
Vard Design AS · ålesund
Shape the next generation of vessel concepts Do you want to take a leading role in defining future vessel designs for demanding clients across specialized ves...
Do you want to take a leading role in defining future vessel designs for demanding clients across specialized vessel segments?
At Vard Design, you will work at the very front of the design process – where the most important decisions are made. As Lead Naval Architect in Conceptual Design, you will drive the development of new vessel concepts, balancing performance, cost and sustainability, and play a key role in winning new projects.
We also have a core team of supporting specialists with long experience and in-depth skills and competence, enabling and amplifying the Lead Naval Architect capacity. We succeed as a team!
At VARD we care about nurturing talents and embracing diverse strengths, giving everyone the opportunity to develop and grow. Join us and be part of a community that celebrates your skills, and where together we are shaping the future of shipbuilding.
You will combine technical expertise, commercial understanding and leadership in early-phase projects:
You will have a visible and influential role, both internally and externally, and contribute directly to shaping VARD’s future project portfolio.
Qualifications
VARD works systematically for inclusion and diversity and encourage everyone to apply, even if your competence does not match 100% the above.
This employment may require a background check, or security clearance by the Norwegian National Security Authority.
Personal qualities
Our commitment to you
VARD recognizes the importance of having fun at work, this is why with Social by VARD you will have the chance to bond with colleagues through new experiences and shared interests. The social offer varies throughout the year and includes activities like 'walk and talk' during lunch hours, fjord cruises, cooking lessons, go karting, football practices and wine tasting, just to name a few.
KontaktinformasjonThomas Olsvik, Vice President Conceptual Design, 416 69 802
Kjell Morten Urke, General Manager, Vard Design, 997 48 982
ArbeidsstedSkansekaia 2
Nøkkelinformasjon:Arbeidsgiver: Vard Design AS
Referansenr.: 5150941714
Stillingsprosent: 100%
Regular
Søknadsfrist: 16.08.2026
Want to influence the bigger picture? At Saab, you can realise amazing innovations that keep people and societies safe. Together, we can truly make an impact - and your part matters. Your role We are looking for an experienced and driven Senior IT Architect to join our cross-functional team, Onboard Security & IT Architecture. In this role, you will play a key part in shaping and governing the IT architecture across Saab's naval platforms, including submarines and surface ships. You will operate in a highly complex, mission-critical environment, working with a wide range of interconnected systems-both developed in-house and externally procured. As a senior architect, you will be part of a team of architects that lead and drive architectural decisions, ensuring that onboard IT solutions are robust, secure, and aligned with both operational requirements and long-term strategic direction. You will collaborate closely with system engineering teams, stakeholders, and project management to ensure cohesive and future-proof IT solutions across multiple projects and platforms. Your main responsibilities: Drive and lead IT architecture design, development, and verification Define and maintain architecture principles, standards, and roadmaps Ensure alignment between IT architecture, operational needs, and system requirements Review, challenge, and approve technical solutions from an architectural perspective Support and guide system engineers and development teams throughout the product lifecycle Create and maintain architectural documentation (e.g. descriptions, guidelines, and policies) Contribute to technical governance and continuous improvement of architecture practices The position is based at one of our centrally located offices in Lund or Karlskrona, with occasional travel within Sweden and internationally. Your profile You are a senior and collaborative IT professional with strong communication skills and the ability to engage with stakeholders across disciplines. You thrive in complex environments and are confident in driving technical direction and influencing decisions. You combine strategic thinking with hands-on understanding and have a proven ability to translate requirements and analysis into robust, scalable, and secure architecture solutions. You are also a team-oriented colleague who contributes to a culture of openness, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement. Required qualifications A university degree in IT, engineering, software, or a related field (or equivalent extensive professional experience) Extensive, proven experience working as an IT Architect in complex and distributed environments Deep knowledge of IT architecture principles, methods, and best practices Demonstrated ability to design, develop, and govern large-scale IT solutions Strong experience translating business and system requirements into technical architectures Excellent communication skills in Swedish and English, both verbal and written Desired qualifications Experience working in defense, aerospace, or other security-critical environments Strong knowledge of cybersecurity principles and secure system design Experience with distributed, mission-critical, or real-time systems Familiarity with architecture frameworks and tools Experience integrating heterogeneous systems (in-house developed and COTS) Experience working in complex product development environments Knowledge of networking, virtualization, and modern IT infrastructure technologies This position requires that you pass a security vetting based on the current regulations around/of security protection. For positions requiring security clearance additional obligations on citizenship may apply. Please note that the selection process will begin in Week 34, starting after August 14. What you will be a part of Explore a wealth of possibilities. Take on challenges, create smart inventions, and grow beyond. This is a place for curious minds, brave pioneers, and everyone in between. Together, we achieve the extraordinary, each bringing our unique perspectives. Your part matters. Saab is a leading defense and security company with an enduring purpose, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 28,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world. Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defense capability of several nations. Read more about us here. If you have any questions about the job, don´t hesitate to contact Mattias Bruzelius, recruiting manager +46 734 18 87 49
