Meet Joakim:

Quality as a resource – not as an enforcer

As Team Manager Quality, Joakim is responsible for the entire value chain – from supplier to finished product. “We are, in many ways, a jack of all trades. Our customer is the other divisions within Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, and our role ranges from contract dialogue and technical meetings to production follow-up and close cooperation with inbound logistics and suppliers

  • Text:Amanda Chapman . Stavn / KONGSBERG

    Photo:Magnus Bjørnnes / KONGSBERG

The programme area for which he is responsible for quality has grown rapidly over the past two years. What was previously focused on NASAMS production now also includes production for radar systems, MFU (Missile Firing Unit), NOMADS, antennas for the Space segment, and missile airframes.

“When I joined, we were one person handling quality and one for configuration management. We have now increased both roles to two. That says something about the growth – and the need for quality assurance at every stage.”

From supplier all the way to the end user

The workday is varied. Joakim and his team may be in technical project meetings one day and visiting suppliers the next. “One week we might be following up on a nonconformance at a supplier; the next, we could be closely involved on the production line to ensure everything is delivered in accordance with requirements. We are involved from A to Z – with the customer, internally in the project, in production, and at the supplier.”

This close involvement with the products and the processes is one of the aspects he appreciates most about the role. “You gain a broad range of experience and build a wide network. Travelling out to see the products and processes at the supplier adds an extra dimension to the job.”

One of the most significant assignments Joakim has been involved in is the delivery of NASAMS to Ukraine. “We have produced around 30 launchers for Ukraine, and it is both exciting and meaningful to be part of setting the standard – and to know that what we deliver helps protect lives and critical infrastructure,” he says, and adds:

“It puts a very special perspective on the work with quality.”

For him, quality is not about being the “police,” but about being a resource. “Quality should not be perceived as a pointing finger. Our role is to contribute, find solutions, and raise the standard in collaboration with production and other disciplines. The experience from Ukraine has reinforced that understanding – quality is critical to ensuring the equipment performs when it truly matters.”

The opportunity to shape the way forward

Joakim joined Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace in 2021, initially in the Space division, before taking on a new role in Aerostructures & MRO in 2023. There, he has contributed to building the quality team and defining the responsibilities and focus areas for the programme.

The changes we have gone through have created an opportunity to set the direction for quality. It has been a period of professional growth for me, while also giving me the chance to learn a great deal about military standards and requirements.

Joakim, Team Manager Quality

He describes the quality assurance team across Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace as both professionally strong and inclusive. “We meet regularly, share experiences, and discuss challenges. There is a good dialogue across divisions, with customers and suppliers. That takes us to the next level.”

“At Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, you get a secure workplace, significant opportunities, and the chance to contribute to something greater than yourself. In our area, you experience the full spectrum – from customer contact and project collaboration to production and supplier follow-up – and that makes the job both varied and meaningful,” he concludes.

Different roles, shared commitment

Meet Hanne, Joakim and Christian – three colleagues from the quality assurance team at Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. They work in different divisions, with different roles, backgrounds and areas of responsibility. What unites them is a shared commitment to quality at every stage of the delivery.