Medior Scientist Vulnerability & Lethality Analyses in Ypenburg (The Hague)

For the Platform Protection & Advanced Materials (PPAM) department, we are looking for a new colleague. You will join an environment where experiment and theory reinforce each other, and where your ideas and insights contribute to innovative solutions. Through your work, you directly contribute to the safety of military personnel and to improving protection systems that can save lives. In this role, you will have plenty of room to develop your expertise further, bring in new perspectives and work alongside a motivated team on groundbreaking research. Your work truly makes a difference — every day.

The PPAM department is part of TNO’s Defense, Safety & Security (DSS) unit and consists of approximately 45 colleagues conducting research into the effects of munitions on military vehicles, personnel, and infrastructure. In doing so, we contribute to the development, use and evaluation of systems deployed by the Dutch Armed Forces. Within the department, both theoretical and experimental research is carried out.
Within PPAM, we value collaboration, diverse perspectives and a safe working environment in which everyone can grow. You will join a multidisciplinary team where knowledge sharing and learning together are central. In this role, you will work within the team focused on modelling the vulnerability and lethality of defence systems. This modelling is essential for determining the effectiveness of weapon systems and the vulnerability of defence systems such as vehicles or personal protective equipment.
TNO has developed a dedicated calculation tool for this purpose (TARVAC — TARget Vulnerability Assessment Code), which is used to perform vulnerability and lethality studies. Input for the TARVAC tool comes partly from experimental research carried out in our unique “Ballistic Research Laboratory”. Together with our clients and partners from the Ministry of Defence and the defence industry, you will contribute to the development and validation of TARVAC and use this tool to advise them on vulnerability/lethality-related questions. Your work will focus on munition effects: the underlying physics, simulations, experiments, and analysis of simulation and experimental results. This enables you to develop an understanding of what exactly happens during an explosion or projectile impact, and the resulting effects on the impacted object. You will also contribute to the enhancement and application of our calculation tool. You will report and present your results within project teams and to our clients and partners.

You are an enthusiastic, creative and hands on researcher with relevant experience, who enjoys collaborating with others and is curious about how technology can contribute to safety. You bring an open and proactive mindset and want to contribute to generating and applying knowledge for our clients. You keep practical application in sight at all times, while maintaining a critical eye and attention to detail. You enjoy taking the lead, are socially and communicatively strong, and can clearly explain complex concepts — including to clients with a less technical background. You take responsibility for results as well as your own development. This role combines leadership with substantial technical depth. We are looking for a decisive colleague who can quickly acquire new knowledge and guide others based on a strong technical foundation. And importantly: you do not need to meet every single requirement — even if your knowledge is not complete in all areas, we warmly encourage you to apply.
You also bring:

• A completed Master’s degree or PhD in a relevant technical field, such as Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or Applied Physics;
• At least 5 years of work experience in a relevant research or development environment and/or within a defence context. Even if you hold a PhD, we expect you to have several years of additional relevant work experience;
• Demonstrated experience working in project and team settings, showing that you can provide substantive direction to the development of an innovative (software) product;
• Affinity with:
  • Identifying dominant physical phenomena and translating them into engineering models required for TARVAC;
  • Writing scripts (e.g. in Python, Matlab, C#);
  • Reporting and version control (such as GitLab, PDM);
• Preferably some knowledge of mechanics and/or biomechanics;
• Interest in preparing for, executing and supporting experimental research as part of a team;
• Proficiency in both Dutch and English, spoken and written. For Dutch, we require at least C1 level.

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 € 4.200,- 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[OPTIONAL] or a leased car.
• 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 8th of March, 2026. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. The preliminary interview takes place on the 17th of March, 2026. The second interview round has been scheduled for the 24th of March, 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.