Technician Ballistic Experiments

About this position

As a Technician Ballistic Experiments at TNO in Ypenburg, you will contribute directly to protecting lives. You will test and help develop innovative materials and solutions that provide protection against explosions and ballistic threats. Whether it concerns bullet-resistant vests, vehicles or concrete structures, your work has a direct impact on the safety of military personnel, police officers and civilians, both in the Netherlands and abroad.

You will start in a hands-on, technical role in which you will develop into an all-round technician over the coming years. You will spend much of your time in the laboratory and at our test facilities, preparing and conducting experiments. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys practical, precise work and consciously chooses a hands-on technical career rather than a predominantly theoretical, research-based or office-based role.

What will be your role?

As part of the Personal Protection and Explosives Safety (PPES) department, you and your team will be responsible for preparing, conducting and reporting on ballistic experiments at our Laboratory for Ballistic Research (LBR). The LBR has various test facilities, primarily focused on large-calibre weapons, small-calibre weapons and vehicle testing.

In this role, you will initially focus mainly on experiments involving small-calibre weapons. During the first few years, some of your work will be repetitive in nature, as you will carry out many measurements and tests according to established procedures. This hands-on experience will allow you to build the knowledge and routine needed to potentially develop further into an all-round technician.

You will contribute to projects aimed at researching and improving protective materials, such as those used in bullet-resistant vests, helmets, vehicles and concrete structures, against ballistic impact and blast pressure. You will also help test protective equipment that is used by, among others, government organisations. You will work according to international NATO standards and the ISO 17025 quality standard. Our work is project-based.

You will prepare and carry out measurements, handling research weapons and different types of ammunition safely and responsibly. During experiments, you will work with your colleagues to resolve any issues that arise. Where necessary, you will coordinate with the TNO project manager or the customer, who is often present during experiments. You will ensure that research results are delivered to our customers. Reporting, either independently or together with colleagues, may also become part of your responsibilities.

What we expect from you

We are looking for a practically minded technical specialist who enjoys working as part of a team. You work accurately and methodically and are comfortable following established procedures. You have an eye for detail, both when preparing and practically carrying out experiments and, in time, when contributing to reporting activities. During experiments, you troubleshoot technical issues and proactively suggest improvements to the testing process and the efficiency of the work. Do you already have an affinity with ballistics, for example through previous work experience? That would be considered as an advantage. You understand the importance of safety and of carefully following the relevant procedures.

You also bring:

• A completed MBO level 4 vocational qualification in a technical field, preferably mechatronics, mechanical engineering or a comparable discipline. The role and responsibilities are designed for MBO level 4 vocational working and thinking ability;
• Experience in a hands-on technical role rather than an office-based position is an advantage. Experience in sectors such as defence, mechanical engineering, offshore or automotive is welcome;
• We work for both Dutch and international customers. You therefore need Dutch language skills at B2 level, both spoken and written, and English language skills at B1 level, both spoken and written;
• The Dutch Ministry of Defence is an important customer, so an interest in its core activities is essential;
• Safety, quality, efficiency and confidentiality are essential to performing our work effectively, and we expect you to recognise their importance;
• You are willing to complete TNO’s internal training programme to become a Ballistics Testing Specialist, including the internal examination;
• You hold a category B driving licence and preferably also a forklift licence. If you do not yet have a forklift licence, you will obtain one through TNO. If required, you will also obtain a first-aid certificate.

Enthusiastic after reading this vacancy? We would be happy to meet you!

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 € 2.714,- en € 3.876,- (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 4th of January, 2026. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. The interviews will be held in January. The preliminary interview takes place on the 7th or 12th of January, 2026. The second interview round is yet to be planned. In a final meeting we will discuss the terms of employment and your tailored benefits package. We aim to welcome a new colleague around March/April 2027.

The selection process may include an online assessment and a reference check.

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.