Industrial designer / researcher - Defence, Safety & Security | Soesterberg

Would you like to shape control rooms, future Navy vessels or emergency control centers on shore? Then we are looking for you! As a researcher in our team, you support successful teamwork in high-stakes environments.

As industrial designer / researcher you work on complex design problems in the Defence, Safety and Security domain. With a human-centered design approach, you develop concepts, design patterns and design methodology together with your colleagues to improve the work processes of teams performing in high-stakes environments. Your work will strongly impact our (future) society and let you dive into worlds that normally would remain off limits. How can we improve work processes at an 112 emergency control center? How can a Naval ship’s command center optimally facilitate teamwork in challenging conditions? As industrial designer / researcher, you develop the concepts that will raise the bar of the next-generation designs, today and in the years to come.

You will work for TNO’s Defense, Safety and Security unit, serving the Dutch Defense organization, the civil maritime domain and vital infrastructure managers such as ProRail. What these organizations have in common is that their environment and range of tasks are subject to rapid change due to technological and social developments. From an integrated approach, in which the performance of people is central, we advise these organizations on design, collaboration, staffing, work processes, ergonomics and automation. By interviewing end users and facilitating workshops with the stakeholders, you capture their needs and identify room for improvement. In some projects, the best course of action is to introduce changes in the way of working to improve workflow. In other projects, you design a completely new control room or provide ergonomic advice. You evaluate your designs by immersing end users in their new work environments using virtual- and augmented reality. You get energy from working with scientists from various disciplines to translate scientific insights to optimal designs. You have a strong interest in formulating and optimizing design processes, and help to develop our knowledge base. And at the end of the day, you might see your design become reality in one of the new Naval vessels.

You will team up with experts from a variety of disciplines. Your role in projects usually revolves around your knowledge about industrial design and/or ergonomics and might vary from analyzing the workflow in a team, to 3D modelling the actual work environment, keeping a close eye on relevant (ergonomic) norms. Often, you will work on applied, consultancy projects but every now and then, you perform more fundamental research as well. Solutions that you and your team members develop are never ‘basic’ or standard off-the-shelf but are tailored to the needs of the end users. This requires thorough research and means your path in work will never be predictable. On top of that, you have the freedom to complement these activities and decide on your own development path. We encourage you to co-define your TNO career!

Read more about research on human machine teaming at TNO here.

You love to work in multidisciplinary project teams for a variety of clients. With your analytical, critical and creative research skills you contribute to societal issues. You propose applied solutions that can be implemented directly by the client. And on top of that?

• A master degree in industrial design engineering or a similar direction.
• Expertise in (applied) ergonomics or an interest to develop this expertise.
• 3D modelling skills (e.g., SketchUp, AutoCAD).
• Design drawing skill is a plus.
• Interest in analyzing work processes and teams.

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 € 3.340,- and € 4.340,- (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.

Perhaps you would like to grow your career in the direction of commerce or consultancy? Or would you like to become a project manager? Immerse yourself in sustainable innovations? Or carve out a career as a technical expert?

TNO offers optional employee benefits, enabling you to tailor your benefits package to match your personal situation. You may also expect:

• An extremely professional, innovative working environment where colleagues are leading experts in their field.
• The opportunity to attend courses, workshops and conferences, and to receive training and coaching based on your needs.
• 33 days annual leave on a full-time basis.
• An employer that values and encourages diverse talent, with initiatives like the Female Leadership Program, our Rainbow Community and round tables on inclusion topics.
• We offer a comprehensive and flexible mobility plan that also includes full compensation for public transportation for commuting and business travel.
• Great social events with your team and other TNO colleagues. That’s how you will get to know a lot of people really quickly.
• Flexible working hours, the possibility to work parttime (32 of 36 hours) and the possibility of working from home.
• Extensive relocation package for international candidates.
• A good pension scheme.

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 encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society. Want to know more? Read what steps we are taking in the area of diversity and inclusion.

Please apply before the 30th of March, 2023. The selection process comprises two interview rounds, which both will be held on the same day, starting the 3rd of April, 2023. In a final meeting we will discuss the terms of employment and your tailored benefits package. We aim to finalize the entire process within four weeks.

The selection process may include an online assessment and a reference check.

As you will be working for clients in the domain of defence and security, a Certificate of No Objection issued by AIVD (The Dutch General Information and Security Service) is mandatory. This means you will have to undergo a security screening. Read more about security screening.