Research Manager Acoustic Signatures & Noise Control

About this position

What makes your role interesting? You will be involved in technology that truly matters, in sectors such as government, industry and the navy. Within the Defence, Safety & Security unit, we will focus in the coming years on accelerating our move towards the manufacturing industry, in order to make acoustic sensor and measurement technology more broadly applicable. And for that, we very much need you. You will lead the Acoustic Signatures and Noise Control department: a team of bright minds working on this advanced technology. You will make sure they are able to do their work well. Will you make your mark on our time at TNO?

Within the Acoustic Signatures and Noise Control department, everything revolves around sound: how it propagates through the environment, how it is perceived and what effects it has on people, equipment and the environment. Our expertise is essential for both defence and civil applications.

In the military domain, sound can reveal your presence. That is why we develop knowledge and technology to determine and influence the acoustic visibility of platforms, systems and operations. At the same time, we also use sound as a means to detect objects, vessels and activities. In this way, we work on solutions that contribute to the operational effectiveness and safety of Defence.

In addition, we focus on the impact of sound on the living environment. Noise nuisance and underwater sound are playing an increasingly important role in permitting, environmental policy and societal acceptance. We investigate the effects of sound on people and nature and develop methods to comply with laws and regulations.

The applications are diverse: from predicting the audibility of ships and military systems, analysing detectability by sonar systems and developing measures to influence this, to research into the effects of sound from shipping, construction activities, road and rail traffic, industry and Defence activities at firing ranges and air bases. In doing so, the department makes an important contribution to both national security and a sustainable living environment.

What will be your role?

At TNO, we welcome people who want to shape the world of tomorrow. In a leadership role, too, you make your mark on our time. By inspiring others with a clear vision of the future, but also by creating a home for diverse generations and perspectives. Embracing differences comes naturally to you, and you are keen to bring colleagues along with you. You gain energy from guiding, encouraging and facilitating professionals in a way that suits them. You help them discover what they are capable of and believe in it. And you challenge them to push boundaries.

Your outlook is outward-facing. You know what is happening around us. With an entrepreneurial mindset, you build relevant networks, follow market trends and explore commercial opportunities. In this way, you and your team make solutions possible for issues and challenges that truly matter. You understand that these challenges are constantly changing and that technology is developing faster than ever. And you also understand what this requires of you: that you move with developments and continuously adapt your leadership style to new situations. That is how your leadership innovates as well.

Good to know: this profile includes a number of competencies on which we select. Would you like to know which ones? Please request them from one of the contact persons listed at the bottom of this vacancy. During an assessment, we will explore whether you possess these competencies and where you may still be able to develop further.

Do you not fully recognize yourself in the above yet, but do you think this vacancy could be a good fit for you? Then please do apply. We would be happy to explore together whether there is a match.

What can you expect from your working environment?
At TNO, we innovate for healthier, safer and more sustainable lives, and for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been developing knowledge and technology for the public good. We find each other in curiosity and inventiveness, and we are driven to push boundaries. There is ample room and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who are your equal, who inspire you and who want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to help realise your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. With every innovation, you contribute to the life of tomorrow. Read more about TNO as an employer.

At TNO, we foster an inclusive working environment where you can be yourself, whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring. By combining our unique strengths and perspectives, we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference to society. Want to know more? Read about the steps we are taking in the field of diversity and inclusion.

What we expect from you

We understand that you may not yet know everything about acoustics or underwater technology. What matters to us is your ability to inspire people, provide direction and create an environment in which professionals can excel. You stimulate development, give employees room to use their talents and know how to get a team moving. At the same time, you keep a sharp eye on the bigger picture and translate the division’s course into concrete actions. In doing so, you take initiative and actively strengthen collaboration within TNO and with external partners.

As Department Manager Acoustic Signatures and Noise Control, you will lead a team of highly educated professionals working on innovative solutions in the fields of acoustics, signatures, detection and sound effects.

Together with the Division Director, the Science & Technology Manager, the Market Manager and the other department managers, you will translate the division’s strategy into a clear course for your department. You will ensure that the department’s knowledge, expertise and capacity are well aligned with the needs of clients, partners and the market, and you will actively contribute to the further development of the division’s knowledge and technology portfolio.

You will be responsible for achieving the department’s objectives and for ensuring a healthy balance between knowledge development, project execution and business operations. In doing so, you will safeguard the quality and progress of projects, steer the effective deployment of people and resources and ensure a sound financial basis. You will keep the long term in view and translate strategic ambitions into concrete choices and priorities for the department.

As a manager, you will play an important role in employee development. You will encourage ownership, collaboration and professional growth, and create an environment in which people feel heard, valued and challenged. You will be visible and approachable, engage in conversations about development, ambitions and performance, and connect employees to a shared direction.

In addition, you will represent the department both within and outside TNO and actively build sustainable relationships with clients, knowledge institutions and other collaboration partners. As a member of the division’s management team, you will contribute to achieving the division’s objectives and work with your colleagues on the further development of the division and its position in the national and international arena.

We are looking for a department manager who provides direction while also creating space. Someone who connects people, strengthens social cohesion and leads a team of experts with calm, trust and clarity. You have an eye for the person behind the professional, facilitate where needed and, at the same time, dare to make decisions when situations call for it. You are a visible and approachable leader who, together with the team, continues to build the development of the department, its employees and the impact of the work.

What else you bring:

• Academic working and thinking level, preferably in a technical field.
• At least 3 years of managerial experience in a complex, project-based organisation.
• Experience in collaborating with industrial partners and the ability to build a network with them.
• A good command of Dutch and English, both written and spoken. The working language in the department is Dutch.
• Strong communication skills, enabling you to represent your department effectively in discussions with stakeholders at different levels, such as market directors.

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 (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

Please apply before the 27th of August, 2026. The selection process comprises two interview rounds which will be conducted in Dutch. The preliminary interview takes place on the begin of September, 2026. The second interview round has been scheduled for the the 11th and 22nd of September, 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.