Internship | Machine Learning for Heavy-Duty CO2 Emissions

In this internship, you will develop a second-by-second CO2 emission model for heavy-duty vehicles using XGBoost, building on previous work for light-duty vehicles. The main challenge is that HD vehicle mass can vary strongly with payload and is often unknown, so part of the project is to estimate the current vehicle weight from available signals and use that information in a robust predictive CO2 emission model. The final goal is to create an accurate, data-driven model that can capture real-world driving behaviour and improve CO2 emission estimation for heavy-duty transport.

During the internship, the student will work on building and improving a CO2 emission model for heavy-duty vehicles using XGBoost. In practice, this means exploring real vehicle data, cleaning and preparing datasets, selecting relevant driving and vehicle features, and developing methods to estimate the vehicle’s current weight when it is not directly known. The student will train and compare models, analyse prediction performance, and help translate the results into a usable modelling approach for the wider project. Along the way, the student will learn how to work with vehicle emission data, apply machine learning in a technical research setting, and communicate findings clearly to both researchers and practitioners.

A good fit for this internship is a student in (Applied) Mathematics, Data Science, Econometrics, Mechanical Engineering, or a similar (quantitative) programme, with a solid interest in data analysis and modelling. Some experience with Python, modelling, machine learning, or working with data in tools such as pandas, scikit-learn, or XGBoost is helpful, but not required if the student is motivated to learn. An affinity with sustainability, transport, vehicle technology, and emission modelling is an advantage, as is a careful and structured way of working, since the assignment involves exploring data, testing assumptions, and comparing model performance. We are looking for a student who is curious, analytical, communicates clearly, has a strong quantitative background, and works well in a team, because the internship includes regular discussion of results, ideas, and next steps with colleagues. The internship is intended for about 6 to 9 months, with room to agree on the exact duration together. During the internship, there is plenty of space to learn new technical skills, gain experience with real-world data, and further develop research, communication, and teamwork skills in a practical research environment.

An internship at TNO means working in an environment where substance and impact are central. You will become part of a knowledge organisation where research and practice come together, and where experts collaborate on solutions to current societal and technological challenges.

Your internship is a period in which you can discover what suits you, where your strengths lie and what you would like to learn next. You are part of a professional working environment, gain insight into how things work in practice, and have the opportunity to build experience that goes beyond this internship alone. For many students, an internship is therefore also a first step in discovering whether TNO could be a potential next step after graduation.

In addition, we offer you:

• A professional and innovative internship environment in which you actively contribute to societal and technological challenges, working alongside leading experts in your field.
• Personal and dedicated supervision, with focus on your learning objectives, development and study assignment.
• Room to develop: you gain relevant work experience, develop both your subject‑specific and professional skills, and build a valuable network.
• Use of a laptop and the facilities you need to perform your work effectively.
• A monthly internship allowance of € 615 for a full-time internship, for MSc, BSc and vocational education (MBO) students.
• Up to eight hours of leave per internship month for a full-time internship, allowing you to balance your internship with your studies and personal life.
• A contribution towards travel expenses if you are not entitled to a student travel card.
• A free membership to Jong TNO: the network for young colleagues, where you can meet other TNO colleagues and participate in sports activities, professional and personal development activities, and social events such as the annual ski trip.

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.

You can apply for this internship position until the 31st of July 2026. After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation by email.

TNO will arrange an appropriate internship agreement. If you have any questions about the content of the internship or the application procedure, you can contact the person listed below.

If you start an internship with us, we will also ask you to provide a Certificate of Conduct (VOG).

Important to know before applying:

• Before the start of the internship, an internship agreement must be signed. For students enrolled at a Dutch university or university of applied sciences, TNO uses the UNL-template, supplemented with several TNO‑specific agreements. For students from foreign educational institutions and MBO (secondary vocational education) programmes, the TNO internship agreement applies. TNO does not sign any other internship agreements.
• Before the start of the internship, the educational institution will need to confirm in writing that:
  1. you are enrolled at the educational institution for the duration of the internship, and;
  2. the internship forms part of your study programme.

The confirmation of educational institution takes place by signing the UNL template or forms prepared by TNO.

• Interns at TNO must have a registered residential address in the Netherlands at the start of the internship. Carrying out internship activities from abroad is not possible.
• Are you an international student? Please note that you must have a BSN (Dutch citizen service number) before the start of your internship. Applying for a BSN can take several weeks, so make sure to start this process well in advance.