Starter Scientist Military CFD

About this position

A livable future for everyone – that is what we, as the Naval and Offshore Structures department, contribute to. We design, analyse, and test a wide range of mechanical structures for the maritime and offshore industry and for defence applications. The safety of these structures, under the most extreme conditions and throughout their entire service life, is central to our work.

We support Defence through research on current and future naval vessels, with a specific focus on protecting the ship and its crew under all conditions. Does this appeal to you, and would you like to contribute to sustainable and safe ships of the future? Then this position is for you.

What will be your role?

As a Starter Scientist CFD modeler for military applications, you analyse and model a wide range of maritime structures and systems to validate cutting-edge structural solutions. Your primary focus lies on our work for Defence, where we assess and model the effects of military loads on structures and contribute solutions that enhance the survivability of future vessels and the safety of their crews.

This involves not only the structural response, but also the high-dynamic loading effects from an explosion either above water or under water. You will be using high-fidelity numerical tools (FEM and CFD) to solve the propagation of strong blast waves and other related phenomena and look at fluid-structure interaction. On the structural side, new materials and innovative solutions might be sought. You work in a multidisciplinary team with experts from various fields and collaborate closely with clients and partners. In addition, you enhance TNO’s visibility through publications and presentations.

You will join the Naval and Offshore Structures department, consisting of 60 motivated experts with backgrounds in maritime engineering, civil engineering, aerospace engineering, applied physics and mechanical engineering. Thanks to our well-equipped mechanical testing laboratories, practical and theoretical knowledge go hand in hand, enabling us to solve highly complex problems and validate innovative structural solutions.

Collaboration with other TNO laboratories and experts allows us to address additional challenges such as fluid dynamics and blast and shock resistance. Our research ranges from the safe use of alternative fuels on board ships and the structural safety of offshore wind turbines to shock- and explosion-resistant ship structures. We work on today’s key challenges: the energy transition and increasing safety at sea.

What we expect from you

You have completed an academic degree in a technical discipline (for example Maritime Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Physics), with a specialization in high-speed Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and an affinity with the maritime and defence sector. You have a strong theoretical foundation, are proficient in numerical techniques (explicit finite element analysis and high-speed CFD), and possess practical insight into the behaviour of structures. Having followed a gas dynamics or high-speed compressible flow course is a must.

In addition to your technical expertise, we highly value communication skills and customer- and results-oriented thinking. This allows you to effectively collaborate in a team environment towards achieving deliverables that are usable and applicable for our clients. You are proficient in both Dutch and English, both orally and in writing.

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.

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 9th of October, 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.

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.