screening timelines and ensure complete honesty in all declarations.
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📋 Hiring Process

  • 1
    Online Application official
    Submit your CV and application through the Kongsberg careers portal.
    → Highlight relevant technical expertise, security eligibility and values alignment
  • 2
    Screening / HR Contact official
    Initial screening to assess qualifications, motivation and (for clearance roles) security eligibility.
    → Be prepared to discuss security clearance eligibility if applicable
  • 3
    Technical Interview official
    In-depth technical discussion with hiring manager and/or technical experts assessing domain knowledge, problem-solving and engineering/technology capability.
    → Prepare detailed technical examples with clear methodology and outcomes
  • 4
    Competency / Values Interview official
    Interview evaluating behavioural competencies, values alignment (Determined, Innovative, Collaborative, Reliable) and cultural fit.
    → Prepare STAR stories demonstrating each of the four values
  • 5
    Assessment / Case (Role-Dependent) official
    Some roles include technical tests, presentations, coding challenges or practical exercises.
    → Structure technical presentations clearly with attention to precision and reliability
  • 6
    Security Clearance (If Required) official
    For defence, aerospace and sensitive technology roles, Norwegian security clearance from NSM is required. This is processed after conditional offer.
    → Ensure complete honesty in security declarations; allow time for processing
  • 7
    Offer official
    Successful candidates receive a formal offer (may be conditional on security clearance).
    → Review offer terms and clearance requirements

📝 Assessments

Technical Assessment / Presentation technical case

Role-dependent technical assessment that may involve a presentation on a domain topic, a systems design discussion, a coding challenge or a technical problem-solving exercise. The format reflects the high-precision, reliability-critical nature of Kongsberg’s products.

Measures: Technical expertise, precision, systematic methodology, communication of complex topics

  • Structure presentations clearly with a logical progression
  • Demonstrate attention to precision, verification and reliability
  • For defence/aerospace: show awareness of systems engineering principles
  • For maritime: demonstrate knowledge of autonomous systems and navigation
Aptitude Assessment (Graduate/Trainee) cognitive assessment

For graduate and trainee programmes, Kongsberg may use aptitude assessments covering analytical reasoning, numerical ability and logical thinking to evaluate potential alongside academic achievement.

Measures: Analytical reasoning, numerical ability, logical thinking, learning potential

  • Practise numerical and inductive reasoning under timed conditions
  • Focus on precision and accuracy — reflects Kongsberg’s culture
  • Prepare for data interpretation with technical/engineering contexts
  • Build speed while maintaining careful verification

🎤 Interviews

Technical Interview

Kongsberg’s technical interviews explore domain expertise, engineering methodology and ability to deliver reliable, high-precision technology solutions. Expect detailed questions about your technical experience, problem-solving approach and quality mindset.

Format: In-depth discussion with hiring manager and technical experts, 45–75 minutes

  • Prepare detailed technical examples showing precision and rigour
  • Emphasise verification, testing and quality in all examples
  • Show how you balance innovation with reliability requirements
  • For defence roles: demonstrate awareness of security implications
Values & Competency Interview

This interview evaluates alignment with Kongsberg’s four values: Determined, Innovative, Collaborative and Reliable. Expect behavioural questions exploring perseverance, creativity, teamwork and dependability.

Format: Structured interview with HR and/or senior manager, 45–60 minutes

  • Prepare STAR stories mapped to each of the four values
  • Show perseverance in challenging technical or professional situations
  • Demonstrate innovation within a structured, quality-focused environment
  • Emphasise reliability and follow-through in your examples

🏛️ Values & Framework

Kongsberg Values

Kongsberg’s four values are Determined, Innovative, Collaborative and Reliable. Their mission is to deliver extreme performance for extreme conditions. Candidates should demonstrate perseverance, creativity, teamwork and dependability.

Determined Innovative Collaborative Reliable
  • Show perseverance and drive when facing challenges (Determined)
  • Demonstrate creativity, curiosity and technology-forward thinking (Innovative)
  • Emphasise teamwork, communication and cross-functional effectiveness (Collaborative)
  • Show dependability, integrity and consistent high-quality delivery (Reliable)
  • Connect examples to delivering technology for extreme conditions

⏱️ Preparation Plans

  • Memorise Kongsberg’s four values: Determined, Innovative, Collaborative, Reliable
  • Understand which division you’re applying to (KDA, Maritime, Digital)
  • Prepare 2 STAR stories demonstrating determination and reliability
  • Check whether your role requires security clearance and understand implications
  • Prepare 4 STAR stories covering all four Kongsberg values
  • For engineering roles: review relevant technical principles and systems
  • Research your target division’s products, projects and technology
  • Practise numerical and analytical reasoning under timed conditions
  • If clearance required: ensure your personal history is complete and accurate
  • Daily practice: numerical reasoning and logical thinking under timed conditions
  • Build a STAR story bank (5+ stories) mapped to all four values
  • Prepare for technical deep-dive questions in your specialist area
  • Study Kongsberg’s product portfolio and technology capabilities
  • For software roles: prepare coding challenges and system design discussions
  • Conduct a mock technical interview with domain-relevant questions
  • Research Kongsberg’s strategic direction: autonomy, AI, sustainability
  • Achieve strong analytical/numerical performance under timed conditions
  • Master STAR storytelling with clear links to all four values
  • Complete role-specific technical preparation (defence systems, maritime autonomy, software)
  • Deepen knowledge of Kongsberg’s competitive position and growth markets
  • Study industry trends: autonomous systems, defence modernisation, digital twins
  • Conduct full mock interview rounds (technical + competency)
  • For KDA roles: research Norwegian defence procurement and NATO context
  • For Maritime: study autonomous shipping, sensors and navigation systems
  • Build confidence discussing how you deliver extreme performance for extreme conditions
  • Ensure security clearance documentation is complete if applicable

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Kongsberg recruitment process?
The process typically includes application screening, HR/recruiter contact, technical interview, competency/values interview and role-dependent assessments. Some roles in defence and aerospace require security clearance from NSM, which adds processing time.
What are Kongsberg’s values?
Kongsberg’s four values are Determined, Innovative, Collaborative and Reliable. Their mission is to deliver extreme performance for extreme conditions.
Do I need security clearance?
Some roles (especially in Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace) require Norwegian security clearance from NSM. This is typically processed after a conditional offer. Non-Norwegian citizens may face restrictions for certain classified roles.
What divisions does Kongsberg have?
Kongsberg operates through three main divisions: Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KDA), Kongsberg Maritime, and Kongsberg Digital. Each has distinct technology focus areas and recruitment needs.
What makes Kongsberg different from other tech employers?
Kongsberg combines cutting-edge technology with extreme reliability requirements. Their products operate in defence, deep sea, space and remote environments where failure is not an option. This creates a unique culture emphasising precision, verification and innovation within safety constraints.

📚 Sources & Validation

This guide is based on publicly available employer career pages and candidate guidance. Actual process can vary by role, region, and hiring season.

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