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.

Assignment: Your ambition and learning objectives:

Prepare a single PowerPoint slide answering the following two key questions as part of the TNO Traineeship:

1. What is your ambition for the future?
2. What would you like to learn about yourself?

Submit your answer in a single slide (PowerPoint format, .pptx). We encourage you to answer these questions in a personal and creative way. For example, you may illustrate/visualize the answers, write them out or add a link to a video.

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.

At the end of the TNO traineeship, you will be prepared to take on a role such as Project Manager, Business Developer, Consultant, or (line) management. If you prefer to work in the role of Scientist, we advise you to look at our (entry-level) vacancies.

If you have the ambition to specialize as a scientist, to delve deeply into a specific field and want to develop professionally in that specific role, then a starter position as a scientist is a better fit for you. As a scientist, TNO also offers you a programme in which you get to know and develop your talents: our Talent Development Programme.

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

If you move to the Netherlands for your position, we can arrange a number of things for you. We always discuss what you need. This can range from housing, to tax and language assistance.

No, you do not have to live in the Netherlands. 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.

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
  • 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.

We hope to see the following in your motivation letter:

• 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.

• 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
  • Electrical Engineering

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

If your background is not listed, the TNO Traineeship is not the best match for you. But you can take a look at our other vacancies for something that matches.

No, that is not possible. Matching the right candidates with our available places is a complex process. You can trust that the recruiters and research managers will, in addition to the interests of the organisation, take your interests into account. Ultimately, both parties benefit from the best possible match.

No, matching the right candidates and our available spots is a puzzle where you can rely on the recruiters and research managers to keep your best interest at heart. In the end we all benefit from the best possible match.

You can read more about the TNO Traineeship.

You can contact our recruiter, Lara Dimitrovski, via +31 (0)6 50740690.