Technical Operations Specialist

About this position

What will be your role?

You support the Technical Coordinator for the locations in your region. This means you regularly visit different sites. In the event of malfunctions or user requests, you assess the issue and translate it into the work that needs to be carried out. To do so, you request quotations from contractors or our maintenance partner. You then engage the appropriate party and supervise the work. To ensure that critical experiments are not jeopardized by maintenance activities, you coordinate the work closely with the users. Depending on your experience, you will gradually take on more responsibilities. You will also have opportunities to grow into the role of Technical Coordinator, supported by the guidance and training you need.

TNO continuously develops and renovates facilities for new research projects. As a result, the department Corporate Real Estate and Facilities (CREF) is growing rapidly. Together with our enthusiastic team of specialists, we ensure that the technical installations across 28 locations throughout the Netherlands operate optimally. Whether you are working in Leiden or at the defence research laboratories in Ypenburg, The Hague, and Rijswijk, you will find colleagues who take pride in our installations. We support one another and foster a pleasant and open working environment where your ideas are valued.

What we expect from you

You enjoy switching between high-tech facilities that support a wide variety of research activities. In addition, you have a strong safety awareness and remain alert to potential risks. If contractors or subcontractors fail to comply with safety regulations or quality standards, you are confident enough to address them directly. You also communicate clearly with users of the research facilities, ensuring there are no surprises. Furthermore, you are able to translate their wishes or concerns into practical solutions, which you discuss with the Technical Coordinator.

What you also bring:

• An mbo or hbo degree, preferably in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering.
• Experience in a similar role, either on the client side or contractor side.
• Knowledge of laboratory operations and systems, such as pressure control and climate control systems.
• Willingness to quickly gain knowledge of regulations related to the technical management and maintenance of buildings, equipment, and sites. If you already have this knowledge, that is definitely a plus.
• A good command of Dutch. If you also speak English, this will help you in our international organization

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 € 3.500,- and € 4.900,- (based on your knowledge and experience), 8% holiday pay, a 13^th 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.
• 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 Sunday, June 21st, 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. For this role 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.