Team Lead / Project Manager Optics Manufacturing Space bij Systems Engineering

About this position

Contributing to space technology innovations that benefit our planet. Envision it. Become a project manager optics manufacturing within space systems engineering at TNO in Delft.

Emerging space-related technologies may hold the key to solving many of the societal challenges we face today. Encrypting communications, for example. Exploring the universe. Monitoring greenhouse gases. As a project manager Optics Manufacturing within Space Systems Engineering at the Netherlands’ leading research organisation, you can bring about profound change on our planet (and beyond). At TNO, we are always reaching for the stars, exploring further than what is considered possible. Based in Delft, you will be part of an organisation that is not out to make a profit but instead uses innovation to help mankind take its next giant leap forward, one innovative step at a time. And with this also stimulating the Dutch economy.

What will be your role?

As a project manager at TNO Delft, you will be responsible for ensuring that technology development projects as well as optics manufacturing projects are delivered on time and within budget, meeting the project goals with high quality. This can be space or ground based optical components. You can expect a variety of projects that are on the edge of what is technically possible today. Best of all, your work will rarely be repetitive. Our projects are always innovative, always technically complicated, always changing and always challenging, with plenty of room for creativity.

You will manage a multidisciplinary project team consisting of scientists, engineers, researchers and technicians as well as stakeholders in complex (inter)national coalitions. Typical customers will include internal TNO projects, existing partners in the institutional market and, increasingly, commercial businesses who enter the market for ground-based astronomy, satellite communication and earth observation. Partners may include manufacturing companies (involved in the production of optical components), high tech companies (instrument integration) and universities that help TNO to do basic research. You will work alongside the TNO Optics Manufacturing Business Development Team, which is responsible for the commercial acquisition of projects. Proposal writing and occasional international travel are part of your job too. The role of Team Lead Optics Manufacturing is also part of this position. This includes managing the Optics Manufacturing resources as well as the people of the group on a personal level and reporting to and working directly with the (deputy) Research Manager of Space Systems Engineering.

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

What we expect from you

A proven track record managing projects and teams within the space domain or relevant areas. You have a finely-tuned political antenna and the ability to communicate on a strategic level with challenging partners. Though never rigid, you have strong communication skills and you are sharp, structured and pragmatic. You thrive when dealing with projects that have a lot of uncertainties due to the complex scientific problems that we tackle at TNO and the unique nature of our work.

Other knowledge and skills you bring to TNO:

• A higher professional education (HBO/BSc.) or university (WO/MSc.) degree in a technical discipline.
• At least 5 years of project management experience in the space domain or other similar relevant areas.
• Experience in working with different types of stakeholders such as space agencies (ESA, NASA) and (international) organizations or other highly regulated industries.
• Experience in working with industry, able to understand their needs and fine tune our project pace to the high demands of the field.
• Affinity with innovation and research.
• Ability and interest to develop new ways of working to ensure projects can be executed with short turnaround times.
• Excellent written- and oral communication skills.
• Working experience with Project Management methodologies .(IPMA, PMP, Prince2) is a plus.
• Experience working in a small series and/or prototyping production environment is a plus.
• Affinity with space optics is a plus.

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 € 5.600,- and € 8.300,- (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 28th 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.