FPGA Design Engineer | The Hague

In military operations, having an information advantage is crucial for success, as is the ability to coordinate and synchronize operational effects. This typically relies on wireless systems for positioning, timing and navigation (PNT), communication and sensing. Therefore, Electronic Warfare (EW) is becoming increasingly important.

You will be part of a 60 people strong, multidisciplinary R&D team of electrical engineers, physicists, mathematicians and system engineers working on innovations that contribute to:

• Building Situational Awareness by observing the electromagnetic spectrum.
• Identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities in our own systems.
• Influencing adversary systems through Electronic Warfare and Cyber Electromagnetic Activities (CEMA).

For our activities in the development of Communications & Radar EW systems and applications, the EW Department is looking for an FPGA Design Engineer. Typically systems we develop (up to TRL 7) include antennas, RF electronics, FPGAs, digital electronics, and real-time embedded processors.

As FPGA Design Engineer you are responsible for the full development, including requirement analysis, architectural and detailed design, of the FPGA subsystem as part of the digital electronics of an EW system. The tasks of the candidate are:

• Requirements and architecture analysis at board level, interface definition, and (functional) decomposition of board level architecture down to FPGA component level;
• Able to understand digital signal processing algorithms (such as SDR - Software Defined Radio/Radar) common in communications and radar processing and translate them into functional FPGA specifications and requirements;
• Structured development, integration and verification of FPGA VHDL code, including (if necessary) embedded software;
• Interaction with radar/communication/EW experts, electronic design engineers, other VHDL and FPGA specialists, (embedded) software engineers, project management;
• Support integration, manufacturing, qualification, etc. of the digital electronic subsystem as well as related verification methods and procedures;
• Documenting requirement analysis, detailed design; validation and verification procedures and test reports; interface control documents.

• MSc in Electronics or Computer Science (with major contents in communication, radar, and/or EW);
• At least 5 years relevant experience in FPGA, embedded processing and digital electronics development in an industrial environment, preferably in defence or aerospace business;
• Experience with algorithm modeling languages (e.g. MatLab, Python); experience with embedded programming languages (e.g. C/C++) is an asset;
• Design and development experience of high-speed advanced digital circuitry (AD/DA) and knowledge of signal integrity aspects is an asset;
• Good team worker, pro-active, hands-on, engaged, takes full responsibility for his/her FPGA design;
• Good verbal and written communication skills in both Dutch and English.

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 € 4,500 and € 6,500 (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.

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, equity and inclusion.

Please apply before the 5th of November, 2025. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. The preliminary interview takes place on the 12th of November, 2025. 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.

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

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 Intelligence and Security Service) is mandatory. This means you will have to undergo a security screening. Read more about security screening.