Make your mark on our time as a trainee at TNO

This is the time to turn your ideas into groundbreaking innovations. Become a trainee at TNO and work on a safe, sustainable, healthy, and digital world. Want to make your mark on our time? The TNO Traineeship starts on the 1st of September, 2025. Apply from the 5th of May 5 until the 25th of May, 2025.

As a TNO trainee, you will have the unique opportunity to accelerate your personal and professional growth. You can create your own career path by exploring 3 different roles of your choice over 2 years.

That is why we are looking for trainees who dare. Who do not shy away from challenges but embrace them. Who want to discover, learn and grow. We provide you with all the tools to do so through training sessions, workshops, peer consulting and a personal coach. Along the way, you are part of an enthusiastic group of about 30 trainees.

This traineeship is an opportunity to kickstart your career at an accelerated pace. Are you up for the challenge?

This is the time for the TNO Traineeship

What makes the TNO Traineeship so special? As a trainee:

  • You work in three different positions over two years. You arrange these positions yourself, choosing from more than 60 departments at TNO.
  • You get to develop yourself both personally and professionally. We offer a programme that includes a coach, peer consulting and courses to help you discover where your talents and ambitions lie.
  • You will be challenged with TNO-wide strategic projects. One half-day per week, you'll tackle complex issues together with other trainees and senior management.
  • We offer you a full-time position with a good salary and excellent employment benefits.

Important dates

The application for the TNO Traineeship 2025 is now closed. Unfortunately, you can no longer apply. The next traineeship starts in February 2026, with applications opening in September. Stay updated?

Receive a job alert

Frequantly Asked Questions

  • You have graduated no more than two years ago (MSc), calculated from the start date of the traineeship.
  • You have a bachelor's degree in:

    o Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics. In particular, we are looking for candidates with a background in: computer science, artificial intelligence, data science, (applied) physics, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering and (applied) mathematics.

  • You have a master's degree in:

    o A master's degree in a technical study, but you know and can show that you want to connect with other disciplines. Or:

    o A field of study that shows broadening and interdisciplinary connection. For example, a master's degree in Technical Business Administration, Innovation Management, Transition Management or Industrial Design.

  • You have a broad interest, which is evident from your combination of master's and bachelor's degrees, and/or your extracurricular activities that you have undertaken in addition to your studies.
  • You live in Europe.

    We hope to see the following in your motivation letter and assignment:

  • You are interested in and perhaps already have knowledge of and experience with helping to solve social and economic issues.
  • You are driven by knowledge and science and like to translate this into real world solutions.
  • You want to innovate and look beyond the status quo.
  • You are daring, in coming up with new ideas.
  • You have strong communication skills, which allows you to connect with the people around you and work towards new solutions.
  • You like a challenge and enjoy taking responsibility.
  • You take control of your work, but also of your own development.

At TNO, we attach great value to both professional skills and (inter)personal skills. These skills can be developed within or outside your studies or work. We are curious about the experiences you have gained, what you have learned from them and how the result of that learning process is visible in other experiences.

A University Master is required.

The TNO Trainee Programme may not seem like the best match for you, but you can stay informed by registering for our job alert(opens in a new window or tab) (refers to a different website) or view our other vacancies for something that matches.

No, you do not have to live in the Netherlands. Please note that we only consider applications from European residents. If you live in the Netherlands or another European country, but are a non-EU citizen, TNO can sponsor your work permit in the Netherlands.

Is your question not included?

Take a look at all the Frequently Asked Questions page.

FAQ

Become a time setter at TNO

At TNO, we are dedicated to making a difference through science and technology, continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible. We believe that this is our time. The time to move society, business and government forward.

This is your time too. The time to turn your ideas into groundbreaking innovations. At TNO, you work with state-of-the-art facilities alongside dedicated colleagues. From the safe encryption of money transactions using quantum mechanics, game changing radar technology for the Dutch Defense, to testing innovative energy concepts. Our impact reaches far and wide.

As time setters, we are working towards a future that is more sustainable, secure and smarter. Want to make your mark? Become a time setter at TNO!

Choose your own path in the TNO Traineeship

Become part of our enthusiastic group of 30 trainees and chart your own course in an organisation where innovation is key. Ideal for those who are not afraid of change, who make connections across disciplines, and who want to contribute to sustainable innovations for society.

Time setter stories

Read more
'Looking to grow and up for a challenge? The TNO Traineeship takes you out of your comfort zone.'
Charlot Felderhof - TNO Trainee
Read more
'Be proactive, curious, and dare to think outside the box.'
Meike van den Eijnden - TNO Trainee
Read more
'You must be willing to put in the work to get everything out of it.'
Tobias Mooy - TNO Trainee

Curious about what it's like to work for TNO?

Read time setter stories