Electrical Engineer Electromagnetics & Military Operations

About this position

The security of the Netherlands relies on technological innovation. At TNO, we work alongside the Ministry of Defence to develop cutting-edge technologies that strengthen information superiority, situational awareness, and operational effectiveness. Our work spans radar systems, Electronic Warfare (EW), advanced sensor technologies, and next-generation wireless communications.

As an Electrical Engineer, you will play a key role in the design, analysis, and validation of innovative electromagnetic technologies. Your projects may range from radar and sensing systems to Electronic Warfare capabilities and wireless communication solutions. Combining deep technical expertise with real-world impact, you will contribute to technologies that enhance the security and resilience of the Netherlands and its allies.

You will join TNO Defence, Safety & Security, within the Electromagnetics & Military Operations (E&MO) department. This multidisciplinary team brings together researchers, software engineers, systems engineers, and analysts who are dedicated to advancing defence and security technologies. Our expertise covers radar and sensing, Electronic Warfare, modelling and simulation, data analytics, and operational decision support.

Working closely with Defence organisations, academic institutions, and international partners, we develop innovative solutions that help address complex security challenges and contribute to a safer world.

At E&MO, you will be given the freedom and responsibility to take initiative, explore new concepts, and shape your own professional growth. You will collaborate with highly motivated colleagues who are passionate about turning technological innovation into practical capabilities that make a tangible difference in the field.

What will be your role?

As an Electrical Engineer, you will contribute to research and innovation projects within the Electromagnetics & Military Operations (E&MO) division. Working alongside engineers, researchers, systems engineers, project managers, and analysts, you will develop technologies that help Defence address complex operational challenges.

Depending on your expertise and interests, you may work on:

• Radar, RF, and wireless communication systems
• Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and signal analysis
• Software Defined Radios (SDRs)
• Embedded systems and FPGA-based solutions
• Electronic Warfare (EW) and Cyber Electromagnetic Activities (CEMA)
• Sensor integration, system validation, and prototyping
• System design and the integration of innovative technologies

Your work will focus on technologies that have a direct operational impact. From analysing electromagnetic signals and developing advanced algorithms to building prototypes and conducting experiments in realistic operational environments, you will help bridge the gap between research and real-world application.

No two projects are the same. One day you may be developing a next-generation sensing capability; the next, analysing complex electromagnetic signals or testing a prototype during a field trial or demonstration.

Working through UMBRA

You will start your journey within UMBRA, an innovative environment where new colleagues collaborate on the technological challenges of tomorrow. As part of a multidisciplinary team of software engineers, systems engineers, project managers, researchers, and analysts, you will contribute to a wide range of research and development projects.

From day one, you will be involved in active projects and given the opportunity to explore different technologies, research groups, and application domains across the E&MO division. This enables you to discover where your skills, experience, and ambitions can make the greatest impact. Depending on project needs and your expertise, you will collaborate with various teams and disciplines, gaining exposure to a broad spectrum of technologies and applications while building a strong professional network throughout the division.

The strength of UMBRA lies in its unique combination of societal relevance, technical challenge, and personal development. You will contribute to innovative solutions for real-world Defence challenges while continuously expanding your expertise in emerging technologies and technical domains.

Whether you are at the start of your career or bring extensive professional experience, UMBRA offers the level of responsibility and support that matches your background. Junior colleagues benefit from mentoring by experienced professionals, while mid-level and senior engineers are empowered to shape technical solutions, mentor others, and play a leading role in developing new areas of expertise.

What we expect from you

You are a curious and driven engineer who enjoys tackling complex technical challenges and developing solutions that make a real societal impact. You recognize yourself in some or all of the following qualifications. We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in one or more of these areas:

• A Master's degree (MSc) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Embedded Systems, Telecommunications, or a related field;
• Knowledge of or affinity with one or more of the following domains: radar and sensor systems, antenna technology, or wireless communication systems;
• Experience with or interest in electromagnetic (EM) analysis, antenna design, and/or RF systems;
• Preferably hands-on experience with EM simulation tools (such as CST, HFSS, or similar) and knowledge of propagation modelling, radiation patterns, or antenna array configurations;
• A solid understanding of the functional building blocks of modern transmitter, receiver, and sensing systems, and the ability to translate theoretical concepts into practical hardware and software implementations;
• Experience with or interest in Software Defined Radio (SDR) technologies and/or the development of custom applications;
• Experience with or interest in programming (for example Python, C/C++, or MATLAB);
• Knowledge of embedded computing, FPGA technology, and RF electronics is considered a plus;
• Interest in system development, experimentation, and prototyping, whether in laboratory or field-test environments;
• A strong interest in defence and security-related challenges;
• The ability to thrive in a technically complex and sometimes uncertain environment;
• Excellent communication skills in both Dutch and English, written and spoken.

In addition, you work in a structured and meticulous manner, are naturally curious and eager to learn, and enjoy collaborating in multidisciplinary teams. You take initiative, proactively identify opportunities for improvement and innovation, and demonstrate ownership of the quality, reliability, and impact of your work.

What you'll get in return

Challenging and varied work with a real impact. And plenty of opportunities as, at TNO, you are in charge of shaping your career. We offer a gross monthly salary between € 3.500 and € 7.700 (based on your knowledge and experience), 8% holiday pay, a 13^th month bonus of 8.33% and a flex budget (5.58% + € 180). In addition, you will be given every opportunity to develop yourself.

TNO offers optional employee benefits, enabling you to tailor your benefits package to match your personal situation. You may also expect:

• An extremely professional, innovative working environment where colleagues are leading experts in their field.
• The opportunity to attend courses, workshops and conferences, and to receive training and coaching based on your needs.
• 33 days annual leave plus a flexible holiday that can be used on a cultural, religious, or otherwise important day of your choosing (on a full-time basis).
• An employer working towards a respectful, inclusive, and equitable work environment where every employee can flourish, with various initiatives such as Jong TNO, numerous expertise based guilds, Rainbow Community and Round Tables on diverse inclusion topics.
• We offer a comprehensive and flexible mobility plan that also includes full compensation for public transportation for commuting and business travel.
• Great social events with your team and other TNO colleagues. That’s how you will get to know a lot of people really quickly.
• Flexible working hours, the possibility to work parttime (32 or 36 hours) and the possibility of working from home.
• A good pension scheme.

Read more about tailoring your benefits package.

TNO as an employer

Our people are at the heart of TNO. Their curiosity, expertise and entrepreneurial mindset make it possible to deliver high-impact research and innovations that contribute to society’s sustainable wellbeing and prosperity. That is why we invest in an inspiring and inclusive working environment where colleagues can excel, have autonomy and continue to grow.

Your talent and ambition have every opportunity to flourish at TNO. You work with experts (both within and beyond TNO), have access to advanced technology and the freedom to explore, experiment and innovate. Our strength lies in independence, reliability and collaboration. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. By working with businesses and government, and by connecting different perspectives, we strengthen our innovative capability and create responsible, meaningful results.

At TNO, we believe this is our time to help society, government and business move forward faster. Together with driven colleagues, you turn knowledge into concrete innovations or ventures that truly make a difference by combining the power of science and entrepreneurship. And in doing so, you make your mark on our time.

The selection process

The selection process may include an online assessment and a reference check.

A certificate of Conduct (VOG) is required before starting a new job at TNO.

As you will be working for clients in the domain of defence and security, a Certificate of No Objection issued by AIVD (the Dutch General Intelligence and Security Service) is mandatory. This means you will have to undergo a security screening. Read more about security screening.