Leading Engineering Across Disciplines 

Stefan’s role sits at the intersection of strategy and technical execution. 

“I lead and coordinate our technical teams across multiple disciplines,” he explains. “A typical day is a mix of strategic work and hands-on technical discussions.” 

His work spans everything from roadmap planning, product development, and resource allocation to proposal preparation. At the same time, he stays closely connected to engineering teams — discussing ongoing projects, supporting technical decisions, and ensuring customer deliveries stay on track. 

A key part of his role is maintaining momentum. 

“I try to create a strong sense of forward movement — making sure people feel motivated and that our technology continues to develop in the right direction.” 

Balancing Long-Term Vision with Technical Reality 

One of the most challenging aspects of Stefan’s role is also what makes it most rewarding: long-term product strategy. 

“We develop advanced, safety-critical space systems. The decisions we make today may influence products that will be flying many years from now.” 

That long horizon requires careful thinking — but the payoff is worth it. 

“The most rewarding moments are when our teams solve complex technical problems together, and when the products we’ve developed finally reach space and perform exactly as intended.” 

From Moon Missions to Modern Space Systems 

Stefan’s path into the space industry was shaped by a defining early experience. 

“The decisive moment came when I had the opportunity to work on the lunar mission SMART-1. After that, there was really no turning back.” 

What continues to inspire him is the unique nature of space engineering. 

“Space technology combines advanced electronics, robust software, demanding requirements — and a very concrete result: satellites operating in orbit. Few industries challenge technology in quite the same way.” 

The Power of Cross-Functional Collaboration 

A major lesson Stefan has learned is the importance of collaboration across disciplines. 

“If teams don’t work well together, the results are rarely good.” 

At AAC Clyde Space, teams work closely across areas such as AI and image processing, onboard computers, power systems, and satellite integration — often spanning multiple locations. 

“Each site brings its own expertise, and together we can solve complex challenges and deliver complete missions. There is always room to improve collaboration, and that’s something I care deeply about.” 

Building Strong Foundations 

One of Stefan’s proudest achievements is the evolution of engineering practices within the company. 

“We’ve built a strong quality culture and a modular approach to product design. That allows us to combine different units and create better system solutions for our customers.” 

By combining principles from traditional space engineering with modern innovation, AAC Clyde Space has created a flexible architecture that supports continuous development. 

“This gives us a strong foundation to take our product families — like Sirius and Starbuck — to the next level.” 

Advice for Future Engineers 

For those considering a career in space, Stefan emphasises curiosity and ownership. 

“Stay curious and take a genuine interest in what we do. The space sector offers both depth and breadth — so ask questions and explore.” 

He also highlights the importance of core engineering values. 

“Quality, precision, and teamwork are central. At the same time, you need to be ready to learn quickly and adapt as new technologies emerge.” 

Engineering — With a Unique Destination 

While space might seem extraordinary, much of the work is grounded in familiar engineering principles. 

“In many ways, it’s classic engineering — system design, development, documentation, and testing.” 

But there’s one key difference. 

“Not many engineers can say that part of their work ends up in orbit.” 

Life Beyond Engineering 

Outside of work, Stefan stays active and creative. 

He enjoys travelling with family and friends — especially when it involves cycling or skiing — and has a long-standing passion for music. He sings in the Uppsala-based male choir Orphei Drängar, plays drums in a hard rock band, and occasionally joins colleagues for karaoke. 

“It’s a great way to relax and come back with fresh energy for the next space challenge.” 

Looking Ahead 

Stefan is particularly excited about the future of AAC Clyde Space’s platforms. 

“The space market is evolving faster than ever. Developing the next generation of our platforms — including Sirius and beyond — will require both innovation and strong collaboration.” 

“It’s going to be an exciting journey.”