Senior Systems Engineer Optics | Delft/Hybrid

Contributing to optical solutions for a healthier, safer, more sustainable and digital world. Envision it. Continue your career as a Systems Engineer at TNO in Delft! High-quality optical systems are designed and fabricated at TNO for integrated photonics, space-based atmospheric monitoring, opto-acoustic sensor systems, optical satellite communication, medical devices, quantum technologies, structural health monitoring and instrumentation for the semiconductor industry. This work is for customers including Airbus, NASA and ESA, and for projects such as the Sentinel 5 global air quality monitoring satellite and ITER. With a background in applied physics or engineering, you will be a senior Systems Engineer within the Optics department. This department consists of a team of 60 colleagues, with whom you will work closely. You will also be in regular contact with optical manufacturing, thermal and mechanical engineers, acoustics experts, and calibration and integration specialists from the Opto-mechatronics, Acoustics, Nano-instrumentation, Quantum Technology and Space Systems Engineering departments.

As a Systems Engineer in the Optics department you will guide the development and realisation of optical systems. These systems range in size from very large telescopes to tiny photonic integrated circuits (PICs) on a microchip. The successful creation of high-quality optical systems requires technical leadership and insight into the elements of the system as well as the interaction between these elements. These elements are not only products (hardware and/or software and/or firmware) but also processes, people and information.

As a Systems Engineer you will be responsible for:

• Connecting all necessary disciplines within the project team.
• The technical project result.
• Successful delivery of the system.
• Minimising technical risks.
• Satisfied customers and other stakeholders.
• Steering the development of technology roadmaps.
• Actively contributing to the acquisition of new projects.
• Contributing to the professionalisation of Systems Engineering in TNO.
• Proactive identification, and bringing forward, of new opportunities.

As a Senior Systems Engineer you are both a very competent generalist (multi-disciplinary) and a competent specialist (domain knowledge) with strong analytical skills and a solution-focused decisiveness. You have a good eye for the wishes of all internal and external stakeholders, the context in which the system is to be used and the preconditions within which the project has to be carried out, all of which combine to enable well-considered technical decisions. This requires a high level of sensitivity, communication skills and close cooperation with the customer, external parties, the project manager and the project team. You will actively contribute to the development of technology roadmaps and propositions.

To be able to perform the role well, it is important that you recognize yourself in the following profile:

• You have successfully worked as a Systems Engineer for at least 10 years within different contexts (within a broad knowledge spectrum and/or various domains and/or various TRL levels and/or various types of clients).
• Have a background in applied physics or engineering at least at Masters level, with specialisation in optics.
• You master Systems Engineering Management techniques (requirements management, engineering management and planning, project and system breakdown, estimating and scheduling engineering costs and planning, risk management and mitigation).
• You have a proven track record of bringing experts from multiple disciplines together to jointly develop beyond-state-of-the art-systems.
• Able to motivate and guide a team of technical experts, even in very complex situations.
• Previous experience in development of (optical) satellite communication systems and/or photonic integrated circuits (PICs) would be an advantage for this position but is not a requirement.
• Want to continuously improve the quality of your work and share best practices and support the development of other Systems Engineers.
• Are able to lead the development of IP/patents.
• Able to communicate fluently in English (you will have many international colleagues).

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 (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 12th of November, 2025. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. The preliminary interview takes place in weeks 48 and 49. The second interview round has been scheduled for weeks 50 and 51. 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.