Expert Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)

About this position

As a SAR expert at TNO you truly work in the frontline of airborne – and spaceborne Synthetic Aperture Radar technology.

If you are up to being challenged in an environment that is among the top in the world and if you are excited at the prospect of working with experienced colleagues on designing, and evaluating novel SAR systems and algorithms, and related airborne- and spaceborne radars, this might be your chance! We offer a stimulating environment with world-renowned experts and career opportunities that match what you do best - today and in the future.

You will work at the Compact Radar Technology department within the Defence, Safety and Security unit of TNO. At this department we passionately work on technological breakthroughs for state-of-the-art RF sensor systems. More information on the department can be found here: Radar technology | TNO. Technology is changing extremely fast, resulting in new threats to the safety of our society but also in chances to realize what was not possible before.

What will be your role?

Traditionally large radar system have to be reduced in size for today’s platforms such as unmanned aircraft, small drones, and small satellites. TNO is developing new radar technology for such compact radar applications. As a SAR expert, you will perform both theoretical performance analyses as well as modelling and specification of new air- and spaceborne radar system concepts, with a good understanding of both the RF- and digital processing aspects of such systems. You will also be involved in test and evaluation of experimental systems up to TRL 7 level of maturity. Senior applicants may also become technical lead of system developments with a good understanding of technical requirements definition- and management, and of system engineering practices.

As Europe’s leading R&D partner in the field of radar technology, TNO’s Radar Technology department develops anything from complete system concepts and architectures to integrated microwave circuits and antennas. We research and apply novel techniques like compressive sensing, deep learning and quantum radar technology. We have a large and strong team of radar engineers, software engineers, hardware developers, EM/antenna designers and other experts, who come together in an open-minded atmosphere to respond to the needs of our clients. We are driven by a desire to make technological breakthroughs and we welcome your ideas.

What we expect from you

You are an analytical and structured team player that communicates easily with colleagues from different areas of expertise and different backgrounds. You are passionate about RF sensors, signal processing, system engineering, and aerospace applications, and you possess real-world experience with SAR image formation, SAR algorithms, and SAR system design. You can express yourself clearly when explaining the intricacies of air- and spaceborne radar to clients and other stakeholders.

Other knowledge and skills you bring to TNO:

• A Master’s Degree or PhD in electrical engineering, or physics.
• A minimum of 10–15 years of work experience
• A scientific background in one or more of these fields: radar imaging, radar design, signal processing, SAR algorithms, RF electronics and antennas.
• Working knowledge of MATLAB and/or Python.
• Working knowledge of System Engineering principles and practices.

System Engineering experience is regarded as a particular plus for your application.

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 € 3.533 and € 7.500 (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

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.

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.