Senior Scientist Well Technology | Rijswijk

Become part of technical innovations for wells concerning energy transition topics!

As a senior scientist in well technology in the Geoscience and Technology (GST) team you will drive the development of new technologies that enable safe, efficient and sustainable well operations for the energy transition. Your work will span the full lifecycle of wells, from conceptual engineering and design to drilling and completion, operation and abandonment. Application includes geothermal energy, CO2 and hydrogen storage, and in a broader sense subsurface energy systems.

With your expertise in drilling, well construction and near-wellbore environment, you will help tackle key challenges related to well integrity, re-use and decommissioning. You will work with a team of scientists and technicians and will mentor and guide several junior scientists. A core part of your role is advancing promising technologies from prototype to field testing. Within the Well Technology Center of TNO you are responsible for the design and execution of large-scale tests and subsequent data analysis, together with clients and project partners.

With your ability to bridge theoretical research and practical application, you will support the integration of new knowledge into field-ready innovations and directly contribute to safer, more affordable and more sustainable energy production.

You identify knowledge gaps, implement procedures that improve current well technologies and develop cutting edge well technologies. You are also motivated to apply knowledge in internal discussions, present your results at scientific conferences and disseminate your research in technical publications.
You can interpret results of (experimental) studies and connect these to market needs to build a professional network with academia, industry, and accelerate the development of well technology innovations. With the support of TNO’s Business Development you are able to write proposals and acquire (follow-up) projects from B2B or through public-private projects (e.g. national or European funding schemes).

The multi-disciplinary character of this field requires you to collaborate with experts from different TNO groups at multiple locations, and as a senior scientist well engineering, we expect you to be involved in multiple projects across our project portfolio, which consists of business-to-business, nationally funded and internationally funded projects.

• Graduate degree in well engineering, mechanical engineering, reservoir engineering, earth sciences or related disciplines;
• 5-10 years of experience, some of which in an operational environment;
• Expertise in drilling/well construction, maintenance and abandonment of wells and associated operating conditions;
• Innovative mindset, not only thinking about today's problems but also about future challenges;
• Able to evaluate well integrity and HSSE aspects for wells and to estimate the impact of proposed innovations;
• Knowledge of costs and operational aspects of innovative well technologies;
• Experience with experiments in a laboratory environment, and capabilities to link these to numerical simulations to develop innovative technologies;
• Ability to assess and combine information from different expertise groups (e.g. reservoir engineering, materials and corrosion, petrophysics, geomechanics, etc.);
• Experience with energy transition topics like CCS, geothermal energy and energy storage is preferred;
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English.

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 € 5,951 and € 7,946 (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 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.
• 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 19th of April, 2026. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. 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.