Scientist Thermoplastic Composite Additive Manufacturing

About this position

Based at the Brightlands Chemelot Campus, the department Materials Solutions of TNO performs programmatic industrial application driven research in the field of polymeric materials that will provide solutions for the societal challenges of tomorrow. In our work we develop prototypes to demonstrate the feasibility of new technology concepts. To emphasis the strong relationship with the ecosystem at the Brightlands Chemelot Campus we operate under the brand name Brightlands Materials Center (www.brightlandsmaterialscenter.com). Our ambition is to play a guiding, orchestrating role in the development of breakthrough material solutions that create impact in both industry and society

What will be your role?

As Scientist Thermoplastic Composite Additive Manufacturing you will be involved in applied research and technology focused on manufacturing fiber reinforced composite structural components for lightweight applications using continuous fiber additive manufacturing. The research focusses on the design and realization of components that combine structural performance with additional integrated functionalities such as self-sensing or dedicated thermal or electromagnetic performance, and implementing multi-material and hybrid manufacturing approaches. You will use and further develop cutting edge equipment allowing precise continuous fiber deposition enabling designs with increased flexibility ready for industrial scaling by utilizing specific designed digital fabrication workflows. You will contribute to the development of new technologies, define and execute trials at different processing conditions, prepare test samples and demonstrator parts, and perform material characterization experiments, together with colleagues in a multidisciplinary team.

The developed solutions have to meet the needs of the customers of Brightlands Materials Center. You are part of the expertise group Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites and co-responsible for the results of the team. As you work for a research and innovation center, your work will not be standard, but explorative, looking for new solutions.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Executing applied research projects in the field of additive manufacturing of fiber reinforced polymers, including design and engineering of parts, 3D printing experiments, mechanical and physical characterization plus analysis and validation on the used methods and materials.
• Additive manufacturing technology development for new polymers and thermoplastic composites, including proposing alternative or optimized processing solutions to meet customer needs.
• Interpretation of experimental results to draw conclusions on the chosen processes and methodologies, together with other researchers and scientists.
• Elaborating research results in the form of presentations or (parts of) written project reports.
• Maintaining the operation of our 3D printing facilities, in contact with equipment suppliers, and designing and constructing dedicated or adapted processing and characterization set-ups.
• Proactively collaborating with other members of the project team to realize the targeted project results.
• Providing guidance to students in the lab in collaboration with other researchers and scientists.

What we expect from you

• A MSc or PhD degree in aerospace engineering, mechanics/mechatronics or related fields.
• Prior knowledge and hands-on experience in composite materials, preferably either manufacturing or modeling or design, for example:
  • in working with additive manufacturing, automated fiber placement or pultrusion;
  • in mechanics or multiphysics modeling, such as Abaqus, COMSOL or similar, including experimental validation;
  • in using CAD software SolidWorks, Fusion360 or similar.
• A result-oriented hands-on mentality to problem solving shown by experience in utilization, creation or adaptation of high-complexity equipment.
• Affinity to computer programming, e.g. Matlab or Python, to connect design and process workflows.
• Affinity with design requirements and corresponding tests in order to develop test procedures and validate performance, e.g. mechanical testing, long-term behavior testing.
• The ability to work in a multidisciplinary, international team with a multitude of stakeholders, and connect knowledge across disciplines.

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 € 3,000 and € 4,200 (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.
• Extensive relocation package for international candidates.
• 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 of 13 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.