Project & Acquisition Manager System Lifetime & Productivity | DELFT

About this position

The Semicon Equipment Lifetime group of TNO unit High Tech Industry specializes in understanding and extending the lifetime of critical components used in chip production, such as optics and materials. We combine deep expertise in contamination control, surface analysis, and vacuum technology to solve real-world challenges for global industry leaders like ASML. Our team operates state-of-the-art experimental facilities, including a unique setup for Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) lithography research, the EBL2. We also collaborate closely with both industry and academic partners. By joining us, you’ll contribute to projects that directly shape the future of semiconductor technology, making manufacturing more efficient, sustainable, and innovative.

See more of the TNO Unit High Tech Industry and the Semicon Equipment Lifetime Group.

What will be your role?

In this role, you will take ownership of (business-to-business) complex, experimental research projects that are at the heart of semiconductor manufacturing innovation. From the earliest stages, defining proposals and shaping project goals (warm acquisition), through to hands-on execution and final delivery, you will ensure that each project meets the highest standards of quality and impact. You’ll lead and inspire multidisciplinary teams of scientists, engineers, and experimentalists, fostering close collaboration and a shared commitment to excellence.
As a primary point of contact for our customers, you’ll build strong relationships and maintain clear communication, ensuring that their needs are understood and met throughout the project lifecycle. Managing several projects in parallel, you’ll balance resources and adapt to shifting priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Your work will also involve close cooperation with business development and scientific leads, helping to secure new projects and expand our influence within the semiconductor sector.

Beyond project delivery, you’ll engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including industry partners, suppliers, and internal leadership, to drive project success. You’ll also play an active role in the ongoing development of our team and organization, sharing your knowledge, mentoring colleagues, and participating in professional growth opportunities. In short, you’ll be a driving force behind both our projects and our people, helping to shape the future of semiconductor technology.

What we expect from you

To be succesful in this role you have:

• At least 8 years of experience in a Project Management role with significant affinity to the semiconductor industry.
• Proven track record as a project manager in a high-tech systems environment, including managing complex, multidisciplinary, projects with external customers.
• Strong people management and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels— both internal and at the customer.
• A Master’s or PhD in physics, chemistry, material science, electrical or mechanical engineering, or a closely related technical field.
• Structured yet pragmatic approach to work, with a proactive, and results-oriented mindset.
• Able to find a balance between project-customer and project-team needs.
• Excellent analytical and conceptual thinking abilities.
• Fluent in English (verbal and written); Dutch is a plus.
• Formal project management training or certifications are a plus.

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 (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

This is a vacancy without a deadline; when the right candidate is hired the publication ends.

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.