Process Engineer Energetic Systems

Contribute directly to Europe’s independence in the production of energetic and explosive materials. In a world where security of supply, safety and innovation must go hand in hand, you play a key role in developing and enabling access to critical energetic systems that are essential for defence, safety, and industry.

In this role, you will work within the Energetic Systems (ES) expertise group. This team oversees the entire chain—from the source (synthesis, production, processing, storage, and transport) to end-of-life (environmental aspects and destruction). Our knowledge and capabilities are applied across various markets: from defence to space, from chemistry to national security. This is just a small glimpse of the work TNO carries out for the defence and security domain and for industry.

At TNO, we work on future applications that make a real difference. You will be part of project teams with a shared goal: providing clients with new products or production technologies. The outcomes of these projects range from feasibility studies and analyses to the development of complete skids used to demonstrate new production technologies.

You will often work on multiple projects/topics simultaneously and switch between subjects throughout your workweek. You translate research questions regarding new production methods into concrete project steps. Together with teams of varying composition, you work toward the final goal. Your focus lies on translating lab-scale chemistry into setups that demonstrate how a synthetic step can be converted into a production process. Initially, these may concern individual components of the production process, but the end goal may also be the design, construction, and demonstration of a full skid. A key challenge is that we work with energetic materials, which means that safety must always be fully guaranteed. You enjoy taking the lead in projects of this nature.

About the team:
The Energetic Systems (ES) expertise group is a global player in the field of energetic systems and has unique, modern facilities for handling and testing these materials. This diverse group consists of approximately 40 professionals with backgrounds in chemistry, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or physics. Together, they work on national and international projects for the Ministry of Defence and the civilian market, including the defence industry, chemical industry, space sector, and various Dutch governmental bodies.

Through your education and/or experience, you bring sufficient expertise to devise creative solutions for chemical reactions and processes, translate these into a skid design for those processes, and arrange for their construction. During and after construction, you take responsibility for testing and further optimizing these systems to ensure efficiency and reliability. You use your strong analytical and problem solving skills and pay careful attention to documenting designs, processes, and test results.

You work proactively and independently, while also collaborating effectively with colleagues to set up and successfully complete complex projects in which you translate laboratory research into practical and scalable solutions. Throughout this work, you demonstrate entrepreneurship, flexibility, and strong communication skills, enabling you to switch smoothly between different tasks and stakeholders.

What you also bring

• Specific process engineering competencies, demonstrated through:
• A completed MSc degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Technology, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in a comparable role.
• Experience translating batch processes into continuous processes.
• Experience scaling up from lab scale to pilot/industrial scale.
• Experience in designing and constructing skids and process installations.
• Preferably, specific knowledge of separation and purification techniques.

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 € 6.100,- (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 working towards a respectful, inclusive, and equitable work environment where every employee can flourish, with various employee networks that foster connection and give advice.
• 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.
• Extensive relocation package for international candidates.
• 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 7th of May, 2026. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. The first round interview is planned on the 18th 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.