Scientist Innovator Integrated Mission Management

About this position

Driven scientists and software developers with a passion for innovation are always welcome at TNO. Even more so if you want to apply your analytical skills to innovations in the defence and security domain. Apply for this position and discover how you can contribute to a safer world.

Unmanned and autonomous systems have become an integral part of our society. Drones, robots, autonomous vessels, smart factories, intelligent sensor networks, and more. Within the Integrated Mission Management (IMM) research group, we conduct research into the underlying technologies that enable unmanned and autonomous systems. Through practical concepts, demonstrators, and prototypes, we help our clients develop new products and address societal challenges. For example, our automation solutions enable naval vessels to operate with smaller crews and allow unmanned systems to be deployed collaboratively as swarms. Our team of approximately 35 professionals works closely with government organizations, industrial partners, and universities.

The two specialized technology lines within IMM are the driving force behind our innovations:

• Manning & Automation – Research and development of AI-driven planning and decision-support solutions that reduce crew workload and accelerate decision-making during complex missions.
• Signature Management – Research and development of innovative models and decision-support systems that minimize the detectability of naval vessels.

At the Defence, Safety & Security (DSS) unit, we strive to foster an inclusive culture where openness, dialogue, and mutual respect are central. We work together toward shared goals across disciplines and departments, encourage diversity, and learn from one another’s experiments and ideas. This collaborative approach brings our science and innovation to the front line.

What will be your role?

You will contribute to multidisciplinary and complex projects that often extend beyond departmental boundaries. One day, you may be assessing the feasibility of a new concept or conducting an in-depth system analysis; the next, you could be building a working prototype. You will work in multiple project teams for a variety of clients within the defence and security domain. Your specific activities will depend on both your interests and the needs of the client:

• Applied Research
  You apply insights from academic research to real-world challenges, for example by conducting literature reviews and evaluating state-of-the-art approaches. When required, you are also capable of contributing to the development of new scientific knowledge through your own research.
• Proof-of-Concept Development
  You translate academic research into tangible results, such as software implementations and demonstrators. This requires not only a solid understanding of the underlying research but also a clear appreciation of stakeholder expectations and operational needs.
• System Integration & Multidisciplinary Thinking
  You develop prototypes by integrating multiple systems into a cohesive whole. These systems may originate from different disciplines, making collaboration with a wide range of subject-matter experts an essential part of your work.
• Algorithm Development
  You design and implement algorithms that enable unmanned and autonomous systems to build real-time situational awareness, support decision-making, and achieve coordinated mission autonomy across multiple platforms.
• From Requirements to Solutions
  You translate complex customer challenges within the defence and security domain into clear system requirements and develop these into functional concepts, demonstrators, and prototypes.
• Bringing Prototypes into Practice
  Working in multidisciplinary teams, you test your solutions in both simulated and operational environments. You refine them based on feedback and ensure they are robust, effective, and ready for deployment in the field.
• Sharing Knowledge and Shaping Direction
  You present results to clients, publish findings where possible, mentor junior and new colleagues, and contribute to the strategy and vision of the department.

Across all these activities, it is essential that you remain aware of stakeholder needs and priorities, ensuring that the right focus is maintained and that project objectives are successfully achieved.

What we expect from you

You are a true team player who thrives on challenging projects. You are capable of thinking conceptually on a large scale and from a scientific perspective, yet you can switch to a practical approach when needed. You are an attentive listener who can clarify customer needs and translate them into operational and functional requirements. Furthermore, you are a systems thinker, able to collaborate with colleagues to develop system concepts and architectures, as well as design and implement software solutions. You contribute to writing project proposals and can explain complex matters clearly to others, including customers. In addition, you are able to translate technical and scientific research into practical solutions for the market.

What else you bring:

• Experience in software development within a professional environment; the specific programming language is not particularly important.
• Experience collaborating in (software) development teams.
• Ability to transfer knowledge and expertise to other team members.
• Experience creating and analysing system architectures and designs, decomposing systems appropriately with future variability and scalability in mind.
• Ability to develop solutions without being fully dependent on software (AI) tools.

You are also familiar with:

• Software development tools and concepts, such as virtualization, Docker, and CI/CD pipelines.
• Test-driven development, code quality practices, deployment automation, and an understanding of their importance.
• Systems engineering principles and methodologies.

With regard to soft skills:

• Communication: Able to listen to input and signals within a team and effectively share knowledge and experience.
• Adaptability and flexibility: Comfortable dealing with change and new situations, while also accepting and understanding seemingly suboptimal situations or decisions within a team.
• Problem-solving: Strong analytical skills, capable of thoroughly understanding a situation before proposing solutions.
• Collaboration: Contributes constructively to a larger objective and understands the interests and perspectives of others within a team.
• Curiosity and self-development: Eager to understand existing concepts and proactively learn new things without unnecessarily changing established approaches.
• Emotional intelligence: Self-aware and capable of understanding others.
• Time management and organization: Demonstrates punctuality and the ability to prioritize tasks efficiently.

What else you bring:

• A completed university degree (MSc) in a field such as Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or Mathematics.
• 0–4 years of relevant experience in conducting scientific research and/or programming within a relevant area of expertise.
• Affinity with the defence and security domain.
• Excellent command of both Dutch and English (C1 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 € 3,500 and € 4,500 (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.
• 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 28th of July, 2026. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. The preliminary interview takes place on the 6th 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.

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.