Innovate at the heart of military security

Do you want to work with a leading team of experts on technological innovations that strengthen the armed forces and make the Netherlands safer and more resilient? Whether you are just graduating or a senior professional ready for a new step, this is the time to contribute to the security and strategic autonomy of the Netherlands and its allies. Become a time setter at TNO and make your mark on our time.

Your impact on our mission

The world is changing faster than ever. In an unpredictable geopolitical reality marked by wars, cyber threats and rapid technological developments, our Electromagnetics and Military Operations (E&MO) division contributes to smart, well‑considered solutions for the armed forces. Working at E&MO means working on issues with major societal relevance.

Within this mission, you and 250 experts stand at the heart of this urgent challenge. You work as an engineer, researcher, consultant, project lead or data analyst on systems that use electromagnetic radiation, ranging from radar systems and electromagnetic signals to tactical operations and digital threats.

At E&MO you work on the security of tomorrow

Within the E&MO division, you’ll find a broad and dynamic landscape of expertise areas. Each domain directly contributes to innovation, operational capability, and the technological edge of the armed forces. Discover where your expertise can make a real difference:

We simulate, test and validate the full sensor‑to‑shooter chain against a realistic threat landscape. We also develop system concepts and (sub)technologies for radars, effectors and command and control.

With our tools and concepts for spectrum situational awareness, electronic attack and defence, and smart spectrum coordination, we enhance control over the electromagnetic domain.

We simulate sensor–weapon combinations, detectability at sea and advise on system choices in replacement programmes.

Through logistical optimisation, deployment analyses and operations‑research methods, we help strengthen land and coastal operations. Dynamic scenarios demand smart modelling and data‑driven decision‑making.

We support intelligent logistics, datalink employment, tactical decision‑making and operational concepts for air operations.

Exploring the deployment of small satellites goes hand in hand with developing technologies for sensing, communication and electronic support.
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Umbra as your starting point

You begin your journey in our programme called Umbra, immediately working on impactful defence challenges. Depending on your experiences as a system engineer, software engineer, analyst, scientist, researcher or project manager, you move straight into projects within one of the six E&MO expertise areas. The focus is on short‑cycle innovation, achieving results within a matter of months.

Progress into E&MO

Within Umbra you will follow an onboarding programme tailored to your level of experience and development needs, enabling you to find your ideal landing spot after three to six months within one of the six E&MO research groups:

  • Radar Technology
  • Compact Radar Systems
  • Electromagnetic Signatures and Propagation
  • Electronic Warfare
  • Surface and Aerospace Warfare
  • Modelling of Tactical Operations

We look forward to welcoming you if you are willing to experiment, take responsibility and help us strengthen the technological edge of the armed forces.

Rogier Giepman (2)
'In Umbra, personal growth and rapid innovation come together. We work towards a clear mission and develop the knowledge and systems that keep our country safe. That gives me the drive to give my all every single day.'

Rogier Giepman

Research Manager Umbra at TNO

Frequently Asked Questions

It typically lasts between three and six months, depending on your development needs and the research questions within the various departments.

Umbra is based at our Rijswijk location. In addition to the main TNO building, Umbra has its own dedicated wing. After completing the Umbra phase, you will move into one of the research groups within the E&MO division in The Hague.

Umbra is Latin for “shadow”. It refers to Umbra’s role as a “shadow group”, where new colleagues — from junior to senior — land within the E&MO division; in a way, under the radar.

You can start in Umbra with a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG). Once your AIVD/MIVD security clearance has been completed, you may work on highly classified projects. This screening process will start in parallel with your employment and may take several weeks to several months.