Network Engineer for Innovative Defence Networks

About this position

Managing a standard corporate network? This is anything but standard. At TNO, you will work with experimental ICT and communication networks used for defence research, international exercises, and interoperability experiments. These are environments where new technologies are tested in practice, and where availability, security, and collaboration between different organisations are critical. We are looking for a network professional who can not only manage these environments alongside our experts, but also help further develop them.

What makes this role different?

You will operate at the intersection of network management, cybersecurity, innovation, and defence technology. The networks you are responsible for support researchers and technical experts during experiments and exercises, both in the Netherlands and internationally. This means your role goes beyond keeping the technology running. You will help determine what an experiment requires, configure the environment accordingly, and explore how emerging networking technologies can be applied. As a result, you will work with both established infrastructure and cutting-edge technologies that are still being researched, developed, and evaluated.

What will be your role?

Together with fellow network and ICT experts, you will manage and further develop a number of specialised experimental and communication networks.

Specifically, you will:

• Manage, configure, and further develop network environments.
• Work with technologies including IPv4/IPv6, routing, Cisco networking solutions, and cybersecurity.
• Translate the technical requirements of researchers and project teams into functional network environments.
• Ensure that network environments are available and secure when required for experiments and exercises.
• Analyse and resolve technical issues and implement improvements.
• Explore, evaluate, and apply new networking and security technologies.
• Collaborate with Dutch and international experts in the defence and security domain.
• Manage accreditation processes for experiments and locations in support of security authorities.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for users of your network environments.

Occasionally, important exercises or experiments take place outside regular working hours. For that reason, you will periodically participate in an on-call duty roster during evenings or weekends.

An example of your work:

An international team needs to enable secure communication between multiple systems and organisations during an exercise. The requirements differ significantly from those of a conventional corporate network, and not everything has been fully defined in advance. Together with researchers and technical specialists, you determine the necessary network architecture and capabilities. You configure the environment, ensure routing and security are correctly implemented, provide technical support during the exercise, and use the lessons learned to further enhance the environment afterwards.

This combination of operational management, network engineering, and experimentation lies at the heart of the role.

What we expect from you

Above all, we are looking for a skilled network professional who is excited by working in an environment where not everything is standardised and where innovation and experimentation are part of daily practice.

You have:

• A Bachelor's level of working and thinking, for example in Computer Science, Network & Security Engineering, Information Science, or a related field.
• Several years of experience in network administration or network engineering.
• Strong knowledge of IPv4/IPv6, routing, and networking protocols.
• Excellent command of the English language, enabling you to collaborate effectively with international colleagues and partners.
• A valid Category B driving licence.
• A hands-on mindset: you enjoy investigating technical challenges and finding practical solutions.

Nice to have, but not required

• Experience with Cisco networking technologies.
• Knowledge of network security or encryption equipment.
• Experience with Linux and/or Enterprise Windows environments.
• Scripting or programming skills, for example in Python, C++, or Java.
• Experience working in defence, research, or other highly secure environments.

You do not need to be a specialist in all of these areas. If you have a solid networking foundation and are eager to further develop your expertise in complex and secure network environments, we would be very interested in hearing from you.

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 € 4.105,- and € 5.200,- (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 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.