Medior Projectmanager

About this position

A liveable future for everyone—that is what we, as the Naval and Offshore Structures department, contribute to. We design, analyze, and test a wide range of mechanical structures for the maritime and offshore industry, as well as for defense. The structural safety of these constructions—under the most extreme conditions and throughout their entire lifecycle—is central to our work.

We support the defense sector with research into current and future naval vessels, specifically focusing on protecting the ship and its crew under all circumstances. As a Project Manager, you keep projects on track, ensure strong alignment with stakeholders, and motivate and support the team.

Does this sound interesting, and would you like to contribute to sustainable and safe ships of the future? Then this role is for you!

What will be your role?

Under your leadership, projects are successfully developed, executed, and delivered. You ensure that we deliver high-quality work according to agreed timelines and budgets, and that the client is satisfied—even when outcomes differ from initial expectations.

The team is central to your work: you guide and coach your team members to bring out the best in themselves and in the project. You will have significant freedom to work in a way that suits you, along with ample opportunity to consult and exchange experiences with other project managers.

You will work within a multidisciplinary team of experts from various fields, in close collaboration with clients and/or partners. As a Project Manager, you simultaneously oversee 5 to 10 projects of varying size and actively contribute to setting up new research projects.

You are familiar with both the domain and its technical content, acting as the link between subject-matter experts and stakeholders. Your role is to keep projects on track, ensure strong coordination with the team, clients, and stakeholders, and to stand up for your team—motivating, coaching, and supporting them.

In addition, you help increase TNO’s visibility, for example by giving presentations.

You will join the Naval and Offshore Structures department, consisting of around 60 driven experts with backgrounds in maritime engineering, civil engineering, aerospace engineering, applied physics, and mechanical engineering.

Thanks to our well-equipped mechanical testing labs, practical and theoretical knowledge go hand in hand. This enables us to solve highly complex problems and validate innovative structural solutions.

Our research ranges from shock- and blast-resistant ship structures to the safe use of alternative fuels on board ships and the structural safety of offshore wind turbines. We work on today’s key challenges: the energy transition and the increasing importance of safety at sea.

What we expect from you

As a Project Manager, you are able to strike a strong balance between delivering high-quality technical results, ensuring customer satisfaction, and managing available resources (time, budget, etc.).

• You speak the language of technical experts but also demonstrate clear added value in conversations with stakeholders. You are highly skilled at switching between projects and stakeholders, always driving the best possible outcome for both the project and the team.
• Administrative tasks are no issue for you—your structured and accurate way of working ensures that everyone knows exactly where they stand and what the current project status is.
• You have a completed academic degree in a technical field (for example Maritime Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering), with a specialization in structural mechanics and an affinity for the maritime and defense sectors.
• In addition to your technical background, you have experience leading (project) teams of 5–10 people or more, and are eager to further develop in this area.
• Alongside technical expertise, we value strong communication skills, customer focus, and a results-driven mindset to collaboratively achieve outcomes that are practical and applicable for our clients.
• You are fluent in 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 € 4,621 and € 7,650 (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.

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 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.
• Extensive relocation package for international candidates.
• 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 9th of July 2026. The selection process comprises two interview rounds.

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.