Location: Oslo, Norway
Type: Full-time
Start date: As soon as possible
About Six Robotics
At Six Robotics, we build intelligent software that gives Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) the ability to collaborate, adapt on the fly, and execute missions that were previously impossible. From our base in Oslo, our 50+ experts in defence, software, and AI develop Valkyrie, our flagship autonomy and swarm platform used by both government and industry. In close partnership with the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI), we move fast from concept to live deployment, often in the field alongside end users.
We work with advanced hardware and software, a modern tech stack, and missions that demand both technical mastery and operational discipline. Everyone is close to the action, from deep technical problem-solving to field operations. We move fast and value clarity, integrity, and teamwork in everything we do.
At Six Robotics, every person executes with precision, adapts to changing conditions, and strengthens the team. We only hire the best. Getting in is hard, and you’ll be challenged every day. But if you have the skill, the discipline, and the drive to push your limits, you’ll find no better place to deliver real-world impact while collaborating and learning from the best in the field.
About the Role
We are hiring a VP of Engineering to lead the day-to-day operation and scaling of our engineering organization. Reporting directly to the CTO, you will take end-to-end ownership of execution cadence and delivery predictability, people leadership, and engineering hiring, while ensuring a healthy, high-performing organization.
As Six Robotics grows in size, complexity, and delivery pressure, this role is designed to take full ownership of engineering operations and talent leadership, enabling the CTO to focus on technical direction, architecture, and long-term technology strategy.
Success in this role means clear priorities, reliable delivery, and strong leadership across the engineering organization. Hiring scales without lowering the bar, teams stay aligned on what we are building and why, and leadership has clear visibility into delivery status, risks, and capacity.
What You Will Do
Build and lead the engineering organization Take full ownership of people leadership across all levels, with a clear focus on leadership development, performance management, and culture. Build a high-performing, resilient organization, handle difficult conversations with confidence, and reinforce the standards set by the CTO.
Scale the engineering team Own hiring quality and tempo as the organization scales. Identify and attract top talent, keep the bar high as volume increases, and ensure the engineering organization continues to grow with strong leadership and professionalism.
Own and shape the engineering execution Set the operating cadence for engineering, ensuring clear planning, predictable delivery, and strong coordination across teams as complexity and pressure increase.
Introduce a structure that enables speed Design and embed pragmatic processes (e.g. OKRs) that create clarity, alignment, and accountability without slowing down execution.
Partner closely with the CTO and leadership team Report directly to the CTO as a trusted sparring partner. Provide clear visibility into delivery status, risks, and capacity, and challenge constructively when needed.
What We Are Looking For
We are looking for a VP of Engineering who thrives in environments where responsibility is real, expectations are high, and delivery matters. You are a structured and resilient leader who can run engineering across all levels, take full ownership of outcomes, and bring clarity under pressure.
You are a strong people leader who is comfortable leading through others, handling difficult conversations, and making tough calls when needed. While you do not need to be hands-on with coding, you bring sufficient technical depth to be credible with strong engineers and to make sound trade-offs in software-heavy environments.
Reporting directly to the CTO, you operate as a close partner: aligned, trusted, and willing to challenge constructively to ensure the organization stays focused on what we are building, when, and why.
We Believe The Right Candidate Brings
8–10+ years of engineering leadership experience in scaling environments, with end-to-end accountability for delivery and people outcomes, including leading through managers.
Strong people leadership, including leadership development, performance management, and handling difficult conversations with confidence.
High standards for execution: predictable cadence, strong ownership, and pragmatic governance that enables speed.
Excellent technical communications skills.
Ability to structure and effectively keep leadership informed on Engineering status.
Sound technical judgment and sufficient depth to be credible with strong engineers in software-heavy environments, without needing to be hands-on with coding.
Fluency in English.
A relevant degree in engineering or natural sciences, or equivalent experience.
Nice-To-Haves
It would also be a strong plus if you have experience from top-tier consulting or advisory environments, proven experience building and/or scaling engineering organizations to 200+ people, and leadership experience from deep-tech companies.
Why Join Six Robotics
Build systems that matter Your work will be deployed in the field, trusted by operators, and critical to national defence.
Shape the future of scalable, robotic defence We’re shifting unmanned systems from pre-programmed drones to intelligent, collaborative autonomy.
Work where thinking and action meet We believe great engineering happens when people are given responsibility, trust, and room to move. Your ideas will shape the direction of our technology and our company.
Join a team that thrives under pressure We move from lab to deployment quickly, adapting as conditions change to ensure our systems deliver when it matters.
Work with purpose, supported by great benefits We offer competitive pay, equity opportunities, strong benefits, and a mission-driven environment built on clarity, integrity, and collaboration.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
At Six Robotics, we are committed to creating a workplace built on respect, integrity, and collaboration. We value different perspectives and experiences, and we believe that diversity within our team strengthens both our work and our culture. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply and help us build technology that makes a real impact.
Security Clearance
All employees at Six Robotics are required to undergo a security clearance (Sikkerhetsklarering) due to our close collaboration with the Norwegian Armed Forces. Prior clearance is not required; the process begins as part of onboarding. Eligibility is limited to candidates holding citizenship from NATO member countries. Due to the nature of this role, we can only consider candidates who hold Norwegian citizenship.
Please note that due to the holiday period, applications will be processed from early January. You are welcome to apply in the meantime, and we will review applications on our return.