Scientist Militaire Scheepsconstructies | Delft

A livable future for everyone – that is what we, as the Naval and Offshore Structures department, contribute to. We design, analyse, and test a wide range of mechanical structures for the maritime and offshore industry and for defence applications. The safety of these structures, under the most extreme conditions and throughout their entire service life, is central to our work. We support Defence through research on current and future naval vessels, with a specific focus on protecting the ship and its crew under all conditions. Does this appeal to you, and would you like to contribute to sustainable and safe ships of the future? Then this position is for you.

As a Starter Scientist Ship Structures, you analyse and model a wide range of maritime structures and systems to validate cutting-edge structural solutions. Your primary focus lies on our work for Defence, where we assess and model the effects of military loads on structures and contribute solutions that enhance the survivability of future vessels and the safety of their crews.

This involves not only the structural response, but also the high-dynamic loading from an explosion either above water or under water. You will be using high-fidelity numerical tools (FEM and CFD) to solve the propagation of strong blast waves and other related phenomena and look at fluid-structure interaction. On the structural side, new materials and innovative solutions might be sought. You work in a multidisciplinary team with experts from various fields and collaborate closely with clients and partners. In addition, you enhance TNO’s visibility through publications and presentations.

You will join the Naval and Offshore Structures department, consisting of 57 motivated experts with backgrounds in maritime engineering, civil engineering, aerospace engineering, applied physics and mechanical engineering. Thanks to our well-equipped mechanical testing laboratories, practical and theoretical knowledge go hand in hand, enabling us to solve highly complex problems and validate innovative structural solutions.
Collaboration with other TNO laboratories and experts allows us to address additional challenges such as fluid dynamics and blast and shock resistance. Our research ranges from the safe use of alternative fuels on board ships and the structural safety of offshore wind turbines to shock- and explosion-resistant ship structures. We work on today’s key challenges: the energy transition and increasing safety at sea.

You have completed an academic degree in a technical discipline (for example Maritime Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Civil Engineering), with a specialization in structural mechanics and an affinity with the maritime and defence sector. You have a strong theoretical foundation, are proficient in numerical techniques (finite element methods), and also possess practical insight into the behaviour of structures. Having followed a gas dynamics or high-speed compressible flow course is very relevant.

In addition to your technical expertise, we highly value communication skills and customer- and results-oriented thinking. This allows you to effectively collaborate in a team environment towards achieving deliverables that are usable and applicable for our clients. You are proficient in both Dutch and English, both orally and in writing.

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 € 3,500 and € 4,500 (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.
• Access to our Talent Development Programme.
• 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.

Please apply before the 24th 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.

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.