(Systems) Engineer Jet Propulsion Technology & Applications

Driven engineers are indispensable at TNO. What makes this role exciting for you? You’ll work on innovative products for the space industry while contributing to the safety of our society by supporting the Dutch armed forces. With your academic background in aerospace engineering or physics, you’ll apply your expertise to solve complex challenges in rocket propulsion and energetic materials. Read on to discover how you can make an impact on a safer world.

In this role, you combine systems engineering and engineering: you are both the strategic thinker who keeps the big picture in mind and the specialist who contributes hands-on. Currently, the focus is on systems engineering (approximately 75–80%), but this balance varies per project, keeping your work diverse and challenging. As a (systems) engineer, you act as a key link between industry, government, and defense. Together with a team of specialists, you address questions about products and technologies related to energetic systems, with a focus on rocket and air-breathing propulsion technologies. You will have a coordinating role and serve as the technical lead within projects.

• As a systems engineer, your tasks range from drafting technology development plans, defining and analyzing system requirements, managing interfaces, performing trade-offs, managing technical risks, and ensuring quality within the projects you work on.
• As an engineer, you apply your knowledge of fluid dynamics, combustion, and detonation physics to develop new or improved propulsion systems. You will model propulsion systems, design and test engines, and validate experimental results using your understanding of the relevant physics.

Naturally, reporting is part of your responsibilities, usually in English. The research projects you work on are primarily within the space and defense domains.

You will join the Energetic Systems (ES) expertise group. This team is a global leader in energetic materials and has unique, state-of-the-art facilities for handling and testing these materials. We oversee the entire chain—from source (synthesis, production, processing, storage & transport) to use (characterization, reliability, lifetime, safety, detection) to disposal (environmental aspects and destruction). The team of about 40 professionals, with backgrounds in chemistry, aerospace, mechanical engineering, and physics, works on national and international projects for the Ministry of Defense and the civil market, including the defense industry, chemical industry, space sector, and various Dutch government agencies. In this role, you will work closely with the project leader and project team.

Your immediate team consists of about seven propulsion specialists at bachelor’s and master’s level. You’ll work in a close-knit team with short communication lines while having access to a broad network of experts within and outside TNO—combining the benefits of a small group with the knowledge and resources of a large organization. The team has access to advanced equipment and facilities for chemical and thermal analysis, production of energetic materials, ignition behavior characterization, and rocket motor testing. More information about the team can be found in: TNO-2021-space.pdf. (pdf)

You have a team-player mindset but can also make quick decisions independently. You are creative, resilient, and flexible, with a keen eye for detail and the ability to maintain oversight of complex technical projects. You can structure and prioritize in a dynamic environment. You enjoy working with your team to develop practical solutions for complex challenges and mapping out the steps needed to achieve them. Thanks to your pragmatic approach, you can quickly translate interim results into adjustments to the development plan, ensuring you and your colleagues reach the desired outcome. And if a project takes an unexpected turn, you can adapt swiftly to new circumstances.

Additionally, you have:

• A completed master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Physics;
• At least 5 years of relevant work experience as a systems engineer;
• Experience in stakeholder management and building consensus within complex technical projects;
• Affinity with space, rocket engines, and energetic materials;
• Affinity with the defense domain;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in both Dutch and English.

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 € 4,000 and € 6,000 (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.

Perhaps you would like to grow your career in the direction of commerce or consultancy? Or would you like to become a project manager? Immerse yourself in sustainable innovations? Or carve out a career as a technical expert?

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.
• 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 27th of January, 2026. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. The first interview round is planned on the 4th of February, 2026. The second interview round is planned on the 10th of February, 2026. 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.

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.