TNO | Traineeship

At TNO we work on projects with societal impact through technological development. From the safe encryption of money transactions using quantum mechanics, game changing radar technology for the Dutch Defense, to testing innovative energy concepts. Our impact reaches far and wide.

As a TNO trainee, you get the unique opportunity to accelerate your personal and professional growth. TNO’s Traineeship helps you understand and develop your talents, drives, and values. During two years, you get to experience three different roles and departments. It is up to you to find, choose, and shape these positions. This will also bring challenges. We expect you to take these on and we support you in this through offering training courses, workshops, peer intervision, and a personal coach. These are means which you can use to develop your leadership skills. Along the way, you’ll be part of an enthusiastic group of nearly 30 trainees.

This traineeship is a chance to craft your own path within TNO. Are you up for the challenge?

During the Traineeship, your 5-day workweek looks like this:

Work within departments 
Three and a half days you work at one of the TNO units in the role of project leader, business developer, consultant or sometimes as a scientist. You work together with a team of experts well matched in their unlimited ambition and drive to make an impact on society. Together with them, you translate knowledge into practice. 

Personal development
On average, one day a week will be dedicated to your personal development. With the help of a personal coach, training courses, and workshops, you will have the opportunity to better understand your talents, drives, and values. You will also expand your knowledge on various leadership and soft-skill topics. Through peer coaching, you will learn from, and with, your fellow trainees. Additionally, the management of the trainee program will challenge and support you throughout your traineeship. 

Internal strategic projects
Half a day per week you will focus on TNO-wide strategy projects with fellow trainees. Together with senior management, you can address a challenging issue, enabling you to delve into the dynamics of our extensive organisation. 
 
The TNO traineeship has accelerated the development of many colleagues to a key position within TNO. Read more in these testimonials:
Trainee in the spotlight: Charlot | TNO
Trainee in the spotlight: Denzil | TNO

Please note: this traineeship is designed specifically for broader organisational roles. Are you looking for a starter position as a scientist, researcher or expert? Please check out our vacancies for starters and the Talent development programme | TNO.

Charting your own course in a large and complex organisation like TNO is a fantastic opportunity. We provide the tools, and you bring the eagerness and determination to make the most of your traineeship. You thrive in change: working in three departments over two years suits your entrepreneurial and adaptable character. When challenges arise, you reflect, learn, and grow. You draw connections across disciplines, value diverse perspectives and communicate effectively. Moreover, you are driven to contribute to innovations for the sustainable wellbeing, safety and prosperity of society. 

Plus, you meet the following criteria:

• You earned a Master’s degree within two years of the program's start on the 1st of September, 2025 (so you have a maximum of 2 years fulltime working experience).
• Your Bachelor background is technical, as in for example computer science, artificial intelligence, data analysis, (applied) physics, electrical engineering, aerospace, mechanical engineering, civil engineering or (applied) mathematics.
• You have a master in:
  • a technical study, but you know and can show that you want to connect with other disciplines. Or;
  • a field of study that shows broadening and interdisciplinary connection. For example, a master's degree in Technical Business Administration, Innovation Management, Transition Management or Industrial Design.
• You have engaged in extracurricular activities alongside your studies.
• You currently live in Europe and are willing to move to the Netherlands when selected for the traineeship.

Besides being given every opportunity to develop yourself and to make a mark on our time, we offer a gross monthly salary of € 3420,-, (8%) holiday pay, a 13th month bonus (8.33%) and a flex budget (5.58% + € 180). TNO offers optional employee benefits, enabling you to tailor your benefits package to match your personal situation.

You may also expect:

• A large organisation full of opportunities. TNO has 60 departments with top professional experts as colleagues.
• An employer that values and encourages diverse talent, with initiatives such as the Female Leadership Programme, our Rainbow Community, and roundtables on inclusion themes.
• We offer a comprehensive and flexible mobility plan that also includes full compensation for public transportation for commuting and business travel.
• 33 days' holiday and a good pension scheme.
• A programme including training courses, workshops, coaching, mentoring and inter vision, targeted to your development and rapid growth.
• Access to the network and fun activities of Young TNO | TNO.

Read here how you can shape your TNO 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, Equity and Inclusion at TNO.

Please apply no later than the 25th of May, 2025. You will be informed before the 10th of June, 2025 if you are invited for our trainee selection day. This will take place on the 20th of June, 2025. Go ahead and mark your calendar!
On the 26th or 27th of May 2025, you will be invited to complete an online assessment (personality questionnaire) focusing on competencies, motivation, and soft skills. Please complete it by the 30th of May 2025.

Please apply using the application form. This involves uploading:

1. your resume
2. your motivation letter
3. your answer to the assignment below

Assignment: Your impact and learning goals: 

Prepare one PowerPoint slide in which you answer the following two central questions in the TNO Traineeship:

1. How will you make an impact?
2. What do you want to learn about yourself?

Submit your response in one slide (PowerPoint format, .pptx). We encourage you to answer these questions in a personal and creative manner. For example, you can illustrate/visualize your answers, write them out or add a link to a video. In case of writing, please use a maximum of 200 words. If you want to share a video, please limit it to 30 seconds and add a safe and accessible link in your slide.

Useful to know: one of our biggest clients in the security domain is the Ministry of Defence. Would you object to working for Ministry of Defence and/or the armed forces as a client? If so, please indicate this in your motivational letter. 

A certificate of Conduct (VOG) is required before starting a new job at TNO.

It might be the case that the Dutch Secret Service (AIVD) needs to do a security screening (VGB), for you to be able to work in a certain domain or department. For more information you can go to the website of the AIVD.

Would you like to know more about the application procedure, the criteria or the TNO Traineeship in general? You can read all the answers in our Traineeship FAQ | TNO.