TNO

About this position

At TNO, we work together with Defence to develop advanced technologies that contribute to information superiority, situational awareness, and operational effectiveness. These include radar technology, electronic warfare, sensor technology, and wireless communication systems.

As an Electrical Engineer, you will contribute to the development, analysis, and validation of innovative technologies within the electromagnetic spectrum, ranging from radar and sensor technology to electronic warfare and wireless communication systems. In this role, you will combine technical depth with societal impact, working on solutions that directly contribute to the security of the Netherlands and its allies.

What will be your role?

As an Electrical Engineer, you will work on research and innovation projects within the Electromagnetics & Military Operations (E&MO) division. Together with engineers, researchers, systems engineers, project managers, and analysts, you will develop technologies that support Defence organizations in addressing 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 applications;
• Electronic Warfare (EW/CEMA);
• Sensor integration, system validation, and prototyping;
• System design and integration of innovative solutions.

You will work on technologies that have direct real-world applications. Your work may range from analysing electromagnetic signals and developing algorithms to building prototypes and conducting experiments in realistic operational environments.

No two projects are alike. One day, you may be developing a new sensor system; the next, you could be analysing complex electromagnetic signals or testing a prototype during an experiment or demonstration.

Working through UMBRA

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

From your very first day, you will contribute to active projects and have the opportunity to explore different technologies, research groups, and application domains within the E&MO division. This enables you to discover where your knowledge, experience, and ambitions can make the greatest impact.

Depending on the challenges at hand and your expertise, you will collaborate with various research groups and disciplines. This variety allows you to gain experience across multiple technologies and application areas while making a valuable contribution to ongoing Defence projects and building a broad network within the division.

The strength of UMBRA lies in its combination of societal impact, technical challenge, and personal development. You will contribute to innovative solutions for current Defence challenges while also having opportunities to expand your expertise in new technologies and domains.

Whether you are at the beginning of your career or already bring substantial experience, UMBRA provides the level of responsibility and support that matches your knowledge and background. Junior colleagues are guided by experienced professionals, while mid-level and senior engineers are given the opportunity to shape technical solutions, coach colleagues, and play a key role in developing new areas of expertise.

What we expect from you

You are a curious engineer who enjoys tackling complex technical challenges and is motivated by developing solutions with societal impact.

In addition, you have:

• A university degree (MSc) in Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, Telecommunications, Embedded Systems, Applied Physics, or a related technical field;
• Knowledge of or affinity with radar, sensor, and wireless communication systems;
• Experience with or interest in Digital Signal Processing, RF technology, or Software Defined Radios;
• Preferably experience with programming in Java, Python, C/C++, or MATLAB;
• An interest in system development, experimentation, and prototyping;
• An affinity with Defence, security, and high-tech innovation;
• Good command of both Dutch and English.

Experience within a high-tech, research, or Defence environment is considered an advantage, but it is certainly not a requirement. What matters most is that you are curious, enjoy working collaboratively, and are eager to continue developing yourself.

Where will you work?

You will join TNO Defence, Safety & Security, within the Electromagnetics & Military Operations (E&MO) division. Here, researchers, software engineers, systems engineers, and analysts work every day on innovative technologies for Defence and security.

Our expertise ranges from radar and sensor technology to electronic warfare, simulation, data analytics, and operational decision-making. We work closely with Defence organizations, research institutions, and international partners to develop solutions that contribute to a safer world.

Within E&MO, you will have considerable freedom to take initiative, develop new ideas, and grow professionally. You will work alongside colleagues who are equally passionate about translating technological innovation into practical solutions that make a real-world impact.

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 € 3.533 and € 8.072 (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.

Perhaps you would like to grow your career in the direction of commerce or consultancy? Or would you like to become a project manager? Immerse yourself in sustainable innovations? Or carve out a career as a technical expert?

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 comprises two interview rounds. In a final meeting we will discuss the terms of employment and your tailored benefits package. We aim to finalize the entire process within four weeks.

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.