Deputy Research Manager Compact Radar Systems

About this position

Safety and security cannot be taken for granted. Sometimes, you have to fight for peace. There is always a frontline somewhere, where history is being written. The impact on our armed forces of rising tensions around the world, especially the ongoing struggle over Ukraine, is huge. The knowledge and technology needs of our founding partner, the Dutch Ministry of Defence, are evolving faster and changing, the pace is accelerating, and research and development budgets are growing rapidly. In line with this, the focus on our national, domestic security is also intensifying, for instance in the fight against worsening drug-related crime in the Netherlands. This is where knowledge and technology make the difference, and we translate that into our mission!

The Compact Radar Systems research group is part of the Defence, Safety & Security (DSS) unit, which houses a total of 23 research groups in 5 divisions.

The Compact Radar Systems research group is 1 of 6 research groups within the Electromagnetics & Military Operations division. The research group has three main topics: RF applications in space, radar on flying platforms for ISR purposes such as SAR and autonomous flight applications, and cost effective effectors. The expertisgroup currently consists of 30 professionals with expertise related to radar system development, system engineering, algorithm development, signal processing, analogue- and digital high frequency electronics. The group has an international character, with English and Dutch as the working languages.

What will be your role?

You will be running the Compact Radar Systems research group together with the Research Manager. As the group’s manager, you will be close to our researchers, know the broad strokes of what they are working on, and be able to create the ideal framework conditions for them to perform optimally. In doing so, you will continuously balance between capitalising on market trends and our clients’ needs on the one hand, and knowledge development within the team on the other.

In consultation with the Research Manager, you will come to a mutual division of roles based on both your interests and competences. Your responsibilities relate to all aspects of the department, such as staff development, recruitment, the development of the department’s strategy and portfolio, optimal cooperation with other departments, the monitoring of projects and their intended results, and facility management. You will be the strategic sparring partner and deputy to your Research Manager.

The department is growing, and new people are being hired regularly. As Deputy Research Manager, you will be jointly responsible for ensuring a pleasant working environment, a proper introduction and onboarding programme, and sufficient social interaction, as well as peace and stability.

The DSS unit has four strategic objectives for the coming years: (a) we will be a strong driver for the Dutch defence and security industry, giving the Dutch government and industry more strategic autonomy and influence; (b) we will deliver our impact much faster; (c) we will develop our full portfolio through joint strategic programming with our key partners and clients; (d) we will create an inspiring place for everyone to work and grow. We challenge you to contribute to achieving these goals.

What we expect from you

You are ready for the next step with managerial responsibilities.

Helping others to realise their full potential – that is what energises you, especially if this also means that you are contributing to a safe and secure society. You have a talent for coaching, connecting, and motivating others and yourself. You have an eye for everyone’s qualities, are independent and structured in forming your plans, and able to set the right priorities quickly. Listening with genuine interest, engaging with others, and sharing your thoughts – this is how you discover other people’s strengths. It is also how, as individuals and as a team, you can complement each other and achieve optimal cooperation. In any case, you are full of ideas to improve cooperation.

The result you envision? Satisfied employees doing a good job.

Other knowledge and skills you bring to TNO:

• A relevant university-level education and the ability to grasp (before too long) what the professionals in your team are working on every day.
• You are a people-oriented manager in a high-tech R&D environment.
• You have experience in managing, developing and supervising knowledge professionals working in a challenging environment for demanding clients.
• You are preferably familiar with projects for the Ministry of Defence and are in possession of a screening certificate (VGB-B). If you have not been screened yet, a screening will be requested.
• A good command of Dutch and English.
• A network among relevant external stakeholders is considered an advantage.

Do you recognise yourself in our leadership profile?

• Inspirational leadership: You are an inspiring leader and are able to connect your partners within the organisation, as well as in the sector, society, government and knowledge institutions to TNO's research and the societal goals it achieves.
• Synergy and change management: You have a clear, forward-looking vision for the division and unit, collaborate effectively to achieve goals and understand the internal dynamics and politics of the organisation. You are aware of changes in the external environment that may affect the organisation. You have the ability to influence and inspire others to actively contribute to the desired change.
• Enterprising and commercial action: You build relationships with (new) partners and (jointly) develop innovative programmes. This involves both opening up new public and private markets, as well as initiating and developing partnerships. You make connections between the demands from the market and the innovations TNO is working on and achieve impact with tangible results in line with the unit's mission, vision and strategy.
• An outward orientation: You are able to identify opportunities and take action to create value for the unit and TNO. You understand market trends and client needs and these (partly) determine your (strategic) decisions. You build and maintain valuable relationships inside and outside the organisation. You are able to reach agreement in complex situations.
• Innovation and adaptability: You have new ideas and see opportunities to meet challenges and can present these effectively in order to convince others. You adapt to changing circumstances and are prepared to try new approaches. You always strive for further (personal) growth and development.

If you don’t fully recognise yourself in all of the above, but still think that this is the right job for you, be sure to respond. Together we will find out whether there is a match.

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 Euro 5.650,- and Euro 8.000,- (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 trave.
• 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 the20th of October, 2026. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. The preliminary interview takes place on the 28th of October, 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.