Internship | Engineering Intern - Energy Transition & Geothermal drilling

We are seeking a motivated HBO student with a engineering background to join our Well Technology team in Rijswijk. You will be based at the Well Technology Centre, a unique full‑scale field lab where innovative energy‑transition technologies are developed and tested. In this role, you will support the experimental setup for testing geothermal drilling technologies, a so-called 50T drilling machine. Drilling technologies play an essential role in advancing the Dutch energy transition by making geothermal energy more efficient, affordable, and widely accessible. New drilling concepts are developed and validated at the 50T facility before they are deployed in the field.

Your work will involve a combination of documentation, process design work, inventory activities and hands‑on tasks. You will collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team of test engineers, scientists, and research assistants.

Responsibilities

• Inventories all sub-systems and its components into TNO’s internal system (TMB).
• Review available documentation and identify missing information.
• Update machine specifications and operating manual.
• Review and update process diagrams.
• Collaborate with our technical team (and provide support in preparing experiments?).
• Participate in team meetings.

Requirements

• HBO student with mechanical engineering background.
• Good understanding of mechanical systems and machine working principles.
• Good understanding of process engineering, including reading and interpreting process documentation, diagrams, machine specifications, and instrumentation.
• Familiarity with PLC programming is a plus.
• Curious person with investigative and problem solving skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as in an international team environment.
• Good command of English is required.
• Not afraid to get your hands dirty.

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.

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.