Research Engineer Energetic Systems

About this position

Due to geopolitical developments and a changing security landscape, attention to energetic and explosive materials has increased significantly in recent years. These materials are essential within the defence and security domains and also play a role in civilian and industrial applications. Europe faces the challenge of increasing its strategic autonomy in this field by further developing knowledge, technology, and production capacity.

At TNO, we work on research and innovative solutions focused on the safe, modern, and future-proof production of energetic materials. In this role, you will contribute to the development, testing, and scaling up of the materials and processes that underpin this work.

What will be your role?

As a Research Engineer, you are the practical and creative team member within a group of specialists, supporting the development, improvement, and testing of a wide range of (new) explosive substances and products. You are highly versatile and willing to switch quickly, enabling you to apply your expertise across different projects. Depending on your background and experience, you will follow a tailored training programme, with the expectation that you will rapidly gain hands-on experience and develop in-depth expertise in working with energetic materials.

Your work will consist of chemically oriented experimental activities, ranging from synthesising small quantities of energetic materials to producing large batches of explosive substances. In addition, depending on your knowledge and experience, you will contribute intellectually by thinking along about new techniques and synthesis routes. Over time, you will be given increasing responsibility for conceiving, setting up, executing, and reporting on new practical research. To ensure this work is carried out safely and responsibly, you will receive internal guidance and training, allowing you to become increasingly confident in working with these materials. Finally, after a thorough onboarding period, you may also take on certain operational and control tasks within the laboratories.

What we expect from you

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 € 3,250 and € 3,700 (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.

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 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

Please apply before the 29th of May 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.

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.