Scientist Electromagnetics & Military Operations

About this position

The security challenges of tomorrow cannot be solved with yesterday’s knowledge. Emerging threats, technological developments, and evolving military operations require fundamentally new insights. At TNO, our scientists work on the scientific and technological breakthroughs that help Defence prepare for the challenges of the future.

As a Scientist, you will investigate complex challenges at the intersection of technology, data, and operational application. You will develop new knowledge, explore innovative concepts, and translate scientific insights into solutions that contribute to the security of the Netherlands and its allies. From radar and electronic warfare to AI, modelling, and operational analysis, your research will help shape the technologies of tomorrow.

You will join TNO Defence, Safety & Security, within the Electromagnetics & Military Operations (E&MO) division. Here, researchers, software engineers, systems engineers, and analysts work every day on innovative technologies for defence and security.

Our expertise spans radar and sensor technology, electronic warfare, simulation, data analytics, and operational decision-making. We collaborate closely with the Ministry of Defence, research institutions, and international partners to develop solutions that contribute to a safer world.

Within E&MO, you will have the freedom to take initiative, develop new ideas, and continuously grow your expertise. You will work alongside colleagues who are equally passionate about turning technological innovation into practical solutions with real-world impact.

What will be your role?

As a Scientist within the Electromagnetics & Military Operations (E&MO) division, you will tackle challenges for which no ready-made solutions exist. You will explore new concepts, develop innovative methods, and build the knowledge foundation for future technologies and defence applications.

Working alongside fellow scientists, engineers, systems engineers, project managers, and analysts, you will contribute to multidisciplinary research and innovation projects. Depending on your area of expertise, your responsibilities may include:

• Developing new models, algorithms, and analytical methods;
• Conducting scientific and experimental research;
• Designing, executing, and analysing experiments and demonstrations;
• Investigating emerging technologies and assessing their applicability within Defence;
• Developing innovative concepts in radar, sensor technologies, electronic warfare (EW), artificial intelligence, and the electromagnetic spectrum;
• Publishing, presenting, and sharing research findings within TNO and with Defence partners;
• Translating scientific insights into tangible innovations and future research directions.

No research programme is the same. One day, you may be developing a new model to analyse complex operational scenarios; the next, you might be exploring the potential of an emerging technology or designing an experiment to generate entirely new insights. It is precisely this combination of fundamental research and practical application that makes working within E&MO unique.

Working through UMBRA

You will start within UMBRA, an innovative environment where new colleagues come together to work on the technological challenges of tomorrow. You will be part of a multidisciplinary team of software engineers, systems engineers, project managers, researchers, and analysts, all contributing to a wide range of research and development projects.

From day one, you will be involved in current projects and have the opportunity to explore different technologies, research groups, and application domains within the E&MO division. This allows you to discover where your knowledge, experience, and ambitions can have the greatest impact. Depending on project requirements and your expertise, you will collaborate with various research teams and disciplines. This variety provides valuable experience across diverse technologies and application areas, while enabling you to make meaningful contributions to current Defence projects and build a broad professional network within the division.

The strength of UMBRA lies in its unique combination of societal impact, technical challenge, and personal development. You will contribute to innovative solutions for today’s Defence challenges while continuously expanding your expertise in new technologies and specialist domains.

Whether you are just starting your career or already bring extensive experience, UMBRA offers the level of responsibility and support that matches your background and ambitions. Junior colleagues are coached by experienced professionals, while mid-level and senior scientists are given the opportunity to shape technical directions, mentor colleagues, and play a key role in developing new areas of expertise.

What we expect from you

You are naturally curious and energized by challenges that do not have a standard solution. You ask the right questions, think analytically, and are able to identify connections that others may not yet see. You enjoy collaborating with experts from different disciplines and translating scientific insights into innovations that create real societal impact.

In addition, you bring:

• A Master's degree or PhD in a technical or scientific discipline, such as Electrical Engineering, (Applied) Physics, Applied Physics, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mathematics, Operations Research, or a related field;
• Experience with, or a strong interest in, modelling, simulation, data analytics, algorithms, artificial intelligence, or experimental research;
• The ability to understand complex technical challenges and develop new knowledge and insights;
• A critical, inquisitive, and creative mindset;
• An affinity with Defence, security, and technological innovation;
• A strong command of both Dutch and English.

Experience within a research institute, university, or high-tech environment is an advantage, but certainly not a requirement. More important to us is that you are curious, enjoy collaboration, and are motivated to contribute to knowledge development and innovations that make a meaningful impact on society.

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 € 3.500 and € 7.700 (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.
• 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