Research and Process Engineer Optical Coatings

Hiring team information

Recruiter: Max Krajenbrink

Hiring manager: Stacha Petrovic

About this position

Help improve life on earth by contributing to innovative space and scientific instrumentation. At TNO in Delft we deliver breakthrough technology used in climate research, Earth and deep-space observation, laser satellite communication, semiconductor applications and quantum technology.

As the Research and Process Engineer Optical Coatings, you will sit between research engineering and production engineering: you understand the physics and design of thin-film optical coatings, but you are also close enough to the equipment, tooling, cleanroom work and measurement process to reliably manufacture the designs yourself.

What will be your role?

You will design, develop, manufacture and improve optical coatings for lenses, mirrors and other optical components. These coatings can include reflective, anti-reflective and filter coatings for space and high-tech industry applications.

Working closely with business developers, project managers, research engineers, technicians and clients, you will translate customer needs into technical proposals and coating solutions that are geared to manufacturability, robustness and reliable delivery.

You will define and optimise process steps such as cleaning, inspection, tooling, coating deposition, measurement and quality testing. You will use measurement results to analyse coating performance, fine-tune layer designs and improve the stability and repeatability of the process.

You will work with complex high-tech production equipment, including cleanroom facilities, coating machines, measurement equipment and high-vacuum systems. Maintenance, cleaning, equipment readiness and practical process control are therefore part of this role.

You will document work carefully, assess risks, manage non-conformances and define mitigation actions. In projects you will help ensure that deliverables meet their requirements, and you may take technical supervision of coating-related work packages or smaller multidisciplinary activities.

Your home base is the Optics Manufacturing team in Delft. The team combines process engineers, research engineers, technicians, business developers and project management, and works mainly on site because the cleanroom, coating machines, measurement equipment and in-house mirror production facilities are located there.

Learn more about TNO Optics Manufacturing and TNO Space Systems Engineering.

What we expect from you

You are comfortable at the interface of research, engineering and production. You like the technical depth of optical coating technology.

You are structured, goal-oriented and precise. You can pick up and prioritise available work, handle expensive optical components with care, and communicate clearly with colleagues, suppliers and internal or external customers. English communication is required; Dutch is useful but not strictly required.

Knowledge and skills you bring to TNO

• An MSc or BSc/HBO degree in physics, applied physics, materials science/engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering or another relevant technical field. MBO-level technical education with strong relevant experience can be considered for a more process-focused profile.
• Demonstrable experience with optical coatings, thin-film technology, vacuum equipment, semiconductor manufacturing, precision production equipment or a closely related high-tech production environment.
• Affinity with complex production equipment, preferably including high-vacuum coating systems, and the willingness to work hands-on with equipment, tooling, maintenance, cleaning and process troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of optical components, mirrors, lenses, coating performance metrics, measurement methods, quality testing and documentation.
• Ability to convert customer and project requirements into coating designs, process settings, tooling concepts, test plans and manufacturable solutions.
• Structured way of working, with attention to risk assessment, non-conformance handling, mitigation actions and traceable documentation.
• Good collaboration and communication skills across research engineers, technicians, project managers, business developers, suppliers and customers.

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 € 3,497 and € 6,617 (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.

Perhaps you would like to grow your career in the direction of commerce or consultancy? Or would you like to become a project manager? Immerse yourself in sustainable innovations? Or carve out a career as a technical expert?

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 17th of September, 2026. 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.