Project Manager Sustainable Technology for Industrial Processes

About this position

Industry faces major challenges in reducing CO₂ emissions, improving resource efficiency, and transitioning to sustainable energy and feedstocks. At TNO, we develop and demonstrate the technologies needed to accelerate this transition. Our work spans a broad range of sustainable industrial technologies, including thermal systems, process electrification, separation technologies, conversion processes, circularity, and carbon capture and utilization. 
Are you a project manager who enjoys working at the intersection of technology and innovation? Do you like bringing together experts from different disciplines and helping teams turn ideas into impact? Then we would like to meet you.

What will be your role?

As Project Manager, you will lead internal, national, and international R&D projects focused on sustainable industrial technologies. You will work together with scientists, engineers, business developers, industrial partners, and other stakeholders to realize innovative solutions for industry. Your projects may cover topics such as direct/indirect industrial electrification, energy storage, carbon capture, separation and conversion processes, among others. You will work closely with multiple technology leads and project leaders within the team and help create alignment across technical disciplines, stakeholders, and project objectives. 
Your responsibilities include:
• Coordinating multidisciplinary teams of researchers, engineers, scientists, and external partners
• Taking ownership of the successful delivery of national and European-funded projects, including project planning, budgets, risks and deliverables
• Ensuring effective communication between project partners and stakeholders
• Supporting and contributing to proposal development, consortium building, and acquisition of new projects
• Helping teams translate technical ambitions into practical project plans
• Contributing to the development of the Petten team environment through collaboration, continuous improvement, and supporting team objectives
Your home base will be within the TNO Energy & Materials Transition unit in Petten. Here, you will work on a diverse portfolio of projects ranging from early-stage research to pilot-scale validation and industrial demonstration. You will help deliver innovations that are developed and tested in our state-of-the-art facilities, ranging from kW-scale laboratory systems to MW-scale pilot installations and first-of-a-kind industrial applications.

What we expect from you

We are looking for someone who is comfortable working in a technical environment and can quickly grasp the essence of complex technical discussions without necessarily being the deepest technical expert in the room. You are able to maintain oversight, create alignment between diverse stakeholders and project objectives, and bring structure to complex projects. You have an affinity for managing large, multi-year research and innovation projects involving multiple technical disciplines, partners, and funding programmes.
Experience of the following areas would be beneficial:
• National and European R&D funding programmes (e.g., Horizon Europe, Innovation Fund, CETP, MOOI, EKOO)
• Technologies supporting the decarbonization and sustainability of industrial processes, such as electrification, thermal systems, separation technologies, conversion processes and carbon capture and utilisation
What do you bring?
• Master’s degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Applied Physics or a related technical discipline.
• 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
• Experience (or training) to manage projects at the IPMA-C level
• 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 € 4,600 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 6th of September, 2026. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. 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.