Frequently Asked Questions

The next edition of the TNO Traineeship begins in February 2027.

The vacancy opens on Monday 14 September 2026. You can apply until Sunday, 4 October 2026, 11:59 p.m.

In English or Dutch.

No, you no longer have access to the originally uploaded versions. If you accidentally uploaded an incorrect version of your documents, you can send the correct version to [email protected].

Our partner lxly provides you with an online assessment consisting of questionnaires about your personality, motivations and values. If the results of the assessment, combined with CV, motivation letter and assignment match our criteria and wishes for the TNO Traineeship, we will invite you to the Trainee Selection Day.

• Vacancy opening: 14 September 2026
• Application deadline: 4 October 2026
• Trainee Selection Day in Leiden: 30 October 2026
• Final interviews in The Hague: 5, 10 and 11 November 2026
• Employment terms discussion (online): 16 November 2026

No, that is not possible. The Trainee Selection Day in Leiden is a mandatory and important part of the selection procedure. On this day we will meet each other and you will get to know TNO and the TNO Traineeship better.

Yes, that is possible. At any stage of the selection procedure you can contact the recruiter (Serge Moesman) or email [email protected].

All applicants need a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG). In addition, a VGB-B screening by the Algemene Inlichtingen- en Veiligheidsdienst is necessary.

We ask you to make this known in your motivation letter.

It is a requirement for starting the TNO Traineeship that you have successfully completed all your academic obligations and have therefore passed. The actual diploma presentation may occur after the start date of the TNO Traineeship.

As part of your application, we ask you to prepare a single PowerPoint slide about your ambitions and learning objectives. The specific questions will be published in the vacancy description on 14 September.

Submit your response as a single slide (PowerPoint format, .pptx). We encourage you to approach the assignment in a personal and creative way. For example, you may illustrate or visualise your ideas, write them out in text, or include a link to a video.

If you choose to write out your response, please use no more than 200 words. If you would like to share a video, please limit it to 30 seconds and include a secure and accessible link on the slide.

Finally, please make sure to include the assignment along with all other required documents when submitting your application.

There are 8 positions available for each starting date of the TNO Traineeship.

The TNO Traineeship is a full-time programme. This means: Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week.

View all our locations here.

No, there is no dress code at TNO. You can check out our LinkedIn or Instagram

No, you will not receive a certificate or reference letter. However, you can include your experiences in your CV, as the TNO Traineeship involves working in various roles.

No, it is not possible to remain a trainee for longer than 2 years. Most trainees continue their careers at TNO in a role that suits their talent and interests. Are you curious about the different career paths at TNO? Read the stories of our employees.

The TNO Traineeship is designed for candidates with the potential and ambition to grow into broad, generalist roles. We are looking for people who know what they want to achieve, take initiative, and actively work towards their goals.

During the traineeship, you will typically rotate through roles such as Project Manager, Business Developer, Systems Engineer, and Consultant. These are also the types of roles we prepare you for immediately after completing the programme.

In the longer term, the traineeship provides a strong foundation for broader positions, such as line manager, or more strategic, entrepreneurial, and coordinating roles within TNO.

If your ambition is to pursue a specialised research role, such as that of a Scientist, we recommend exploring our other graduate and entry-level vacancies.

If your ambition is to specialise as a Scientist, develop deep expertise in a particular field, and grow professionally within that area, a graduate position as a Scientist is likely to be a better fit than the TNO Traineeship.

As a Scientist, you will also have access to TNO’s development programme, which helps you discover and further develop your talents: the Talent Development Programme.

If necessary, we will reimburse hotel costs. Before booking, please contact HR via [email protected].

TNO is primarily a Dutch organisation. However, colleagues speak English when necessary, and we strive to make all internal communication and important documents available in English. Some units and research departments have predominantly Dutch-speaking customers, so speaking Dutch may be a requirement for certain departments. We offer you Dutch courses once you start the TNO Traineeship.

TNO is a Dutch organisation. We also work for many international customers and in European projects. TNO employs people from over 50 countries. The majority, approximately 80% of our employees, are Dutch.

• At the start of the traineeship, you must hold a Master’s degree (MSc).

• You must have graduated no more than two years prior (University MSc), calculated from the traineeship’s start date.

• You have a bachelor's or master's degree in one of the following fields:
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Data Science and/or AI
  • Econometrics
  • Physics
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Mathematics
  • Electrical Engineering

• In addition, you have either:
  • A field of study that demonstrates breadth and the ability to connect disciplines, such as a Master’s in Industrial Engineering and Management, Innovation Management, or Transition Management. Or:
  • A broad range of interests, demonstrated by extracurricular activities undertaken alongside your studies.

• You reside in Europe.

In your motivation letter, we would like to see that:

• you have a clear idea of what you would like to gain from the traineeship;
• you have strong communication skills, enabling you to connect with the people around you and work towards new solutions;
• you enjoy a challenge and are comfortable taking responsibility;
• you take ownership of your work as well as your personal and professional development;
• you are interested in, and may already have some knowledge of or experience in, helping to address societal and economic challenges;
• you are driven to innovate and look beyond the status quo, showing the courage and creativity to develop new ideas.

• You have at least a qualification in one of the following fields:
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Data Science and/or AI
  • Econometrics
  • Physics
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Mathematics
  • Electrical Engineering

For further information about the selection criteria, please refer to the question 'What are the selection criteria?'

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You can read more about the TNO Traineeship.

You can contact our recruiter, Serge Moesman, via +31(0)610933586.