Medior Project Leader Military Ship Structures

A liveable future for everyone, that’s what our Naval and Offshore Structures department contributes to. We design, analyse, and test a wide range of mechanical structures for the maritime and offshore industry and for defence. Structural safety, under the most extreme conditions and throughout the entire lifecycle, is always at the core of our work. We support defence with research into current and future naval vessels, specifically focusing on protecting the ship and its crew under all circumstances. As project leader, you guide projects in the right direction, ensure smooth coordination with clients and stakeholders, and motivate and support your team. Does this sound interesting, and do you want to contribute to safe and sustainable ships of the future? Then this role is for you!

Under your leadership, projects are successfully developed, executed, and delivered. You ensure that we provide high-quality work within the agreed timelines and budgets, and that the client is satisfied, even when outcomes differ from initial expectations. The team is central, and you coach and support your colleagues to bring out the best in themselves and the project. You will have plenty of freedom to work in a way that suits you, with ample opportunity to consult with and learn from other project leaders.

You will work in a multidisciplinary team with experts from various fields, in close collaboration with the client and/or partners. As project leader, you will simultaneously manage 5 to 10 different projects of varying sizes and actively contribute to setting up new research projects. You know the domain and the technical content, and from this role you act as the bridge between subject-matter experts and stakeholders. Your responsibility is to keep the project on track, ensure good coordination with the team, clients, and stakeholders. You also stand by your team you stimulate, coach, and support them. In addition, you contribute to TNO’s visibility, for example through publications and presentations.

You will be part of the Naval and Offshore Structures department, which consists of 50 dedicated experts with backgrounds in maritime engineering, civil engineering, aerospace engineering, applied physics, and mechanical engineering. With our well-equipped labs for mechanical testing, practical and theoretical knowledge go hand in hand, enabling us to solve the most complex problems and validate innovative structural solutions. Our research ranges from the safe use of alternative fuels on board ships and the structural safety of offshore wind turbines to shock- and explosion-resistant ship structures. We work on today’s major challenges: the energy transition and the increasing focus on safety at sea.

As project leader, you are able to find the right balance within a project, ensuring strong technical results, customer satisfaction, and effective use of available resources (time, budget, etc.). You speak the language of technical experts, but also demonstrate your added value in discussions with partners. You excel at switching between projects and stakeholders, always striving to achieve the best possible outcome for both the project and the team. For every project, you define a clear long-term goal, and continuously ensure that all parties remain aligned with it. You also handle administrative tasks with ease; thanks to your accurate and structured working style, everyone knows exactly where they stand and what the project status is.

You have completed a technical academic degree (for example in Maritime Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Civil Engineering), with a specialization in structural mechanics and an affinity for the maritime and defence sector.
In addition to your technical background, you have experience leading (project) teams (5–10 people or more) and you are eager to develop further in this area. Besides technical expertise, we highly value communication skills and customer- and results-oriented working, enabling you to collaborate effectively

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.
• [Access to TNO’s project managers guild: a network of some three hundred equals. The guild organizes workshops, conferences, intervision sessions and other activities for project managers.
• 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 11th of January, 2026. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. 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.