Johan Rydberg's journey at Combitech began somewhat by chance. After graduating from Jönköping University, a former classmate tipped him off about a position at Combitech that he had been offered but couldn't accept, having already signed a contract elsewhere.
– That's how I ended up at Combitech, and I've stayed within the Saab Group ever since, Johan says. His career has taken him to several different locations, often guided by another important part of his life: handball. Having played at a high level for around ten years, Johan has combined his professional career with competing for several clubs across Sweden. He was part of the Hallby team that made the journey from Division 1 to Sweden's top handball league. Later, when he joined Amo, he was able to transfer to Combitech's Växjö office. Further moves followed, with Combitech's flexibility allowing him to continue developing his career alongside his sporting ambitions.
– Combitech has been a fantastic employer in that respect. As long as you plan your work, there are great opportunities to combine your career with other interests. I've even worked on the team bus on the way to away games.
His part in Sweden's defence
After a period working at Saab in Arboga, Johan returned to Combitech in August 2026, taking on a new role in Stockholm as Consulting Unit Manager and ILS Manager.
– The timing felt right, and in a way, it was like coming home. I've always appreciated the opportunities to develop at Combitech, whether through training, new responsibilities or the chance to broaden my expertise. The combination of ILS management and leadership responsibilities was particularly appealing.
ILS, or Integrated Logistics Support, is about ensuring that complex technical systems and products remain available, reliable and cost-effective throughout their life cycle. Much of Johan's work relates to the defence industry, where effective maintenance planning plays an important role.
– You can compare it to servicing your car. You want to schedule maintenance when you don't need the car, so it's ready when you're heading off on a long holiday. The same principle applies to aircraft, military vehicles and other complex systems, although on a much larger scale.
For Johan, the appeal lies both in understanding how technical systems work and in knowing that his efforts contribute to something bigger.
– We have a lot of fun at work, and I have great colleagues. But when you look at the bigger picture, we're also contributing to Sweden's security and a more resilient society. I never did military service, so in a way, this is my contribution instead.
Making room for life outside work
Having spent much of his adult life balancing an elite-level sporting career with a full-time job, Johan knows the importance of flexibility. Today, as a father of two, that flexibility remains just as valuable.
– Work-life balance is something we talk a lot about at Combitech, and in my experience, it really works in practice. It's possible to have a rewarding career while still making time for your family and interests.
After three seasons playing Division 1 handball in Eskilstuna, a second serious knee injury last year brought his playing career to an end. However, sport remains an important part of his life. Johan and his wife both have a background in handball, and he hasn't ruled out coaching their children in the future. He is also considering running the Stockholm Marathon, depending on how his knee rehabilitation progresses.
The next chapter
With a new role and new responsibilities, Johan is looking forward to continuing his professional development at Combitech.
– I'm still new in this role, so there's a lot to learn. I'm looking forward to developing further within ILS management, becoming more effective in my work and being involved in future recruitment. It's an exciting opportunity to grow both professionally and as a leader.
Having already followed opportunities across several cities and roles, Johan is no stranger to new beginnings. While handball may no longer guide his next move, his journey at Combitech is far from over.
