Medior Technician Structural Dynamics

About this position

At the Naval and Offshore Structures department, we contribute to a sustainable and livable future for everyone. We design, analyse, and test a wide range of mechanical structures for the maritime and offshore industries, as well as for the defence sector. Structural safety is at the heart of everything we do, both under extreme conditions and throughout the entire service life of a structure.

In our unique laboratory, we test equipment and materials for shock loads and vibrations, for example by simulating the effects of an underwater explosion. In this way, we help defence organisations protect current and future naval vessels and their crews more effectively.

Would you like to contribute to the development of safe and sustainable ships for the future? Then this position could be the perfect opportunity for you.

What will be your role?

As a Structural Dynamics Technician, you play an important role in our experimental research. You help design test setups, provide hydraulic or electromechanical control systems, and perform measurements using appropriate sensors. In doing so, you ensure reliable results while maintaining a strong focus on safety throughout the testing process.

You will measure accelerations, displacements, pressures, temperatures, and forces to assess the dynamic behaviour and/or failure characteristics of materials, equipment, and structures. Examples include shock and shaker tests, in which equipment for naval vessels is tested under a wide range of shock and vibration conditions. TNO has unique facilities for this purpose, including vertical and horizontal shock machines and a large dynamic shaker.

You will be part of the Structural Dynamics Lab within the Naval and Offshore Structures department. The department comprises approximately 60 experts with backgrounds in maritime engineering, civil engineering, aerospace engineering, applied physics, and mechanical engineering. The laboratory has a dedicated team of four colleagues and works closely with both office-based staff and our clients.

What we expect from you

You have completed an MBO-level education in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technician, Machine Building, Mechatronics, or a related field, and have an affinity for the mechanics of materials and structures as well as measurement technology. You have an interest in experimental research and a practical understanding of structural behaviour and measurement equipment. You are motivated to set up and execute measurement campaigns and to build test setups for mechanical research. In doing so, you are able to work independently while also collaborating effectively within a team. You are curious, hands-on, and interested in complex experimental setups, hydraulics, sensors, measurement systems, data acquisition, and testing. You enjoy taking a practical approach, are familiar with working with (heavy) machinery, and take pleasure in assembling and troubleshooting technical setups.

In addition to technical expertise and a structured way of working, we value strong communication skills, customer focus, and a results-oriented mindset. You enjoy working collaboratively on solutions that are practical and applicable for our clients. You have a good command of the Dutch language; proficiency in English is considered an advantage.

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 € 4,900 (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.

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

Applications can be submitted until the 3rd of September, 2026. The recruitment process consists of two interview rounds.

An online assessment and reference check may form part of the selection process.

If you join our organisation, you will also be required to provide a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG).

As you will be working for clients in the defence and security domain, it is necessary for the General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD) to issue a Certificate of No Objection (VGB). Therefore, you will undergo a security screening prior to employment. More information can be found here.