Internship | Geospatial analysis for military decision-making

Within military operations, tactical decisions are made to achieve specific goals during the mission. Tactical decision-making is performed at various layers (from brigades to platoons or even single soldiers) and contains key aspects like terrain analysis, fire support and maneuver, enemy assessment etc. Tactical decisions in ground operations always depend on the terrain (e.g. terrain features, obstacles, options for cover and concealment). Tactical decision makers therefore use information from geospatial analyses. These analyses are usually performed by Intel analysts. The focus of this internship is the development of (AI-assisted) support for geospatial analysis.

In this internship you will work on the underlying algorithms of a decision support prototype for military mission planners. In collaboration with our 3D-terrain modellers, you will work on the definition of a framework for geospatial analysis tooling. You will work out examples for geospatial products based on highly detailed terrain information and on the requirements from military decision makers. Valuable geo-spatial products could e.g. be (1) determining whether a piece of forest is so dense that it is not possible to drive through with vehicles, or (2) determining the number of explosives and mines required to create a blocking effect on a specific road. We encourage you to bring in your knowledge and creativity to solve these questions. Location-aware computing, machine learning and model-based could be interesting approaches.

Your internship will take place within the department of Intelligence & Decision Support (IDS). We are a new team of +/- 30 professionals who are passionate about applied research that make the Netherlands more safe and secure. We develop innovative solutions in our expertise areas of intelligence and (AI-based) decision support for the Dutch armed forces and national security partners. We're excited to welcome you to our diverse team.

You enjoy developing innovative solutions to technically challenging problems and have the right mix of intellectual curiosity and pragmatism. You can show a great deal of autonomy and have a structured approach in your work. In addition to that, you can deal with uncertainties and a broad scope during the project. Moreover:

• You are following a master in a relevant field, for example applied mathematics, operational analysis, artificial intelligence, data science, knowledge engineering, etc.
• You are interested in geo-spatial analysis, and have some experience using geo-libraries in the language of your choice.
• You are comfortable with using/contributing to existing tooling by using Git and calling/exposing APIs.
• Good communication skills in English and/or Dutch.
• You have an affinity with the military domain.

You want an internship opportunity 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 work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Furthermore, we provide:

• A highly professional, innovative internship environment, within a team of top experts.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo- and hbo-students, 390 euro for mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Possibility of eight hours of free leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet other TNO professionals and join several activities, such as sports activities, (work-related) courses or the yearly ski-trip.
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.

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.

After the first CV selection, the application process will be conducted by the concerning department. TNO will provide a suitable internship agreement. If you have any questions about this vacancy, you can contact the contact person mentioned below.

For this internship vacancy it is required that the AIVD issues a security clearance (VGB) after conducting a security screening. Take into account that this process may take about 8 weeks. If you have been abroad for more than 6 consecutive months, or if you do not have the Dutch nationality, it may take longer. Read more about security screening on the AIVD website.

Important to be aware of before applying:

• Before the start of the internship, the internship agreement from TNO needs to be signed. For students at a college or university based in the Netherlands, TNO uses the UNL-template (supplemented with a number of specific agreements from TNO). For students of foreign and MBO educational institutions, the TNO internship agreement applies. TNO does not sign any other internship agreements.
• Before the start of the internship, the educational institution will need to confirm in writing that

1. you are enrolled at the educational institution during the internship, and
2. the internship takes place as part of the programme of the study.

• The confirmation of educational institution takes place by signing the UNL template or forms prepared by TNO.
• Interns at TNO must be in possession of a Dutch residential address at the start of the internship. Performance of internship activities from abroad is not possible.