Internship | Operationalising a Mobile 3D Scanning Setup

This internship focuses on the further development of a mobile 3D scanning setup that can be deployed at different locations. The technical foundation of the system is already in place. The next step is to make the complete setup reliable, user-friendly and easy to transfer to other users.

You will work with our team on turning a functioning technical setup into a professionally deployable system. This involves looking beyond the software and considering the entire technical chain, including hardware, network connections, servers, data storage, data processing, backups and the way operators interact with the system.

You will be part of a practical and technical working environment in which you are given the freedom to investigate problems, test solutions and contribute your own ideas. In doing so, you will directly contribute to a system that can also be used reliably outside a fixed laboratory environment.

During this internship, you will work on making a mobile 3D scanning setup more robust, manageable and user-friendly. You will first map out how the current hardware, software, network connections, servers and storage systems work together. You will then identify opportunities for improvement and develop suitable solutions.

An important part of the assignment is to design and validate a practical management and handover concept. For example, you will develop a clear workflow for starting, operating, processing, exporting and restoring the scanning setup. You will also introduce checks that allow operators to determine whether all components of the system are functioning correctly.

Depending on your interests and the direction we define together, your activities may include:

• configuring and testing hardware, networks, servers and storage systems;
• improving or automating technical workflows;
• designing backup and recovery procedures;
• enabling the reliable transfer and processing of large volumes of scan data;
• developing system checks, status overviews or simple management tools;
• testing the complete setup in different practical scenarios;
• writing clear technical documentation and instructions for operators.

You will work through several project phases, including analysis, design, implementation, testing and evaluation. You will translate your findings into concrete technical improvements, a validated operating procedure and documentation that allows the system to be transferred to others.

During the internship, you will develop skills in system administration, infrastructure, automation, troubleshooting and technical documentation. You will also learn how to integrate separate technical components into a single reliable and professionally deployable system.

For this internship, we are looking for a practical and independent student with a background in Computer Science, Information and Communication Technology, or a comparable technical degree programme. You are interested in systems, infrastructure, hardware and the way different technical components work together.

Basic knowledge of system administration, computer networks, servers, data storage, scripting or automation is helpful, but you are not expected to have mastered all of these areas already. More importantly, you are motivated to explore these subjects and able to quickly familiarise yourself with new technologies.

This assignment may suit you well if you:

• enjoy working with physical hardware and technical systems;
• work in a structured way and can bring clarity to a complex environment;
• enjoy investigating and solving technical problems;
• pay attention to reliability, manageability and ease of use;
• show initiative and are able to work independently;
• can clearly document how a system works;
• enjoy collaborating with researchers, technical specialists and future users.

You will receive guidance in areas that are new to you and will have the opportunity to help shape the assignment based on your interests and learning objectives. The exact duration and scope of the internship will be agreed together.

An internship at TNO means working in an environment where substance and impact are central. You will become part of a knowledge organisation where research and practice come together, and where experts collaborate on solutions to current societal and technological challenges.

Your internship is a period in which you can discover what suits you, where your strengths lie and what you would like to learn next. You are part of a professional working environment, gain insight into how things work in practice, and have the opportunity to build experience that goes beyond this internship alone. For many students, an internship is therefore also a first step in discovering whether TNO could be a potential next step after graduation.

In addition, we offer you:

• A professional and innovative internship environment in which you actively contribute to societal and technological challenges, working alongside leading experts in your field.
• Personal and dedicated supervision, with focus on your learning objectives, development and study assignment.
• Room to develop: you gain relevant work experience, develop both your subject‑specific and professional skills, and build a valuable network.
• Use of a laptop and the facilities you need to perform your work effectively.
• A monthly internship allowance of € 615 for a full-time internship, for MSc, BSc and vocational education (MBO) students.
• Up to eight hours of leave per internship month for a full-time internship, allowing you to balance your internship with your studies and personal life.
• A contribution towards travel expenses if you are not entitled to a student travel card.
• A free membership to Jong TNO: the network for young colleagues, where you can meet other TNO colleagues and participate in sports activities, professional and personal development activities, and social events such as the annual ski trip.

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.

You can apply for this internship position until the 27th of October, 2026. After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation by email.

TNO will arrange an appropriate internship agreement. If you have any questions about the content of the internship or the application procedure, you can contact the person listed below.

If you start an internship with us, we will also ask you to provide a Certificate of Conduct (VOG).

For this internship vacancy it is required that the AIVD issues a security clearance (VGB) following a security screening. In any case, please note that this process has an average duration of approximately 8 weeks. If you have been abroad for more than 6 consecutive months, or if you do not have the Dutch nationality, this process may take longer. For more information, please visit the AIVD website.

Important to know before applying:

• Before the start of the internship, an internship agreement must be signed. For students enrolled at a Dutch university or university of applied sciences, TNO uses the UNL-template, supplemented with several TNO‑specific agreements. For students from foreign educational institutions and MBO (secondary vocational education) programmes, the TNO internship agreement applies. TNO does not sign any other internship agreements.
• Before the start of the internship, the educational institution will need to confirm in writing that:
  1. you are enrolled at the educational institution for the duration of the internship, and;
  2. the internship forms part of your study programme.

The confirmation of educational institution takes place by signing the UNL template or forms prepared by TNO.

• Interns at TNO must have a registered residential address in the Netherlands at the start of the internship. Carrying out internship activities from abroad is not possible.
• Are you an international student? Please note that you must have a BSN (Dutch citizen service number) before the start of your internship. Applying for a BSN can take several weeks, so make sure to start this process well in advance.