Data Engineer Digital Ship Structures

About this position

A liveable future for everyone, that is what we, as the Naval and Offshore Structures department, contribute to every day. We design, analyse and test a wide range of mechanical structures for the maritime and offshore industry and for defence applications. Safety under the most extreme conditions, throughout the entire life cycle of these structures, is always our top priority.

We support the armed forces by researching current and future naval vessels, focusing specifically on protecting the ship and its crew under all circumstances. Does this sound interesting, and would you like to contribute to sustainable and safe ships of the future? Then this role is for you!

What will be your role?

As a Data Engineer Digital Ship Structures, you will work at the intersection of ship structures and digital systems. This includes continuously monitoring ship structures to assess damage caused by fatigue, wave loading, or military operational loads. You will translate this data into intuitive dashboards that provide actionable insights for end users, and you will develop AI-driven concepts to determine the remaining service life of ships in real time. You will collaborate closely with a team of naval architects experienced in delivering digital solutions, as well as experts in sensor technologies. Through these solutions, you contribute to the survivability of future naval vessels and the safety of their crews. Examples of projects you may work on include monitoring the structural integrity of a frigate or an unmanned surface vessel (USV), or developing a monitoring system to predict the remaining service life of a state-of-the-art composite structure. In these projects, you will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of specialists from various fields and work closely with customers and project partners. In addition, you will contribute to TNO’s visibility and impact through publications, presentations, and other knowledge dissemination activities.

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 a technical academic degree (for example Maritime Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Physics), with experience in data engineering and an affinity for the maritime and defence sectors. You have a solid theoretical foundation, are skilled in programming languages and/or data analysis methods, and also possess practical understanding of the behaviour of (ship) structures. Preferably, you have the following technical skills:

• Data engineering: from setting up back‑end systems to data visualisation for end users
• Python
• SQL
• Linux systems

In addition to technical expertise, we highly value communication skills and a customer‑ and results‑oriented approach to achieve applicable outcomes together as a team. It is a plus if you are able to identify customer needs and translate technical information into easy‑to‑understand concepts. You have command of both Dutch (B1+) and English, spoken and written.

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 € 4.816,- and € 6.884,- (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 22nd of November, 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.

For questions about this position you can contact Sander Dragt, Research Manager via [email protected]

For questions with regards to the selectionproces and working at TNO you can contact our recruiter, Max Krajenbrink, via [email protected]