Research Fellow Performance | Eindhoven

You will have the unique opportunity of raising the systems engineering competencies in the high-tech industry to higher levels, building on the knowledge and insights generated by the research projects performed by your colleagues at our industry partners (ASML, Canon, Philips, Thales, and Vanderlande).

You will participate in a strategic research team, working in one of the TNO-ESI research projects, where you explore new capabilities for software-intensive high-tech systems and applications. These research teams spend most of their time working on customer premises. Your work will be in the research cluster Embedded Systems Innovation on the topic of system engineering dealing with system performance in complex and evolving high-tech systems. One of the objectives of TNO- ESI is to embed cutting edge methodologies to resolve industry needs in the high-tech Industry.

At this moment there are several projects in TNO-ESI on aspects of system performance together with industry partners. For example, one of our projects is about developing a methodology to define a future-proof execution architecture for a complex distributed high-tech system. This involves automatically inferring models from operational data from existing machines and leverage these models to estimate how system performance and system cost will be affected by changes to the hardware platform (compute nodes and network), software, and the deployment of software on hardware. This is a challenging topic, requiring the research, development, and application of state-of-the-art design-space exploration and performance analysis techniques.

Your work consists of researching the problem, developing proof of concepts to demonstrate the problem, develop different scenarios for solutions; demonstrate the business value, constraints and benefits of these solutions and help bring them into industrial use. More about ESI? watch this video introducing ESI.

You are a goal-oriented and self-driven professional energized by delivering high-quality results and willing to learn from new experiences and your colleagues. You are passionate about helping improve the industrial systems engineering way-of-working by raising the relevant competences of individuals and teams. You are familiar with systems architecting / systems engineering methods processes & required competences. You have an affinity with the high-tech world and are fascinated by the role of human aspects in innovation and technology development. At the same time you are resilient in the face of organizational and operational difficulties that are part and parcel of the dynamics of the high-tech industry. You can adapt and respond fast.
What else can you offer?

• You have an academic degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent.
• You have a mix of academic and professional working experiences.
• You have an affinity and interest in systems engineering of complex high-tech systems, model-driven engineering, and development of embedded / real-time software.
• You have experience in analyzing system performance at various abstraction levels, from a high level of subsystem interactions and dependencies to low levels of e.g. CPU scheduling and cache behavior.
• Familiarity with industry standard modeling languages, such as SysML, UML, BPMN and tools as MatLab Simulink is an advantage.
• You can give energy to a group.
• You look at things from a systems perspective (business, customer, technology).
• You can lead and facilitate conversations of diverse groups towards a common research goal.

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 € 4,500 and € 6,600 (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.
• 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 15th of March, 2026. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. The preliminary interview takes place on the 23rd of March, 2026. The second interview round has been scheduled for 2nd 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.

A certificate of Conduct (VOG) is required before starting a new job at TNO.