Senior System Engineer

Hiring team information

Recruiter: Heleen Stork

Hiring manager: Marsha Blaauw

About this position

We are looking for an enthusiastic new colleague to expand TNO’s Acoustic Measurement Systems department. This department is part of the Acoustics and Underwater Warfare division, in which all of TNO’s acoustic expertise comes together. The entire division consists of approximately 150 people, including people from the electro-mechanical workshop. We aim to deliver world-class work while maintaining a casual, informal atmosphere where your professional development is prioritised.

Our research covers a wide range of topics and application domains, ranging from acoustic measurement systems for industry and medical domains to defence applications supporting the Royal Netherlands Navy. We develop measurement systems based on sound in the broad sense of the word. Here we take the holistic view to advance beyond the state-of-the-art. We work on the software, hardware and the application (how the instrument is applied and used). We measure sound, model sound to predict how it propagates through solids, liquids and gasses, and develop advanced measurement concepts and data processing schemes to extract useful information from measurements.

The Acoustic Measurement Systems department has strong cooperation with other units within TNO. There, we can find the complementary expertise needed to support our developments, with dedicated experts in optics, opto-mechatronics, electronics, fabrication processes, etc. We are developing innovative ultrasonic sensors and instrumentation for non-destructive testing, integrity monitoring and composition analysis. Other major pillars of our research include opto-acoustic sensing, semiconductor acoustic metrology, medical ultrasound applications and sonar sensor developments for industrial applications as well as for defence applications. We strive to make a real-world impact, i.e., create novel instruments that are produced and/or used by our customers.

You will typically be active in multiple applied research and development (R&D) projects to develop solutions for our customers in different application domains. You will use your knowledge and experience to help meet our customers’ needs. Projects vary in size and nature, from researching the potential of a theoretical concept to building equipment that works in the field to advancing instrument prototypes to commercialisation, and from small projects running several weeks to large international consortium projects running for multiple years. Each project is unique, so expect plenty of opportunities to further develop yourself.

What will be your role?

As a Senior Systems Engineer in the Acoustics Measurement Systems department, together with our scientists, you take end‑to‑end technical leadership for the development and realisation of advanced acoustic measurement systems. These systems range from early low‑TRL proof‑of‑principle work to proof‑of‑concept demonstrators to full client prototypes. You will work closely with project managers, lead scientists, and systems engineers, contributing to technical solutions by connecting expertise and requirements. You are the technical anchor in complex and multidisciplinary projects and help chart the technical route of maximum likelihood of success. Together with our lead scientists, you shape the system definition, translate stakeholder needs into a robust technical baseline, and steer architecture, interfaces, verification/validation and operationalisation with a clear view on the broader system context in which the solution will be used.Our systems are multidisciplinary by nature. Alongside deep acoustics expertise, you quickly build working knowledge in adjacent domains, such as RF electronics, opto‑acoustic concepts (light instead of electricity) or metamaterials. You will lead technical trade‑offs across disciplines and guide the team toward balanced, defensible decisions.This is a senior role: you are recognised as a broad-based expert and, for complex projects, the customer sees you as thetechnical point of contact. You also act as an ambassador for Systems Engineering, contributing to the professionalisation of SE within the department and TNO.

You will be responsible for:

• Technical leadership & system ownership
  Owning the overall technical result and quality, from concept of operations and requirements down to subsystem allocation and integration, verification and validation.
• Architecture, interfaces & trade-offs
  Establishing and safeguarding the system architecture, making well‑founded trade‑offs between design options, and ensuring interfaces across hardware, software, processes, people and information are coherent and traceable.
• Risk leadership
  Driving risk identification, reduction and mitigation as a continuous discipline. Prioritising what matters most to project success and stakeholder confidence.
• Delivery accountability
  Steering the team to a successful delivery: the right performance, the right evidence, the right documentation, and a solution that works in its intended context.
• Stakeholder alignment at senior level
  Connecting disciplines and aligning internal and external stakeholders—often in complex, multi‑party environments (customers, partners, subcontractors, consortia).
• Roadmaps & propositions
  Actively contributing to technology roadmaps and translating technical opportunities into credible propositions, linking what is technically possible to what the market and customers need.
• Acquisition & proposal leadership (technical)
  Taking a leading role in acquisition by shaping the technical story, validating feasibility and scope, defining the technical approach, and helping build winning proposals together with the project manager and business development.
• IP and innovation pull-through
  Identifying protectable innovations and, where relevant, guiding the development of IP/patents in line with the project and proposition strategy.
• SE professionalisation & coaching
  Strengthening the SE way of working at TNO (standards, practices, lessons learned) and coaching other Systems Engineers as a senior technical role model.

What we expect from you

You combine deep domain expertise with strong systems thinking and senior‑level leadership. You bring structure to ambiguity, decide with judgement, and keep the team focused on what makes the system succeed, technically and in its real‑world use.You are comfortable operating at the interface of technology, stakeholders and strategy: you challenge assumptions, create alignment, and turn complex requirements into pragmatic, high‑quality solutions.

You recognise yourself in the following profile:

• 7-8+ years of experience as a Systems Engineer across different contexts (domains, TRL levels, client types).
• A Master’s degree (or higher) in applied physics or engineering; acoustics specialisation/track record is strongly preferred.
• Strong command of Systems Engineering management techniques, including: requirements management, engineering planning and control, system breakdown, estimating/scheduling engineering effort, and risk management/mitigation.
• Proven ability to bring multiple disciplines together to develop beyond state‑of‑the‑art systems.
• Able to motivate and guide a team of technical experts in highly complex situations.
• Experience with acoustic measurement systems is a plus, not a requirement.
• A drive to continuously improve quality, share best practices, and contribute to the growth of other SEs.
• Ability to lead the development of IP/patents where relevant.
• A good command of Dutch and English, both written and spoken.

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 € 7,900,- (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 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 26th of May,2026. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. The preliminary interview takes place on the 8th of June, 2026. The second interview round has been scheduled for the 15th of June, 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.