Internship | MSc Internship: Hybrid Quantum–Classical Optimization for Energy Systems

The energy transition requires advanced optimization methods to manage increasingly complex and flexible energy systems. At TNO, we explore how emerging computational approaches, including hybrid quantum–classical methods, can support more efficient and scalable decision-making in energy system operation and planning.

In this internship, you will contribute to the design and evaluation of optimization methods for a representative energy system application. The focus is on developing a clear and structured implementation, starting from a classical optimization model and exploring how hybrid or quantum-inspired approaches can be applied in a controlled and practical way. The project is designed as a feasibility and benchmarking study, with a well-defined scope to ensure a meaningful outcome within the internship period. The goal is to understand where advanced methods may add value, and where classical approaches remain more suitable.

This position can be carried out either as an MSc thesis project or as a regular research internship, depending on your university requirements and preferences.

You will join a multidisciplinary research team within TNO’s Energy & Materials Transition (EMT) unit, working at the intersection of energy systems, optimization, and emerging computation technologies. You will be supervised by experienced researchers and collaborate with experts in energy system modeling and system integration.

The internship offers exposure to applied research projects and insight into how advanced methods are translated into practical tools and decision-support frameworks.

What will be your role?

You will work on a structured optimization problem related to energy system scheduling, operation or investment. Your tasks include:

• Formulating a representative optimization problem.
• Implementing a classical baseline model (e.g. MILP in Python).
• Exploring a decomposition or structured solution approach.
• Mapping part of the problem to a hybrid or quantum-inspired method (where applicable).
• Benchmarking and comparing approaches in terms of solution quality, runtime, and scalability.

The focus is on clear implementation, structured analysis, and critical evaluation, rather than on achieving performance breakthroughs.

• Master’s student in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Solid background in optimization (e.g. MILP, operations research, convex optimization, or decomposition techniques).
• Proficiency in Python and scientific computing.
• Interest in energy systems and/or emerging optimization approaches (e.g. quantum or hybrid methods).
• Ability to work independently and structure technical work clearly.

Experience with energy system modeling or power systems is a plus, but not required.

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.

For this internship vacancy it is required that the AIVD issues a security clearance (VGB) after conducting a security screening. Take into account that this process may take about 8 weeks. If you have been abroad for more than 6 consecutive months, or if you do not have the Dutch nationality, it may take longer. Read more about security screening on the AIVD website.

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.