Software Engineer Cyber Physical Systems (CPS) | The Hague

In the ever more connected world IoT and cyber-physical systems are increasingly pervasive. All these heterogenous complex systems need to communicate, coordinate, and collaborate to reach a common goal. At TNO we are developing technologies to realize the integration of these systems and orchestrate them to achieve a common goal. Next to developing your ICT knowledge, as Software Engineer CPS you will also build domain knowledge in fields like precision agriculture, smart manufacturing, or energy grid management and use that knowledge to make the right architectural decisions for each context.

Your home base is the research group Intelligent Cyber-Physical Systems Engineering (ICSE). From Groningen and The Hague, more than 35 scientists, researchers, and consultants work daily on the value of digital applications. You collaborate closely with colleagues from other departments and units. ICSE is a diverse team with people of different ages, backgrounds, and nationalities. We share a passion for applied research, have an open and informal atmosphere, support one another, and are open to your ideas!

As Software Engineer CPS you design and build the software layer that connects heterogeneous components into a working whole: prediction models that must feed operational decisions, supervision systems that need to act on incomplete information and sometimes even autonomous robots with real-time constraints. Each component has its own requirements. Your job is to find abstractions that make them cooperate reliably.

You will be active in multiple domains like digitization of agriculture, factories, or the electricity grid. You will gain domain specific knowledge while working alongside experts from different fields, allowing you to make design decisions to accommodate every component and construct a system that is able to achieve its goal. These technologies are often state of the art technology that hasn’t fully crystallized yet. You will be shaping as you go.

Software is our expertise and is the glue that holds these systems together. It is your task to design the right abstraction (interfaces, protocols, data models) that make this systems reliable, testable, scalable, and maintainable over time, even as te underlying components evolve.

You are ambitious, have a strong software engineering background (or related) and solve problems in a systematic approach. You have an intrinsic motivation to solve societal challenges and are comfortable in working in a highly experimental setting. 

We prefer the following prerequisites

• Recently finished Phd or some experience after receiving master’s in computer science or related field.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills to work in multi-disciplinary teams.
• Proactive and independent approach to work.
• Experience in Python and motivation to learn other programming languages/technologies like e.g., Rust, Typescript and Docker.
• An analytical and open mindset to look beyond the current state of the art and distill this in actions that need to happen now.
• Preferably experience with integration of cyber-physical, embedded or IoT systems.

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 € 3,385 and € 5,000 (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.

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 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 of 36 hours) and the possibility of working from home.
• Access to our Talent Development Programme.
• Networking opportunities and great activities organized by Jong TNO.
• 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 31st of May, 2026. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. The preliminary interview takes place on the 11th of June, 2026. The second interview round has been scheduled for the 19th of June, 2026. 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.