Flight Dynamics Analyst

About this position

Will you join us as a Flight Dynamics Analyst? In this role, you will contribute to technical and scientific research projects in the field of air and missile defence. These projects aim to support the Ministry of Defence in making better, well-informed decisions. This can involve a wide range of areas, from the acquisition and maintenance of complex (weapon and sensor) systems to the preparation and execution of operations.

Working closely with colleagues, you will primarily focus on developing and enhancing simulation models of guided weapon systems, particularly in the field of flight dynamics. You will analyse both qualitative and quantitative data, often generated from in-house developed simulations and models. You will design and implement algorithms, contribute to concept development, and translate technical analyses into recommendations with direct impact on the work of military units, policymakers, and political stakeholders, both nationally and internationally.

What will be your role?

At the start, you will follow a general internal training programme focused on your personal development and on strengthening the skills essential for working at TNO. This will enable you to quickly become a fully contributing member of project teams. Through simulation and modelling, you will work on characterising the flight dynamics and trajectories of existing and future weapon systems. Your simulations, for example, are used to assess the effectiveness of these systems. You will also be involved in presenting results and conclusions. Gradually, you will work more independently, take on greater responsibility, and—depending on your role—have more intensive contact with clients within the Ministry of Defence.

Within the Surface & Aerospace Warfare department, you will collaborate with around 40 driven researchers. The Ministry of Defence and other security organisations rely on our expertise for large-scale procurement programmes and for determining the most effective deployment of complex air and missile defence systems, both now and in the future. In addition to your colleagues in the Surface & Aerospace Warfare department, you will work in multidisciplinary project teams alongside experts from other TNO departments and from (international) organisations and research institutes.

What we expect from you

You have a strong passion for technology, programming, and analysing simulations, and you are motivated to apply your technical skills to a socially relevant purpose: strengthening the Dutch Armed Forces and international security. You have an interest in, or a clear motivation to work for Defence. As you will be working in an innovative R&D environment, we expect you to have strong analytical skills, the ability to think abstractly, and the capability to translate scientific concepts into models and software tools.

What you also bring:

• A Master’s degree (MSc) in Aerospace Engineering or another relevant technical/scientific field.
• Demonstrable affinity with and/or experience in modelling, simulation, and numerical analysis, preferably related to complex technical systems.
• Experience with MATLAB and/or Python is required. Experience with Simulink is a plus.
• Motivation to work on defence-related challenges and willingness to deepen your understanding of operational contexts.
• Excellent command of 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 € 3,533 and € 5,900 (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

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.