Senior Scientist Ship Design

A livable future for everyone this is what we, as the Naval and Offshore Structures department, contribute to. We design, analyze, and test a wide variety of mechanical structures for the maritime and offshore industries and for defense. The safety of these structures, under the most extreme conditions and throughout their entire lifecycle, is central to our work. The transition to alternative fuels such as methanol and nuclear power brings enormous design and engineering challenges. How do systems and structures behave under these new conditions? How do we develop regulations that enable safe introduction? What happens in the event of a collision? Does this sound interesting, and would you like to contribute to sustainable and safe ships of the future? Then this position is for you!

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.

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.

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 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.
• 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 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.