Internship | Billing, metering and cost models in federated clouds

Big Tech currently dominates the cloud computing market — TNO is exploring an alternative path. Will you help shape a more open and decentralised cloud landscape by researching billing, metering, and potential cost‑ and collaboration models for federated clouds?

As a Master’s thesis intern, you will take ownership of the research track on billing, metering, and cost/collaboration models for federated clouds. You will work independently to survey the state of the art, extract requirements from real-world use cases, and design and prototype metering and billing mechanisms that function across providers. Expect to model and compare cost- and revenue‑sharing schemes (e.g., clearing/settlement across participants), validate interoperability and portability against open interfaces, and run small-scale experiments on a federated testbed. You’ll engage stakeholders to refine assumptions, translate findings into actionable design choices, and deliver results in a clear thesis and, where possible, reusable artifacts that advance an open cloud ecosystem.

You will join TNO’s ECOFED team—an ambitious, multidisciplinary group building a real federated cloud with European partners. We operate at the forefront of the European cloud ecosystem, turning open, interoperable, and portable‑by‑design ideas into running systems. The team blends cloud engineering, architecture, economics, and standards expertise, offering close guidance while giving you the freedom to lead your work. Our culture is curious, pragmatic, and open‑ecosystem–minded: we collaborate with industry, research, and public-sector stakeholders, value clean interfaces over lock‑in, and measure success by impact on a more open and decentral cloud market.

• Master’s-level student in cloud computing, computer science, or a related field.
• Strong enthusiasm for cloud technologies and modern cloud architectures.
• Motivation to pioneer European digital sovereignty and open cloud ecosystems.
• Able to work independently, structure research, and drive progress proactively.
• Interest in interoperability, portability, and open standards within multi‑cloud environments.

What you’ll get in return

You want an internship opportunity on the precursor of your career; an internship gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your prospective future employer. TNO goes a step further. It’s not just looking that interests us; you and your knowledge are essential to our innovation. That’s why we attach a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Furthermore, we provide:

• A highly professional, innovative internship environment, within a team of top experts.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo-, hbo- and mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Possibility of eight hours of free leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet other TNO professionals and join several activities, such as sports activities, (work-related) courses or the yearly ski-trip.
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world. Read more about TNO as an employer.

At TNO we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society. Want to know more? Read what steps we are taking in the area of diversity and inclusion.

After the first CV selection, the application process will be conducted by the concerning department. TNO will provide a suitable internship agreement. If you have any questions about this vacancy, you can contact the contact person mentioned below.

For this internship vacancy it is required that the AIVD issues a security clearance (VGB) after conducting a security screening. Take into account that this process may take about 8 weeks. If you have been abroad for more than 6 consecutive months, or if you do not have the Dutch nationality, it may take longer. Read more about security screening on the AIVD website.

Important to be aware of before applying:

• Before the start of the internship, the internship agreement from TNO needs to be signed. For students at a college or university based in the Netherlands, TNO uses the UNL-template (supplemented with a number of specific agreements from TNO). For students of foreign and MBO educational institutions, the TNO internship agreement applies. TNO does not sign any other internship agreements.
• Before the start of the internship, the educational institution will need to confirm in writing that:

1. you are enrolled at the educational institution during the internship, and;
2. the internship takes place as part of the programme of the study.

• The confirmation of educational institution takes place by signing the UNL template or forms prepared by TNO.
• Interns at TNO must be in possession of a Dutch residential address at the start of the internship. Performance of internship activities from abroad is not possible.