Researcher Vehicle Protection & Survivability | The Hague

The Platform Protection & Advanced Materials (PPAM) department is part of TNO Defense, Safety & Security (DSS) and consists of around 45 colleagues who conduct research on the protection of people and equipment against ballistic threats and explosions. Much of this work takes place in the military domain, and partly in the civilian domain. With our support, new vehicles are developed or improved, which are ultimately used by units of the Dutch and often foreign armed forces and police, as well as organizations operating in high risk areas. Within the department, both theoretical and experimental research is carried out.

As a Researcher Vehicle Protection & Survivability, you will strengthen the vehicle team. Together with your colleagues, you will work on improving the protection of (military) vehicles. You will conduct tests on complete vehicles to assess whether the protection meets relevant standards, such as those set by NATO. You will contribute to defining research proposals and test plans in close collaboration with the team’s experts and project managers. You will help set up and carry out these tests, and you will document the results in research or test reports.

For the vehicle tests, you will have frequent contact with vehicle manufacturers who come to TNO specifically to test and certify their products. You act as a link between the customer and the teams executing the experiments, and over time you will take on increasing responsibility in this role.

TNO DSS has access to a unique Ballistic Research Laboratory, where real shooting and explosive tests are performed. In addition, both small and large explosive tests are regularly carried out at outdoor test sites in the Netherlands and abroad. At times, you will spend several weeks on location with the measurement team, actively contributing to the work. And yes—your hands will get dirty, the days can be long, sometimes cold and wet, and sometimes extremely hot. But like the rest of the team, you will find great satisfaction in a successful test series and a happy client.

We are looking for a colleague with an open and proactive attitude, someone who is curious and eager to contribute to generating results that are valuable for our clients. You are enthusiastic, hands on, and pragmatic, with a strong eye for detail. You are customer oriented, social, and communicative, and able to explain complex concepts clearly—also to clients with a less technical background. You take ownership of results and of your own development.

You also bring:

• A completed HBO bachelor’s degree in a relevant technical field, such as Automotive Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Aerospace Engineering.
• Broad technical interest in vehicles; you combine curiosity and attention to detail with the ability to understand complex challenges.
• Affinity with experimentation, testing, and development, and an interest in preparing, executing, and guiding experimental research in a team setting.
• Experience with or interest in data analysis, signal processing, and reporting on test setups and results.
• Proficiency in Dutch and English, both spoken and written, at least at B1 level. Some knowledge of German is very welcome.
• A valid Category B driving license.

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 € 3,200 and € 3,800 (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 plus a flexible holiday (prorated) that can be used on a cultural, religious, or otherwise important day of your choosing.
• 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 or 36 hours) and the possibility of working from home.
• Access to our Talent Development Programme.
• Networking opportunities and great activities organized by Jong TNO.
• 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 16th of April, 2026. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. The first interview round is planned on the 30th of April or the 4th of May, 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.