Operational Analyst Electromagnetics & Military Operations

About this position

The security of the Netherlands and its allies requires well-informed decision-making in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape. Modern military operations are shaped by technological developments, evolving threats, and complex operational choices across the land, air, maritime, and space domains.

Within TNO Defence, Safety & Security (DSS), analysts, scientists, and engineers develop knowledge and technologies that support the Armed Forces in preparing, executing, and evaluating military operations. You will work within the Electromagnetics & Military Operations (E&MO) division, where you contribute to analysing complex operational challenges and supporting decision-making through data, models, and analyses.

Working at E&MO means operating at the heart of defence innovation. Here, project managers, researchers, engineers, and analysts collaborate closely on technologies and knowledge that are essential for modern military operations. Specialists and generalists work side by side on challenges ranging from concept development and system architecture to integration, testing, and validation in realistic operational environments.

Do you recognize yourself in this role and would you like to apply your talents to challenges that truly matter? Then we warmly invite you to apply.

What will be your role?

As an Operational Analyst, you will work on complex operational challenges for Defence. You will support decision-making by developing models, simulations, and analyses that contribute to future military capabilities, operational concepts, and investment decisions.

Your responsibilities include:

• modelling and simulating military operations;
• analysing current and future operational concepts;
• performing quantitative analyses related to deployment, effectiveness, capacity, and readiness;
• developing algorithms and analytical models;
• analysing qualitative and quantitative datasets;
• advising on deployment, procurement, sustainment, and further development of equipment;
• preparing research proposals and translating client questions into concrete analyses;
• collaborating with Defence, international partners, and multidisciplinary teams.

You will primarily work from a quantitative perspective, while also maintaining a strong understanding of the operational context behind the data. You translate complex operational challenges into practical models and analyses, thereby directly contributing to the effectiveness of military operations.

Depending on the project, you will work on challenges across different domains, such as land, maritime, and air operations. In projects with a focus on Air Power, for example, you will contribute to analysing and improving air force operations through applied scientific research, modelling, and simulations. In doing so, you work closely with Defence partners and translate complex operational challenges into concrete and actionable solutions. In some projects, you may also work temporarily on-site at Defence locations.

What does UMBRA mean?

UMBRA is the entry point for technical and analytical talent within TNO’s Electromagnetics & Military Operations (E&MO) division, part of the Defence, Safety & Security unit. UMBRA—named after the Latin word for “shadow”—is a “shadow group” where both early-career talent and senior experts join the E&MO division.

Together, you will work on mission-critical Defence challenges with societal impact, with a strong focus on short-cycle innovation. In practice, this means striving for results within months rather than years. Depending on your level of experience and available team capacity, you will also start working directly on projects within one of the division’s research groups.

In addition, you will follow an onboarding program within UMBRA tailored to your experience level and development goals, helping you find the right long-term position. You are expected to transition to one of the division’s research groups after 3–6 months. UMBRA is based in Rijswijk, where you will start your role; after some time, you will move on to the division located in The Hague.

For medior operational analysts

You will work independently on analyses and model development, contributing substantive insights to complex projects.

For senior operational analysts

As a senior, you will lead complex analyses, mentor colleagues, and play an important role in engaging with clients, Defence partners, and stakeholders.

What we expect from you

This position is open to operational analysts with varying levels of experience who want to work on complex operational and analytical challenges.

You recognize yourself in (part of) the following profile:

• You hold an MSc degree in Operations Research, Econometrics, Applied Mathematics, or a similar field;
• You have experience with modelling, simulation, and analytical challenges;
• You have experience in programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB, R, or similar tools);
• You are able to structure complex problems and translate them into actionable models and analyses;
• You take initiative, identify opportunities, and proactively contribute ideas for improving analyses and ways of working;
• You are flexible and able to adapt to changing challenges, project environments, and client needs;
• You have an affinity with defence and security-related topics;
• You have a good command of both Dutch and English, written and spoken.

In addition, you work in a structured and precise manner, have strong analytical skills, and maintain an overview in complex environments. You collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams and take ownership of the quality and applicability of your analyses.

What you'll get in return

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 € 4.400 and € 7.700 (based on your knowledge and experience), 8% holiday pay, a 13^th 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 plus a flexible holiday that can be used on a cultural, religious, or otherwise important day of your choosing (on a full-time basis).
• An employer working towards a respectful, inclusive, and equitable work environment where every employee can flourish, with various initiatives such as Jong TNO, numerous expertise based guilds, Rainbow Community and Round Tables on diverse 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.
• A good pension scheme.

Read more about tailoring your benefits package.

TNO as an employer

Our people are at the heart of TNO. Their curiosity, expertise and entrepreneurial mindset make it possible to deliver high-impact research and innovations that contribute to society’s sustainable wellbeing and prosperity. That is why we invest in an inspiring and inclusive working environment where colleagues can excel, have autonomy and continue to grow.

Your talent and ambition have every opportunity to flourish at TNO. You work with experts (both within and beyond TNO), have access to advanced technology and the freedom to explore, experiment and innovate. Our strength lies in independence, reliability and collaboration. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. By working with businesses and government, and by connecting different perspectives, we strengthen our innovative capability and create responsible, meaningful results.

At TNO, we believe this is our time to help society, government and business move forward faster. Together with driven colleagues, you turn knowledge into concrete innovations or ventures that truly make a difference by combining the power of science and entrepreneurship. And in doing so, you make your mark on our time.

The selection process

The selection process comprises two interview rounds. In a final meeting, we will discuss the employment terms, which you can tailor to your own preferences. We aim to complete the entire process within four weeks. As we are continuously looking for operational analysts, this vacancy does not have a fixed closing date and interviews are scheduled on a rolling basis. We therefore encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

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.

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.