Scientist Vehicle Protection & Survivability | The Hague
Want to make your mark on our time? Become a scientist Vehicle Protection & Survivability at TNO in The Hague!
About this position
In this role, you’ll join the Platform Protection & Advanced Materials (PPAM) department, which is part of the Defence, Safety & Security (DSS) unit and has about 35 colleagues working mainly on the development and testing of vehicle protection concepts and advanced (protection) concepts against ballistic threats and explosions. We do this work largely within the military domain and partly within the civilian domain. With our support, new vehicles are being developed or improved that are eventually deployed to units of the Dutch, but often also foreign, armed forces and police or organisations operating in high-risk areas. In other words, a place where you can make an impact! Both theoretical and experimental research is carried out within the department.
What will be your role?
You’ll be working on understanding and improving the survivability of vehicles for high-dynamic loads such as impact from bullets and grenades or from explosions. For example, one of the objectives is to integrate lightweight protection concepts for vehicles that optimise the relationship between protection and mobility. You’ll work together with our clients and partners in MoD NL and industry on the development and validation of new and existing vehicle protection concepts to ensure that they can be deployed in practice.
In addition, you’ll concern yourself with the physics, simulations, experiments, and analyses, developing an understanding of what exactly happens in an explosion or bullet impact. For experimental work, TNO DSS has the unique Laboratory for Ballistic Research, where real shooting and explosions can take place. In addition, small and large experiments are regularly carried out at outdoor test sites, both at home and abroad. You’ll collaborate on the design and execution of these tests. Of course, you’ll carefully report on the results of the study. Based on the potential of these new and existing vehicle protection technologies, we advise clients, including the Dutch Ministry of Defence, the police, and national and international companies, on innovation and the current and future implementation of new protection concepts.
What we expect from you
We’re looking for a curious colleague with an open and proactive attitude, who develops new research initiatives into practical proposals and implementation. You’re an enthusiastic, creative, practically minded researcher with an eye for detail, who dares to venture into new territory. In doing so, you keep the ultimate application in sight. You have social and communication skills, and you’re able to articulate complex concepts comprehensibly, for example for a client with a less technical background. You also have good reporting skills. You dare to take responsibility for the outcome and your own development. We also ask for willingness and ability to travel and spend some days to sometimes two weeks abroad (frequency: once to a few times a year).
Other knowledge and skills you bring to TNO:
- A completed university master's degree in a relevant technical field, such as Mechanical Engineering, or Automotive or Aerospace Engineering, and knowledge of mechanics and dynamics;
- Knowledge of or interest in vehicle engineering and systems and in the MoD NL and defence technology;
- Affinity with analytical or numerical modelling (e.g. in Python, Matlab, FEM software);
- Interested in preparing and successfully conducting and supervising experimental research as part of a team;
- A command of spoken and written Dutch and English, at least at B1 level. Command of the German language is a plus.
What you'll get in return
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 € 3.300,- and € 4.100,- (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.
- Access to our Talent Development Programme.
- Networking opportunities and great activities organized by Jong TNO.
- A good pension scheme.
Read more about tailoring your benefits package.
TNO as an employer
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.
The selection process
Please apply before the 7th of November, 2024. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. The preliminary interview takes place on November 19th. The second interview round has been scheduled for November 26th. 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.
Has this job opening sparked your interest?
Then we’d like to hear from you! Please contact us for more information about the job or the selection process. To apply, please upload your CV and covering letter using the ‘apply now’ button.
More information about this vacancy?
Posted by: #LI-JD1 Jane Duinisveld
Email: [email protected]