Master Thesis - Engineering to Develop a Digital Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) Platform

Company Description

AFRY is a European leader in engineering, design, and advisory services, with a global reach. We accelerate the transition towards a sustainable society. With 19,000 experts in infrastructure, industry, energy, and digitalisation, we create sustainable solutions for generations to come.

Many of our employees started their journey at AFRY through their thesis work. It’s a great opportunity to build valuable relationships and explore future career paths.

AFRY Defence supports customers within the defence and security domain by providing expertise in systems engineering, digitalization, software development, logistics, and capability development. As defence systems become increasingly software-intensive and data-driven, there is a growing need for modern tools that support Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) throughout the system lifecycle.

This thesis offers an opportunity to combine systems engineering methodologies with practical software development to create a modern ILS solution with real-world applicability within the defence sector.

Job Description

Location: Solna, Sweden
Company: AFRY Defence
Level: Master's Thesis (30 ECTS) 
Scope: 20 weeks, 1-2 students                                                                                                                    Timeline: Spring 2027
 

Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) is a key discipline within defense and aerospace systems, ensuring that products and capabilities can be operated, maintained, and supported throughout their life cycle. Many organizations still rely on fragmented tools, spreadsheets, databases, and manual processes to manage logistics data, maintenance information, requirements, and support analysis.

There is significant potential to improve efficiency, traceability, and decision-making through a digital platform that integrates logistics information into a single system.

At the same time, Systems Engineering (SE) provides structured methods for capturing stakeholder needs, defining requirements, managing traceability, and ensuring that developed solutions satisfy operational objectives.

This thesis aims to investigate how Systems Engineering principles can be applied to define, design, and develop a modern software-based ILS platform.

Qualifications

Research Questions

Examples of research questions include:

• How can Systems Engineering methods be applied to the development of digital ILS solutions?
• How can stakeholder needs and ILS processes be transformed into system requirements?
• What software architecture best supports scalability, maintainability, and traceability within an ILS tool?
• How can logistics data, maintenance information, and support analyses be effectively managed through modern software technologies?
• What benefits and challenges arise when combining Systems Engineering practices with agile software development?

Scope of Work

The thesis may include the following activities:

Systems Engineering Activities

• Stakeholder identification and analysis
• Operational concept and use case development
• Requirement elicitation and requirement management
• Requirements traceability
• Functional decomposition
• Logical and physical architecture design
• Verification and validation planning
• Development of a System Requirements Specification (SyRS)

Software Development Activities

Design and implementation of a software platform consisting of:

Backend

• Python-based backend services
• REST API development
• Business logic implementation
• Data processing and analytics

Database

• SQL database design and implementation
• Data models for logistics and maintenance data
• Traceability and configuration management structures

Frontend

• Modern web interface
• Dashboard visualization
• User interaction workflows
• Reporting functionality

Potential technologies:

• Python
• FastAPI or Flask
• SQL Server/PostgreSQL
• React, Angular, or similar frontend frameworks
• Docker
• Azure or cloud-based deployment technologies

Expected Deliverables

The thesis is expected to deliver:

• Systems Engineering process and methodology description
• Stakeholder and requirements analysis
• System architecture documentation
• Software requirements specification
• Prototype implementation
• Backend services and database solution
• Frontend user interface
• Demonstrated traceability from stakeholder needs to implementation
• Evaluation and recommendations for future ILS digitalization initiatives

Desired Student Profile

We are looking for students pursuing a Master's degree in areas such as:

• Systems Engineering
• Computer Science
• Software Engineering
• Industrial Engineering
• Information Systems
• Mechanical Engineering with software focus
• Applied Mathematics and Engineering Physics

Preferred qualifications:

• Knowledge of Systems Engineering principles
• Experience with Python development
• Basic understanding of SQL databases
• Interest in software architecture and digitalization
• Analytical mindset and structured working approach
• Interest in defence, aerospace, or complex technical systems

Experience with one or more of the following is considered meritorious:

• MBSE (Model-Based Systems Engineering)
• SysML
• Requirements engineering
• DevOps
• Cloud solutions
• Data analytics
• Logistics and maintenance engineering

Additional Information

What AFRY Offers

At AFRY Defense, you will work closely with experienced systems engineers, software architects, and defense specialists. The thesis provides an opportunity to gain practical experience in the intersection between systems engineering, software development, and defense logistics while contributing to future digital capabilities within the sector.

Students will receive guidance from experts in:

• Systems Engineering
• Software Engineering
• Defence Logistics
• Digital Transformation
• Solution Architecture

How to Apply

Application: Submit your CV, transcript, and a short motivation describing your interest in Systems Engineering, software development, and defence technology.

Closing date for applications: November 20, 2026

Contact:

Gustav Orrskog

gustav.orrskog@afry.com 

At AFRY, we engineer change in everything we do. Change happens when brave ideas come together. When we collaborate, innovate technology, and embrace challenging points of view. That’s how we're making future. We are actively looking for qualified candidates to join our inclusive and diverse teams across the globe. Join us in accelerating the transition towards a sustainable future.