ABOUT US STARK is bringing its expertise in software-defined unmanned systems to the maritime domain. Traditional fleets alone cannot safeguard this vast, critical space. Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) extend naval reach at lower cost and reduced risk to personnel. Our maritime family of systems is AI-enabled and built for reliable performance in the harshest seas, delivering NATO a fully integrated hardware–software capability for scalable ISR and strike operations YOUR MISSION As the maritime industry shifts toward full autonomy, the barrier to entry isn't just technical capability it is regulatory trust. While Work Boat Code 3 and Secure by Design initiatives protect us from external threats and provide the standard that must be achieved, the Safety & Compliance Lead ensures our systems are Safe by Design to deliver those standards. This role is the critical bridge between high level international standards (IMO) and our internal engineering output. You will be the architect of our IMO/Naval Authority compliance and Software Integrity Policy (SIP), ensuring that every line of code and physical system we deploy is stable, reliable, and legally compliant within the evolving global maritime domain. RESPONSIBILITIES * Act as the primary interface with the Naval Authority and international regulators. * Interpret and apply complex standards (e.g., IMO MASS Code, ISO/IEC standards, DEFSTA) across different jurisdictions. * Stay ahead of shifting international standards to ensure long term alignment of our autonomous platforms. * Establish and lead the framework for proving system integrity from day one. * Develop the Software Integrity Policy (SIP) to satisfy Naval Authority and IMO requirements. * Mitigate the risk of "retrospective engineering" by embedding safety requirements into the early stages of the SDLC. * Construct comprehensive "Evidence Packages" that prove systems are safe for operational use. * Oversee validation and verification (V&V) processes specifically geared toward autonomous control systems. * Manage the variations in software and hardware development standards required for different global markets. * Work alongside the Security Lead to form a "Compliance and Assurance" powerhouse. * Collaborate with engineering teams to translate abstract regulatory text into actionable technical requirements. QUALIFICATIONS * Proven experience as a Safety Engineer within the Maritime, Aerospace, or Defense sectors. * Deep understanding of Software Integrity Levels (SIL) and their application in autonomous systems. * Familiarity with Naval Authority Rules and the eemerging IMO MASS (Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships) regulatory landscape. * Ability to balance rigorous safety requirements with the agility needed for project delivery. * A "systems thinking" approach, understanding how software safety impacts hardware performance and environmental risk. * Exceptional ability to synthesise technical data into clear compliance reports for external auditors. * Experience in a "Lead" or "Head of" capacity, capable of fostering a robust safety culture across a multi disciplinary team. * For this position you must be eligiable for UK Secuirty Clearance and travelling to south Devon on a regular basis. Please contact Sally Grütte-Pad, Interim Lead TA Partner for any questions via talent@stark-defence.com
GitLab is the intelligent orchestration platform for DevSecOps. GitLab enables organizations to increase developer productivity, improve operational efficiency, reduce security and compliance risk, and accelerate digital transformation. More than 50 million registered users and more than 50% of the Fortune 100* trust GitLab to ship better, more secure software faster. The same principles built into our products are reflected in how our team works: we embrace AI as a core productivity multiplier, with all team members expected to incorporate AI into their daily workflows to drive efficiency, innovation, and impact. GitLab is where careers accelerate, innovation flourishes, and every voice is valued. Our high-performance culture is driven by our values and continuous knowledge exchange, enabling our team members to reach their full potential while collaborating with industry leaders to solve complex problems. Co-create the future with us as we build technology that transforms how the world develops software. *Fortune 500® is a registered trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, used under license. Claim based on GitLab data. Fortune 100 refers to the top 20% ranked companies in the 2025 Fortune 500 list, published in June 2025. Fortune and Fortune Media IP Limited are not affiliated with, and do not endorse products or services of GitLab. An overview of this role As a Senior Executive Assistant supporting two senior leaders within GitLab's Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) organization, you'll help VP-level leaders stay focused on delivering customer value by removing friction from daily operations. You'll partner closely with the VP, Global Solution Architects and the VP, High Velocity Sales & Sales Development, bringing structure, judgment, and steady execution to a fast-moving environment. In your first year, you'll build trusted relationships, establish reliable operating rhythms, and create clarity across scheduling, travel, events, recruiting coordination, and expense processes using tools such as Google Workspace, Slack, Zoom, Navan, and GitLab. What you'll do * Report to and support the VP, Global Solution Architects and VP, High Velocity Sales & Sales Development, providing consistent executive support across both leaders and their