Project Manager Sustainable Technologies for Industrial Processes

About this position

The transition to sustainable energy and materials is one of the defining societal challenges of our time. Achieving a net zero industry requires the deployment of the key enabling technologies that we are working on: sustainable chemicals, advanced separation technology to reduce energy use, and CO₂ capture and utilization to mitigate emissions from hard-to-abate sectors. We leverage Process Intensification and Electrification with key enabling technologies to decarbonize industrial processes, enhance efficiency, and further reduce energy consumption and emissions.

At TNO, we accelerate innovation and implementation of separation-enhanced processes (e.g SEWGS), and power-2-x together with international top players from industry and academia. Our research is at the forefront of these development, supported by our state of the art Chatelier laboratories. Join us in shaping the future of net zero industry through hands-on innovation and collaboration.

What will be your role?

As a project manager of innovation projects, you lead a team of enthusiastic specialists with different backgrounds that develops solutions to challenging problems. Your ambition is to share ownership of the project with the whole team, while being a pragmatic provider of solutions to maximize the impact of the project. You use your communication skills effectively to help the team realize its deliverables within the constraints of quality, time and budget. At the same time you are responsible for coordinating the internal and external administrative processes and the (sometimes complex) legal and financial handling of the project, in collaboration with specialists in these fields. Crucial to reach customer satisfaction is aligning with a multitude of internal and external stakeholders of the projects.

Your home base within TNO Energy & Material Transition unit is the Sustainable Technologies for Industrial Processes research group in Petten. A diverse and growing team with over fifteen nationalities of different ages and with a lot of expertise. Your colleagues have backgrounds in physics, chemical engineering, materials science, and project management. Each of us is encouraged to continuously expand our expertise and learn from one another, making the work both stimulating, rewarding and challenging.

What we expect from you

At TNO you are never alone. You often have different colleagues and external partners around you. This requires good collaboration and communication skills. You also understand the art of looking beyond what is already there. You dare to take new paths and thus contribute to solutions for the energy transition that did not exist yesterday or weren’t even conceivable.

You are an open-minded, enthusiastic, and creative person. You focus on achieving specific goals and do not allow setbacks to throw you off course. You are a good listener and you are able to translate the technological project plan into a SMART project schedule and align internal and external stakeholders with each other. You are able to work in multidisciplinary teams and can easily switch between different tasks within projects. You enjoy working in a diverse team and you have an affinity for managing large multi-annual research and development projects.

You’re well versed in the administrative requirements of complex mixed funding projects. You have a track record in applying, executing and finishing such projects as project manager. Furthermore, you are willing to become an expert in the TNO internal project managements systems and are by experience or training able to manage projects at the IPMA-C level.

Other knowledge and skills you bring to TNO:

• Master’s degree or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Material Sciences, Chemistry, Applied Physics or equivalent.
• At least 3 years working experience as project manager of (industrial) research and development projects.
• Experience balancing the interests of multiple stakeholders, including your organization, external partners, sponsors and team members, and navigating project challenges and conflicts effectively.
• Good oral and written communication skills in English.
• Knowledge of the Dutch language or willing to learn Dutch at the highest NT2 level.

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 € 4,700 and € 7,000 (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.
• 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 21st of July, 2026. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. The preliminary interview takes place on the 28th of July, 2026. The second interview round has been scheduled for the 5th of August, 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.