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What background checks are required for the recruitment of engineers for security classified projects?

Calendar Icon 15 October, 2025

Critical projects in the energy, defence, infrastructure and transport sectors have high security and reliability requirements. Engineers involved in these projects often have access to sensitive data, advanced technology or facilities that are crucial to Sweden's security. Therefore, background checks for engineers are not just a recommendation - they are a requirement to protect both the project and society at large.

In this article, we review what a security classified project means, what checks are relevant when recruiting engineers, the difference between traditional background checks and security clearance, and how DISA can support employers in a legally secure process.

Employee working behind computer

What does a security classified project mean?

According to the Security Protection Act (2018:585), activities that are important for Sweden's security are subject to special protection requirements. A security classified project means that employees may come into contact with information relating to national security or other critical functions. This requires the employer to carry out a security clearance, including a register check via the Swedish Security Service, before a person is allowed to participate in the project.

 

 

The role of engineers in security-critical projects

Engineers often play key roles in the development, operation and maintenance of technical systems. This can range from power supply and defence engineering to the construction of sensitive infrastructure. Their access to systems and information means that the risks of recruitment failure are significant - both from a security perspective but also from a purely financial one. Misrecruitment can lead to the risk of espionage, sabotage or financial irregularities.

 

 

What background checks are necessary?

For the recruitment of engineers for classified projects, a combination of statutory and voluntary checks are relevant. Some of the main ones are:

 

  • Security clearance (statutory) - Includes a criminal record check and specific interviews to assess loyalty and reliability.
  • Registry check by the Security Police - Mandatory in security classified projects. Provides information on the individual's background related to criminality and security threats.
  • Personal Identification Check - Ensures that the candidate is who they claim to be and that nationality does not pose a security risk.
  • Education and qualification verification - Confirms that the engineer's skills and qualifications are correct.
  • Work experience - Checks previous experience and employers' judgements.
  • Financial suitability - In some cases, a credit check is carried out, especially if the role involves financial responsibility or management of resources.
  • PEP and sanctions lists - Check against international databases to ensure the individual is not on risk and sanction lists.
  • Digital footprint - If necessary, social media or open sources can also be analysed to detect risky behaviour.

DISA offers all these checks and can customize them according to the sensitivity level of the role and the client's needs - even for international engineers.

 

 

Traditional background check versus security clearance

It is important to distinguish between a traditional background check and a security clearance:

●      Traditional background checks are often conducted by the employer or an external partner like DISA. It covers identity, education, references, financial background and other factors that affect the candidate's suitability.

●     Security screening is regulated by law and carried out in co-operation with the Security Police. It goes deeper and includes assessing loyalty, vulnerability and trustworthiness in relation to national security.

These processes complement each other. A background check can give the employer a holistic perspective on the candidate's trustworthiness, while the security clearance fulfils the legal requirements.

 

 

International background checks

As construction and engineering projects often involve international engineers, checks are sometimes required outside Sweden. DISA has the capacity to perform international background checks, including verification of foreign education, work experience and right-to-work checks. This is crucial to ensure that foreign staff also fulfil the same requirements for safety and reliability.

 

 

DISA's role in a safe recruitment process

For employers in critical sectors, a structured background check process is essential. DISA acts as a partner that combines legal compliance with practical experience. We work according to ISAE 3000 Type 2, an international standard for quality and data protection, which means that our processes are audited annually by an independent party. By partnering with DISA, you get a legally compliant, efficient and customised solution for background checks of engineers in security classified projects.

Want to know more about how we can help you create a secure recruitment process for engineers? Contact DISA for advice and customised solutions.