TNO Traineeship | 1 September 2026

At TNO, we work on projects with societal impact through technological innovation. From securely encrypting financial transactions using quantum mechanics, to groundbreaking radar technology for Defence, to testing innovative energy concepts. Our impact reaches far and wide!

As a TNO trainee, you get a unique opportunity to accelerate your personal and professional growth. The TNO Traineeship helps you understand and develop your talents, drivers, and values. Over the course of two years, you will gain experience in three different roles and departments. It is up to you to find, choose, and shape these roles. This also brings challenges, and we expect you to take them on. We support you through training sessions, workshops, peer coaching, and a personal coach. This enables you to develop your leadership skills. Along the way, you will be part of an enthusiastic group of nearly 30 trainees.

This traineeship is an opportunity to create your own path within TNO. Are you ready to take on the challenge?

During the TNO Traineeship, your 5-day workweek looks as follows:

1) Working within departments
Three and a half days per week you will work in one of the TNO units in a role such as project leader, business developer, consultant, or sometimes scientist. You will collaborate with a team of experts who share an unbounded ambition and drive to create societal impact. Together, you translate knowledge into practice.

2) Personal development
On average, one day per week is dedicated to your personal development. With the support of a personal coach, training sessions, and workshops, you gain deeper insight into your talents, drivers, and values. You will also expand your knowledge of leadership styles and soft skills. Through peer coaching, you learn from and with your fellow trainees. In addition, you will be supported and challenged by the management of the TNO Traineeship throughout the two-year program.

Setting your own course within a large and complex organization like TNO is a fantastic opportunity. We provide the tools; you bring the perseverance and determination to get the most out of the TNO Traineeship. You thrive in change: working in three different departments over two years suits your entrepreneurial and adaptive character. When challenges arise, you reflect, learn, and grow. You connect disciplines, value diverse perspectives, and communicate effectively. Moreover, you are driven to contribute to innovations that support the sustainable well-being, safety, and prosperity of society.

Other skills and knowledge you bring to TNO:

• You obtained your Master’s degree no more than two years before the 1st of September, 2026.
• You currently live in Europe and are willing to relocate to the Netherlands for the traineeship.

In addition, you meet one of the following criteria:

• You have a technical bachelor’s and master’s degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Econometrics, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or AI, and you have broadening extracurricular activities on your CV.

• You have a technical bachelor’s or master’s degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Econometrics, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or AI, and a broadening bachelor’s or master’s degree, combined with extracurricular activities.

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 € 3,530 and (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 of 36 hours) and the possibility of working from home. (During the traineeship, you will work 40 hours per week).
• Networking opportunities and great activities organized by Jong TNO.
• 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.

You can apply until the 3th of May1 2026, 11:59 PM, via the application form.

You will be asked to upload:

1. Your CV;
2. Your motivation letter;
3. Your answer to the assignment below.

Assignment: Your impact and learning goals
Prepare one PowerPoint slide in which you answer the following two core questions of the TNO Trainee Program:

1. How will you make an impact?
2. What do you want to learn about yourself?

Submit your answer in one slide (PowerPoint format, .pptx). We encourage you to answer these questions in a personal and creative way. You may, for example, illustrate or visualize your answers, write them out, or add a link to a video. Use a maximum of 200 words. If you choose to include a video, limit it to 30 seconds and add a safe and accessible link to the slide.

Further steps in the process:

• Invitation to personality questionnaire: the 4th of May, 2026.
• Rejection or invitation: between the 13th of May and the 19th of May, 2026.
• Trainee Selection Day: the 29th of May, 2026.
• Final interviews: the 4th and 5th of June, 2026.
• Employment conditions discussion: the 11th of June, 2026.
• Start of the Traineeship: the 1st of September, 2026.

An online personality questionnaire is part of the selection procedure.

If you join TNO, you will also be required to provide a Certificate of Conduct (VOG).

As you may work for clients in the defence and security domain, it may be necessary for the AIVD to issue a Certificate of No Objection (VGB). This requires a security screening in advance. More information can be found here.