Thesis Worker

At Kalmar, we are moving goods in critical supply chains around the world. As the forerunner in sustainable material handling equipment and services, we set the industry benchmark for a zero-emission future. We are driven by teamwork, innovation, and taking ownership to deliver results. With our global reach and local expertise, our success starts with a strong focus on the customer, ensuring their needs guide our daily work. We are dedicated to respecting others and fostering an inclusive culture where all voices are heard, empowering us to succeed together. With us, your work has an impact. Your work moves the world! 

Join us and take your career to the next level

Are you a curious and driven student passionate about cybersecurity, embedded systems, and next-generation machine intelligence? Kalmar is offering an exciting Thesis Project Opportunity for Bachelor’s and Master’s students ready to shape the future of secure, intelligent logistics equipment.

Join our Counter Balanced (CB) Division in Ljungby, Sweden, and become part of a team building the next generation of safe, cyber-resilient machinery - supporting the transition to electric, automated, and digitally secure solutions.

You can complete this thesis as a Bachelor’s (15 hp) or Master’s (30 hp) project, either individually or in a team of 1–2 students. The expected workload corresponds to approximately 10 weeks for 15 hp and 20 weeks for 30 hp. The project will run between January and June 2026, with work conducted partly on-site at our facility in Ljungby, Sweden, and partly remotely, giving you the flexibility to balance hands-on exploration with independent research.

Thesis Project: Threat Analysis and Risk Assessment of Reachstacker

As global market leader in Reachstackers (RST), Kalmar is advancing its Diesel and Electric product ranges while preparing for the upcoming EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA). This regulation enforces security-by-design for all products with digital elements - wired or wireless - making cybersecurity an essential part of modern machine development.

This thesis will play a key role in evaluating and strengthening the cybersecurity posture of the Reachstacker platform to ensure compliance with the new European requirements.

As a Thesis Student in R&D, you will explore and analyse the full cybersecurity landscape of a Kalmar Reachstacker - from understanding internal machine networks to identifying potential threats and proposing mitigation strategies. You’ll work closely with experienced engineers as you apply theory to real-world industrial systems.

Your work will include:

• System definition and asset identification.
• Execution of a full Threat Analysis and Risk Assessment (TARA).
• Risk evaluation towards EU CRA compliance.
• Development of recommended countermeasures and safe-state concepts.
• Key Research Questions.
• How are critical digital assets and communication interfaces defined and protected within a Reachstacker?
• What high-impact cyber threats target internal machine networks such as the CAN bus?
• What architectural and procedural updates are necessary for CRA compliance?
• How can the machine reliably enter a “Safe State” during cybersecurity failures such as loss of integrity or authenticity?

Expected Outcome

• A complete Threat Analysis and Risk Assessment (TARA), aligned with frameworks such as ISO/SAE 21434.
• A compliance gap analysis addressing the EU Cyber Resilience Act.
• Recommendations for architectural or procedural changes that ensure safe-state operation during cybersecurity events.

What we offer you

“We believe true safety means feeling secure to speak up, make mistakes, and be yourself - and while that looks different across the globe, we’re committed to creating that trust everywhere we work.”

• Global Exposure: Collaborate with Kalmar colleagues across R&D sites in Sweden, Finland, the USA, Poland, China, Indonesia, and more.
• Real-World Impact: Work on cybersecurity challenges that directly shape the next generation of Kalmar’s intelligent heavy-equipment platforms.
• Mentorship & Guidance: Receive continuous support from senior engineers and cybersecurity specialists.
• Career Development: Strong candidates will be considered for future roles within Kalmar.
• Advanced Tools & Facilities: Access modern development tools, machine systems, and expert guidance to carry out your analysis.

What you bring to the role

• You’re enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s program in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Embedded Systems, or Network Engineering.
• You have a solid understanding of cybersecurity principles (network security, encryption, authentication).
• You are familiar with threat-modelling methods such as TARA.
• Knowledge of CAN bus/J1939, OT/IoT security, ISO 21434, IEC 62443, or functional safety standards is considered meritorious.
• You work analytically, thrive in collaboration, and are eager to learn.
• Strong written and spoken English skills.
• Familiarity with Google Workspace is a plus.

Contact Information:

Supervisors

Göran Bertheau - Manager CS Platform, goran.bertheau@kalmarglobal.com/ 0736708565
Halbastian Sardar - Development Engineer Mechatronics, halbastian.sardar@kalmarglobal.com/0720719552

Confidentiality

Discussions with external parties require advance approval from Kalmar.
All results, including the final thesis, must be reviewed by Kalmar prior to publication.

Ready to elevate your career? Apply today!

Submit your application including:

• A thesis proposal related to the topic
• Your CV
• A cover letter explaining your motivation and relevant background

We review applications on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply early to ensure full consideration.

About Kalmar
Kalmar (Nasdaq Helsinki: KALMAR) is moving goods in critical supply chains around the world, with the vision to be the forerunner in sustainable material handling equipment and services. The company offers a wide range of industry shaping heavy material handling equipment and services to ports and terminals, distribution centres, manufacturing and heavy logistics. Headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, Kalmar operates globally in over 120 countries and employs approximately 5,200 people. In 2024, the company's sales totalled approximately EUR 1.7 billion.
www.kalmarglobal.com