Meet Stein-Tore – a certified heavy vehicle mechanic:

Built for purpose – and built to last

After years of back pain, Stein-Tore made the decision to leave the truck workshop behind and start a new chapter in missile production at Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. Today, he helps build technology that must perform flawlessly every time – and in the process, he’s rediscovered both his motivation and everyday energy.

  • Text:Anita Nyheim / KONGSBERG

    Photo:Amanda Chapman-Stavn / KONGSBERG

Now 28, Stein-Tore spent several years working as a heavy vehicle mechanic before his back issues forced him to make a change. What used to be a fast-paced job full of heavy lifting became too much to manage. Today, he works at Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace on the final assembly of JSM missiles – in a workplace where health, precision, and collaboration take centre stage.

"I realised I had to make a change. Living with that kind of back pain just wasn’t sustainable. In my previous jobs, speed was everything – sometimes at the cost of your own health. Here, it’s different. You’re allowed to take the time you need to do the job right."

A new view of industry

At first, Stein-Tore was hesitant about applying to KONGSBERG. He worried the work would be repetitive and monotonous. But the reality turned out to be something entirely different.

"I was positively surprised. The work is incredibly varied, and I’m constantly learning something new. I thought it would be more like working on an assembly line, but the job also requires thinking, adaptions, and problem solving together with your colleagues."

Today, he works on what could be described as the next stage in the process after Camilla and her team. While Camilla assembles the missile body, Stein-Tore and his team install the electronics and mechanical components inside.

A sense of purpose, safety and well-being

"There’s no second chance. It has to work the first time."

What Stein-Tore values most about his job is the seriousness and responsibility that come with it.
"What we build is meant to be used once. That means no room for error – it has to work exactly when it’s supposed to. It really sharpens your attention to detail."

But this responsibility doesn’t weigh him down – it gives his work meaning.

It actually feels good knowing that what we do matters. And we have clear procedures, testing, and quality control at every step. You’re never left on your own – there’s always someone to rely on.

Working in the defence industry was something Stein-Tore gave careful thought. It’s not something he takes lightly.
“Of course I think about what this technology is ultimately used for. But at the same time – if we don’t build it, someone else will. And I genuinely believe it’s better that it’s done under Norwegian and allied conditions, where safety and ethics are a top priority.”

These days, Stein-Tore feels something he hasn’t felt in a long time: energy.
"I have a job I enjoy, that’s physically manageable, and where I know what I do actually matters. And on top of that, we have a great team – people really look out for one another."

His advice to others considering a career change or new direction is clear:
"Don’t be afraid to try. I thought I was walking into a boring, repetitive job – but what I found was variety, learning, and real purpose."

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