respective teams. * Own complex, high-volume calendar management across multiple time zones for both VPs, balancing shifting priorities and urgent requests. * Advise leaders on time management, prioritization, delegation, and organization so they can stay focused on the highest-impact work. * Coordinate domestic and non-US travel from start to finish for both VPs, including flights, ground transportation, lodging, security needs, documentation, and schedule changes. * Plan and execute team events such as off-sites, team-building activities, and company kickoffs across both organizations. * Partner with Recruiting and hiring teams to coordinate interviews, candidate communication, and onboarding logistics. * Prepare accurate monthly expense reports for both leaders, including receipt collection and reconciliation. * Provide coverage for other executive support partners and lead special projects and ad hoc requests that support the broader CRO organization. What you'll bring * Experience supporting multiple senior leaders or VP-level executives simultaneously in a fast-moving environment, with the ability to anticipate needs and reduce operational friction across teams. * Ability to independently manage complex calendars across multiple time zones and make thoughtful recommendations on prioritization and scheduling. * Skill in coordinating domestic and non-US travel logistics, including documentation, itinerary changes, and evolving schedules. * Proficiency with tools such as Google Workspace, Slack, Zoom, Navan, and related operational processes including expense reporting and purchase support. * Experience coordinating recruiting activities and onboarding logistics in partnership with hiring teams and candidates. * Communication skills that are clear, approachable, and effective across functions and levels. * Approach to event planning and operational work that is organized, reliable, and able to balance competing priorities across multiple leaders and organizations. * Openness to candidates with transferable experience who can learn new tools quickly and adapt to changing business needs. About the team You'll join GitLab's Chief Revenue Officer organization, where executive support helps leaders stay focused on building and delivering what matters most. This role works closely with the VP, Global Solution Architects and VP, High Velocity Sales & Sales Development, and sits alongside a globally distributed group of executive support professionals who collaborate asynchronously through clear documentation, shared processes, and strong cross-functional partnership. The team is focused on reducing operational friction through thoughtful calendar management, travel coordination, event planning, recruiting support, and dependable execution in a high-volume environment. HOW GITLAB WILL SUPPORT YOU * Benefits to support your health, finances, and well-being * Flexible Paid Time Off * Team Member Resource Groups * Equity Compensation & Employee Stock Purchase Plan * Growth and Development Fund * Parental leave * Home office support Please note that we welcome interest from candidates with varying levels of experience; many successful candidates do not meet every single requirement. Additionally, studies have shown that people from underrepresented groups are less likely to apply to a job unless they meet every single qualification. If you're excited about this role, please apply and allow our recruiters to assess your application. The base salary range for this role’s listed level is currently for residents of the United States only. This range is intended to reflect the role's base salary rate in locations throughout the US. Grade level and salary ranges are determined through interviews and a review of education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities of the applicant, equity with other team members, alignment with market data, and geographic location. The base salary range does not include any bonuses, equity, or benefits. See more information on our benefits and equity. Sales roles are also eligible for incentive pay targeted at up to 100% of the offered base salary. United States Salary Range $95,000—$160,000 USD HOW GITLAB SUPPORTS FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES * Benefits to support your health, finances, and well-being * Flexible Paid Time Off * Team Member Resource Groups * Equity Compensation & Employee Stock Purchase Plan * Growth and Development Fund * Parental Leave Please note that we welcome interest from candidates with varying levels of experience; many successful candidates do not meet every single requirement. Additionally, studies have shown that people from underrepresented groups are less likely to apply to a job unless they meet every single qualification. If you're excited about this role, please apply and allow our recruiters to assess your application. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Country Hiring Guidelines: GitLab hires new team members in countries around the world. All of our roles are remote, however some roles may carry specific location-based eligibility requirements. Our Talent Acquisition team can help answer any questions about location after starting the recruiting process. Privacy Policy: Please review our Recruitment Privacy Policy. Your privacy is important to us. GitLab is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. GitLab’s policies and practices relating to recruitment, employment, career development and advancement, promotion, and retirement are based solely on merit, regardless of race, color, religion, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression), national origin, age, citizenship, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information (including family medical history), discharge status from the military, protected veteran status (which includes disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, active duty wartime or campaign badge veterans, and Armed Forces service medal veterans), or any other basis protected by law. GitLab will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. See also GitLab’s EEO Policy and EEO is the Law. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know during the recruiting process.