Senior programme and project manager of applied research | Eindhoven

The Netherlands is the high-tech manufacturing industry’s global leader. In order to maintain our leading position, we’re streamlining the development of innovative solutions through applied research. For applications in healthcare, for example, but also for the production of semiconductors. You can contribute to this as a senior programme and project manager at ESI in Eindhoven. Within the framework of a strategic roadmap (which you’ll help shape), you’ll lead projects in the field of systems engineering. In this role, you’ll work closely with the absolute top of the Dutch private sector and with your teams; after all, amazing results are achieved together! How will you futureproof the Netherlands’ high-tech ecosystem?

You’ll uncover the industry’s underlying needs, translating them into an overarching roadmap and project proposals (for which you’ll also apply for funding). Your projects will address questions such as ‘How can simulation be used to optimise the performance of new semiconductor devices?’ and ‘How can safety requirements be modelled for an automated operating room in which 500-kilogram robot arms can work safely?’ Together with your teams, you’ll deliver proof of concepts and demonstrators. You’ll also guide industry partners in landing the developed methods. You won’t be doing this alone; you’ll coach your team members to stimulate both their personal growth and their shared team performance. On top of this, you’ll develop and maintain sustainable relationships with our partners.

Your home base will be ESI. In small teams made up of researchers and scientists, you’ll coordinate projects in which physics, mechanics, software, and systems engineering come together. Together with your almost 60 colleagues, you’ll tackle the challenges of the high-tech manufacturing industry in open innovation. ESI has a pleasant, open working atmosphere, in which there’s a lot of room to contribute and develop your own ideas and vision. In scientific environments of this kind, knowledge sharing is crucial. You’ll do so with colleagues, partners, at symposia, and as part of the international systems-engineering community. 

Read more about ESI and watch the video.

Developing innovative concepts for pragmatic applications excites you. You use your substantive knowledge, communication skills, and powers of persuasion to get partners, financiers, and colleagues on board with your proposals. And you get the best out of the people you work with. When switching between projects, you never lose overview nor sight of the overarching strategy. Flexible and result-oriented, you know how to deal with shifting areas of focus over the course of multiannual projects. 

Other knowledge and skills you bring to TNO: 

• A minimum of a master's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, physics, or the equivalent.
• Relevant work experience in the high-tech manufacturing industry or R&D for this industry.
• Experience leading applied-research projects. 
• Preferably, a background as a systems architect (or a strong interest in systems engineering).
• The ability to quickly master new technical domains and applications. 

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 € 5.000,- and € 6700,- (based on your knowledge and experience), 8% holiday pay, a 13th 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:

• A good pension scheme.
• Perspective of a permanent contract
• An extremely professional, innovative working environment where colleagues are leading experts in their field.
• 28 days annual leave and 5 compensation days under the reduction in working hours scheme (ATV, arbeidstijdverkorting) on a full-time basis.
• Great social events with your team and other TNO colleagues. That’s how you will get to know a lot of people really quickly.
• Travel allowance or a bike.
• The opportunity to attend courses, workshops and conferences, and to receive training and coaching based on your needs.
• Access to TNO’s project managers guild: a network of some three hundred equals. The guild organizes workshops, conferences, intervision sessions and other activities for project managers.
• Extensive relocation package for international candidates

Read more about tailoring your benefits package.

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 have created an inclusive work environment in which people are free to be themselves, whatever their story or unique qualities. The combination of our unique strengths and perspectives is precisely how we’re able to develop innovations that make a real difference to society. 
Want to know more? Read what steps we’re taking in the realm of diversity and inclusion.