TNO

About this position

Contribute to our security. Can you see yourself doing that? Become a Business Developer Air Operations at TNO in The Hague.

Every working day is different, but one thing is certain: as a Business Developer in the field of Air Operations, you are constantly in contact with Defence, industry partners, other knowledge institutions, and of course your colleagues within TNO. You connect the needs of our clients with the innovative strength of the Netherlands, working towards new, meaningful capabilities for our armed forces and industry.

What will be your role?

Together with a team at TNO, you work on innovative solutions to realize the ambitions and goals of our clients. For this role, the focus is on the acquisition, further development, readiness, and sustainment of flying (fixed-wing) platforms, weapon systems, and data links. There is a great deal happening in this area in the coming years. You therefore actively contribute ideas alongside Defence and industry, take initiative, and guide ideas towards concrete projects.

You maintain long-term relationships with our clients and actively connect knowledge development (long-term) to technology projects (short-term).

You stay up to date with developments in the field by participating in (inter)national conferences and exhibitions, engaging with key stakeholders, and visiting a broad range of clients. In doing so, you contribute to the future readiness and operational strength of the armed forces and to the security of the Netherlands in a rapidly changing world.

You will be part of a team of experienced business developers within the Electromagnetics & Military Operations (E&MO) market team of the Defence, Safety & Security unit. Our goal? To enhance the effectiveness of Defence and security organizations by developing smart technological solutions in the electromagnetic spectrum and through the operational analysis of (future) military operations. We also aim to contribute to a strong international position for Dutch industry.

The market team itself is diverse in background and experience; we rely on one another and confidently hand over responsibilities. There is room to learn, job satisfaction is key, and we are always willing to support each other. Enthusiasm for our field and for defence & security is what unites us. The market team is your home base, and through our Air domain account team you also collaborate with colleagues focused on air operations.

Read more about Electromagnetics & Military Operations at TNO here.

What we expect from you

You have a strong interest in the worlds of technology and defence. You combine your relevant expertise or affinity with an entrepreneurial, social, and enthusiastic mindset, and you are able to switch gears quickly. You build relationships easily and enjoy doing so; you naturally act as a connector. In addition, you can easily adapt between different communication styles and navigate both national and international contexts.
You provide structure and direction (e.g., in proposal processes or collaborations with government and industry) and are able to think and operate both strategically and in terms of short-term actions. You are inquisitive and curious, and you enjoy getting to the bottom of complex issues. You use your creativity to bring together the right expertise from across TNO.

What else do you bring?

A master’s level (WO) working and thinking ability
A clear affinity with innovation and technology
Knowledge of and experience within the (military) air domain
At least 10 years of relevant work experience as a consultant or business developer, for example within Defence or central government
Excellent command of both Dutch and English, spoken and written

Are you excited by what you have read so far and ready to make your mark in today’s world? In your cover letter, we would like to clearly see your affinity with innovation and the defence and security domain, as well as your enthusiasm for the role.

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 € 6.000,- and € 8.500,- (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 or a lease car.
• 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 28th of June, 2026. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. The preliminary interview takes place on the 9th of July, 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.

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.