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:

1) 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. 

2) 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. 

3) 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 traineeship’s start on 1 February 2026 (so you have a maximum of 2 years fulltime working experience between BSc and MSc or after MSc).
• You have a BSc degree in a technical study, for example Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, (applied) Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Aerospace Engineering of (applied) Mathematics. And…
  • A master's degree 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 within Europe and are willing to move to the Netherlands when selected for the traineeship.

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 of € 3,420 (If you have 1 or 2 years of relevant fulltime work experience, we will take this into account), 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. (During the traineeship, you will work 40 hours per week).
• Networking opportunities and great activities organized by Jong TNO.
• 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, equity and inclusion.

You can apply until October 19, 2025, at 11:59 PM. Apply via the application form.
This means you will need to upload the following:

1. your CV;
2. your motivation letter;
3. your response to the assignment below.

Assignment: Your impact and learning goals
Prepare one PowerPoint slide answering the two central questions of TNO’s trainee program:

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

Submit your response on one slide (PowerPoint format, .pptx). We encourage you to answer these questions in a personal and creative way. For example, you can illustrate/visualize your answers, write them out, or include a link to a video. Use a maximum of 200 words. If you choose to share a video, keep it to 30 seconds and include a safe and accessible link on the slide.

Next steps:

• Invitation to complete an online personality questionnaire: October 21, 2025.
• Rejection or invitation: between October 29 and 31, 2025.
• Trainee Selection Day: November 14, 2025.
• Final interviews: November 20 and 21, 2025.
• Employment terms discussion: November 26–28, 2025.
• Start of the traineeship: February 1, 2026.

An online personality questionnaire is part of the selection process.

If you join us, we will also require a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG).

Because you may work on assignments in the defense and security domain, it may be necessary for the AIVD to issue a **Security Clearance (VGB)**. This requires a security screening beforehand. Read more about security screening.