Senior Project Manager Networks | The Hague

A powerful digital future for the Netherlands and Europe is unimaginable without cutting-edge research and innovation. At TNO, we’re actively shaping that future through an exciting and promising portfolio which you can bring to fruition. As a Senior Project Manager, you’ll play a key role in turning this ambition into reality - leading projects that translate cutting-edge ideas into practical ICT solutions. You’ll work alongside a dedicated team of researchers and specialists, helping drive the digital transformation needed to tackle complex societal and industrial challenges.

At TNO’s Networks department, part of the ICT, Strategy and Policy (ISP) Unit, you’ll bridge the gap between research and real-world ICT-driven solutions for a fast, secure, and sustainable digital transformation. You’ll lead complex R&D projects that span a wide range of stakeholders, including partners from telecommunications, mobility, and defence, as well as governmental bodies and policy makers in the Netherlands and beyond. 

The projects you manage will explore advanced topics such as beyond 5G and 6G mobile networks, cloud-based infrastructure, radio networking, and immersive technologies. These initiatives range from long-term research and technology strategy to standardisation, simulations, and field trials. You’ll oversee multiple projects simultaneously, typically with teams of five to twenty people, and guide them through evolving goals and planning to deliver future-proof system architectures and digital services.

TNO’s neutral and multidisciplinary environment allows you to focus on the bigger picture. You’ll be responsible for aligning diverse interests, managing risks, and fostering collaboration across sectors and disciplines. You’ll be challenged to bring together a diverse set of stakeholders, align their interests, and build momentum around shared goals. Managing project-related risks and navigating shifting priorities will be part of your daily rhythm. With your team, you’ll adapt to evolving requirements and timelines, all while delivering future-proof system architectures and digital services that meet the needs of tomorrow.

Learn more about Networks Department

At TNO’s Networks Department, you’ll join a strong and enthusiastic international team of over 75 experts working on the future of digital infrastructure. We specialise in networking technologies across telecom, cloud, mobility, and defense, combining applied research with hands-on development—from radio transmission to immersive communication and cloud-based services.

We tackle challenges that are central to the Dutch and European digital landscape. Our work supports national and European competitiveness by developing tailor-made network solutions, strengthening vertical sectors such as mobility and defence, and contributing to the creation of robust, reliable, and sovereign digital infrastructures. Through strategic collaborations and applied research, we help partners stay ahead in a rapidly evolving technological environment.

Our work is deeply connected to national and European innovation agendas, including leadership in programmes like Future Network Services (FNS) and European research initiatives. We hold key roles in global standardisation bodies such as ETSI and 3GPP, and collaborate with partners through field trials and reference implementations of beyond 5G/6G, XR, and cloud technologies.

Our facilities include advanced testbeds and labs, such as a research cloud, a beyond 5G/6G test network, and a media lab. These environments support hands-on development, testing, and validation of new network technologies, ensuring our innovations are both practical and reliable.

You are well-acquainted with the ICT sector and thrive in an applied research environment focused on developing practical, forward-looking solutions. You know how to structure and guide the creativity of researchers, and you’re energised by the complexity and dynamics of project management. You embrace the uncertainties that come with innovation and are comfortable navigating shifting goals and priorities.

You take initiative, motivate teams, and lead projects with ownership and accountability. Your cultural awareness and communication skills enable you to build trust, manage sensitivities, and align diverse stakeholders - from customers and partners to internal teams - around shared objectives.

At TNO, we work according to the International Project Management Association (IPMA) guidelines. Familiarity with IPMA methods - or comparable frameworks such as PRINCE2 or PMBOK - is therefore desirable. The role may involve travel within the Netherlands and internationally to attend conferences and consortium meetings.

You bring:

• A Master’s degree in computer science, telecommunications, or a related engineering field.
• At least eight years of experience in project management.
• Proven knowledge and experience in at least one of the relevant domains - IT & telecommunications, mobility, or defence - and their digitalisation challenges.

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 € 6,000 and € 7,900 (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.
• 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 21st of November, 2025. 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.