Senior consultant (uncrewed) Ship Design

About this position

The naval vessels of the future require a new perspective on design, their crews, and the challenges related to ship vulnerability. We support defence through applied research focused on protecting ships and their crews, even during high intensity conflicts. In addition, we explore the potential of uncrewed vessels and how these developments are changing ship design. Does this sound interesting, uncrewed would you like to contribute to sustainable and safe ships of the future? Then this position is for you!

What will be your role?

As a Senior consultant Ship Design, you translate your vision on ship vulnerability of military crewed and uncrewed vessels into concrete research activities and innovations for Defence. You understand the challenges of the industry as well as the solution space within TNO. Together with a team of specialists, you analyse, assess, and experiment with maritime military, crewed and uncrewed, systems to enable the implementation of groundbreaking solutions. As a senior consultant, you combine your experience and expertise in ship design and structures with in depth market knowledge and a strong professional network. Together with our partners, you help shape the direction of future ship designs. In addition, you work with our experts to further develop our research on uncrewed vessels in close collaboration with industry and government.

You will work within a multidisciplinary team of experts from various fields, in close cooperation with clients and/or partners both within and outside the department. As a Senior Consultant, you are well acquainted with our customers, provide high level strategic advice, and have a strong influence on defining our research strategy. Furthermore, you are active in (inter)national scientific forums and initiate collaborations with industry and universities. You also contribute to increasing TNO’s visibility, for example 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.

What we expect from you

You hold a completed technical academic degree (for example in Maritime Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Civil Engineering), with a specialisation in the design of structures and systems. You have extensive experience (10+ years) in the maritime sector, for example at a shipyard. Knowledge of the military domain is an advantage. You have a strong theoretical foundation combined with practical insight into the behaviour of structures and systems and the consequences of design choices. Finally, you have a strong network within the maritime and defence sectors. You have an open mindset and are able to connect system requirements, design, and structural solutions.

In addition to technical expertise, we place strong emphasis on communication skills and a customer and results oriented approach, enabling effective teamwork towards end results that are usable and applicable for our clients. You have demonstrated the ability to develop vision and strategy and to translate research questions into concrete projects. You have experience in providing substantive leadership to teams and in successfully delivering complex projects. You are proficient in both Dutch and English, spoken and written.

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 € 5,900 and € 7,500 (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 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.
• Extensive relocation package for international candidates.
• 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 21st of June, 2026. The selection process comprises three interview rounds. The preliminary interview takes place on the [DAY] of [MONTH], [YEAR]. The second interview round has been scheduled for the [DAY] of [MONTH], [YEAR]. 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.