Internship | in Hydrogen Fiber Optic Sensor Development

Are you passionate about experimental research and eager to contribute to the future of clean energy? Join us in developing cutting-edge fiber optic sensors for hydrogen detection, an essential technology for ensuring safety in next-generation hydrogen infrastructure. As part of TNO, you’ll work on a high-impact project that combines optics, data analysis, and engineering challenges. Hydrogen safety is a top priority, and advanced leakage detection systems are urgently needed to support large-scale deployment of hydrogen production and distribution infrastructure.

This internship contributes to the development of advanced hydrogen detection technology system.
TNO is developing a scalable fiber optic sensor system capable of detecting very low hydrogen concentrations. The project focuses on improving the experimental setup, optimizing data processing for temperature cross-sensitivity, and characterizing sensor response and recovery times. You will be part of a team working on systematic measurement campaigns and helping define the next generation of sensor calibration methods.

As an intern, you will:

• Contribute to the design and optimization of the hydrogen test setup at TNO.
• Conduct experimental campaigns to evaluate sensor performance.
• Analyze measurement data to assess detection limits, response times, and temperature effects.
• Support the documentation of results and contribute to internal reports and publications.

We are looking for:

• A MSc student in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Photonics, or a related field.
• Someone with a strong interest in sensor technology and experimental research.
• Experience with data analysis tools such as MATLAB or Python is a plus.
• A proactive and detail-oriented mindset, with the ability to work independently and in a team.

You want an internship opportunity on the precursor of your career; an internship gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your prospective future employer. TNO goes a step further. It’s not just looking that interests us; you and your knowledge are essential to our innovation. That’s why we attach a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Furthermore, we provide:

• A highly professional, innovative internship environment, within a team of top experts.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo-, hbo- and mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Possibility of eight hours of free leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet other TNO professionals and join several activities, such as sports activities, (work-related) courses or the yearly ski-trip.
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.

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.

After the first CV selection, the application process will be conducted by the concerning department. TNO will provide a suitable internship agreement. If you have any questions about this vacancy, you can contact the contact person mentioned below.

Important to be aware of before applying:

• Before the start of the internship, the internship agreement from TNO needs to be signed. For students at a college or university based in the Netherlands, TNO uses the UNL-template (supplemented with a number of specific agreements from TNO). For students of foreign and MBO educational institutions, the TNO internship agreement applies. TNO does not sign any other internship agreements.
• Before the start of the internship, the educational institution will need to confirm in writing that:
  • 1) you are enrolled at the educational institution during the internship, and;
  • 2) the internship takes place as part of the programme of the study.
• The confirmation of educational institution takes place by signing the UNL template or forms prepared by TNO.
• Interns at TNO must be in possession of a Dutch residential address at the start of the internship. Performance of internship activities from abroad is not possible.