Internship | Target-matched radar waveforms

The waveform design is one of the critical aspects in radar performance optimisation. Traditionally chirped waveforms are applied in radar, designed for signal-to-noise ratio optimisation when applying a matched filter for detection. This is however only one criterion that can be used for waveform design. Currently there is a growing interest in other criteria for waveform design. For detection of target in clutter, for instance, optimisation of the signal-to-clutter ratio may be a more suited criterion for the waveform design. Another objective for radar waveform design may be to highlight specific target features to improve not just target detection, but also target classification. Radar waveforms designed according to this criterion are so-called target-matched waveforms.

Target-matched waveforms are the focus of this assignment. Given a specific class of targets, the first step is investigating what properties of a target should be highlighted for detection or classification. The next step is to define suitable criteria for the waveform optimisation. The last step is the actual design of the target-matched waveform and validation of the performance of the waveform. Simulations are an important tool for this assignment, but the performance of the final waveform can be validated with actual radar measurements.

You will perform this assignment in the Department of Radar Technology. We are a passionate and creative group of professionals (60 people) dedicated to the specification, development and evaluation of innovative, high-performance MMICs, miniaturised and integrated RF subsystems, antennas and front-ends. The department is at the heart of novel, game-changing radar system and signal processing concepts for the military, space and civil domains.

You are in the final stages of your degree in artificial intelligence, computer science, physics, mathematics, electrical engineering or a similar degree and have some track record in the field of signal processing or computer vision. You have experience in programming in Matlab and/or Python, you are pragmatic and focused on making things work. Next to technical expertise we value communication skills and a results-driven attitude.

You want to work 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 internship and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Naturally, we provide suitable internship compensation.

TNO is an independent research organisation whose expertise and research make an important contribution to the competitiveness of companies and organisations, to the economy and to the quality of society as a whole. Innovation with purpose is what TNO stands for. With 3000 people we develop knowledge not for its own sake but for practical application. To create new products that make life more pleasant and valuable and help companies innovate. To find creative answers to the questions posed by society. We work for a variety of customers: governments, companies, service providers and non-governmental organisations.

For this vacancy it is required that the AIVD issues a security clearance after conducting a security screening. Please visit for more information the AIVD website.