Senior Scientist Ship Design

About this position

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What will be your role?

As a Senior Scientist Ship Design, you translate your vision on the introduction of alternative fuels into maritime structures and systems. You understand the challenges faced by industry, as well as the solution pathways available within TNO. Together with the team, you analyze, model, and experimentally investigate maritime structures and systems to enable the safe and cost-effective implementation of groundbreaking solutions.

You apply your knowledge of material and structural behavior to develop solutions that extend service life, increase safety, and improve economic feasibility. Our research focuses on methanol, hydrogen, and ammonia, with a growing emphasis on (small) nuclear systems and the associated safety questions, each with their own specific challenges. In consultation and aligned with your background, your focus will be on one or two of these fuels.
You use the knowledge developed to help create new regulations and to support industry in the safe and rapid introduction of these fuels in the maritime sector.

You will work within a multidisciplinary team of experts from various fields, in close collaboration with clients and/or partners both within and outside the department. As a Senior Scientist, you provide substantive leadership to projects, develop new projects, and are actively involved in defining our research strategy. In addition, you are active in (inter)national scientific forums and establish collaborations with industry and universities. You also contribute to TNO’s visibility, for example through publications and presentations.

You will be working in the Naval and Offshore Structures department. The department consists of 57 driven experts with backgrounds in maritime engineering, civil engineering, aerospace engineering, applied physics, and mechanical engineering. Thanks to our well-equipped laboratories for mechanical testing, practical and theoretical knowledge go hand in hand, enabling us to solve the most complex problems and validate groundbreaking structural solutions. Other laboratories and experts within TNO provide opportunities to address additional challenges related to fluid mechanics or explosion resistance.
Examples of our research range 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 the challenges of today: the energy transition and the increasing focus on safety at sea.

What we expect from you

You have completed an academic technical education (for example Maritime Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Civil Engineering), with a specialization in the design of systems and structures. You have extensive experience (10+ years) in the maritime sector, specifically in the field of alternative fuels. You have a strong theoretical foundation combined with practical insight into the behavior and consequences of design choices in structures and systems. You have knowledge and experience in the application of numerical methods and are familiar with the phenomena that are relevant for these applications. Finally, you have a strong network in the maritime sector and/or at relevant universities. You have an open mindset and are able to connect structures, design, and system requirements.

In addition to substantive expertise, we place great importance on communication skills and customer- and results-oriented working in a team setting, aimed at delivering 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 delivering successful outcomes in complex projects. You are fluent 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.