Internship | Cloud Resource Models for Virtual Core

The growing deployment of latency-sensitive applications such as autonomous systems, industrial automation, augmented reality, and private 5G networks is driving a strong demand for edge computing infrastructures capable of hosting cloud-native network functions close to end users. In this context, resource models that estimate the performance of Cloud-native Network Functions (CNFs) deployed on Commercial-Of-The-Shelf (COTS) hardware under varying workloads, resource allocations, and deployment conditions are becoming increasingly important. These models enable operators to forecast key performance indicators such as throughput, latency, packet loss, and resource utilization before deployment or scaling actions occur.

This internship focuses on the research and development of a model of compute infrastructure whose purpose is to facilitate CNF deployment optimization. You will work with our team on the analysis of CNF resource use and contribute to solutions that help advance the models used for network optimization. You will be part of an environment where curiosity is encouraged, ideas are welcome, and you have the space to develop your expertise.

The performance of user plane CNFs deployed on COTS computing platforms is influenced by numerous interacting factors, including compute resources, virtualization layers, memory behavior, I/O subsystems, deployment configurations, and packet processing mechanisms. The relationship(s) between these factors and their impact on packet forwarding is very complex, making the development of reliable and scalable performance models challenging.

During the internship, you will address this challenge with an empirical approach. You will develop and deploy a representative experimental environment in our lab which can generate reliable performance measurements. The experiment runs will target a device under test (DUT) which is a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) cloud compute host running containerized XDP-based User Plane Functions (UPFs). The emphasis with the runs is on understanding the bottlenecks and system features of both traffic generation and forwarding via the DUT. You will then analyze the experiment results and choose the most important factors and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), which will be included in the development of a resource model that predict the performance of CNFs deployed on the COTS machine.

The overall goal is to combine system operation, development, benchmarking and modelling knowledge to enable more representative models of infrastructures running the cloud-native user-plane of next generation networks.

We are looking for a master student with a background in Computer Science and/or Engineering who has an interest in Computer Networking. You have basic skills in operating systems, coding in C/C++ and Python, or the motivation to quickly develop them. It helps if you have knowledge of Linux networking, eXpress Data Path, packet generation and queueing theory, but we are happy to support you in developing your knowledge in these areas. What matters most is that you are curious, proactive, and enjoy working together on the performance of networking workloads in virtual environments. This work can be scoped as an internship or as a MSc thesis project, depending on your need.

An internship at TNO means working in an environment where substance and impact are central. You will become part of a knowledge organisation where research and practice come together, and where experts collaborate on solutions to current societal and technological challenges.

Your internship is a period in which you can discover what suits you, where your strengths lie and what you would like to learn next. You are part of a professional working environment, gain insight into how things work in practice, and have the opportunity to build experience that goes beyond this internship alone. For many students, an internship is therefore also a first step in discovering whether TNO could be a potential next step after graduation.

In addition, we offer you:

• A professional and innovative internship environment in which you actively contribute to societal and technological challenges, working alongside leading experts in your field.
• Personal and dedicated supervision, with focus on your learning objectives, development and study assignment.
• Room to develop: you gain relevant work experience, develop both your subject‑specific and professional skills, and build a valuable network.
• Use of a laptop and the facilities you need to perform your work effectively.
• A monthly internship allowance of € 615 for a full-time internship, for MSc, BSc and vocational education (MBO) students.
• Up to eight hours of leave per internship month for a full-time internship, allowing you to balance your internship with your studies and personal life.
• A contribution towards travel expenses if you are not entitled to a student travel card.
• A free membership to Jong TNO: the network for young colleagues, where you can meet other TNO colleagues and participate in sports activities, professional and personal development activities, and social events such as the annual ski trip.

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.

You can apply for this internship position until the 12th of October, 2026. After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation by email.

TNO will arrange an appropriate internship agreement. If you have any questions about the content of the internship or the application procedure, you can contact the person listed below.

If you start an internship with us, we will also ask you to provide a Certificate of Conduct (VOG).

Important to know before applying:

• Before the start of the internship, an internship agreement must be signed. For students enrolled at a Dutch university or university of applied sciences, TNO uses the UNL-template, supplemented with several TNO‑specific agreements. For students from foreign educational institutions and MBO (secondary vocational education) programmes, the TNO internship agreement applies. TNO does not sign any other internship agreements.
• Before the start of the internship, the educational institution will need to confirm in writing that:
  1. you are enrolled at the educational institution for the duration of the internship, and;
  2. the internship forms part of your study programme.

The confirmation of educational institution takes place by signing the UNL template or forms prepared by TNO.

• Interns at TNO must have a registered residential address in the Netherlands at the start of the internship. Carrying out internship activities from abroad is not possible.
• Are you an international student? Please note that you must have a BSN (Dutch citizen service number) before the start of your internship. Applying for a BSN can take several weeks, so make sure to start this process well in advance.