Manager Science & Technology, division Electromagnetics & Military Operations

About this position

From electronic warfare and radar technology to integrated air and missile defence, military space technology, and the analysis and support of military operations, TNO develops knowledge and technology that enable the Netherlands Armed Forces to strengthen their information advantage, identify threats at an earlier stage, and respond effectively.

Technological developments are accelerating, while Europe is investing heavily in its defence capabilities. This requires not only solutions to today’s challenges, but also strategic choices about the knowledge and technologies that could make a decisive difference five, ten or fifteen years from now.

TNO’s Defence, Safety & Security (DSS) unit comprises approximately 1,200 experts. Within DSS, Electromagnetics & Military Operations (E&MO) is the largest division, with around 400 employees. The division consists of six research groups and a market team, working on a broad range of scientific and technological challenges for the Netherlands Ministry of Defence.

As Science & Technology Manager, you will shape the strategic development of E&MO’s knowledge and technology capabilities.

What will be your role?

As Science & Technology Manager, you oversee scientific and technological developments across the division and translate them into strategic choices for the future. You help determine which knowledge and technologies E&MO needs to develop, strengthen or pursue in collaboration with partners to remain relevant and at the forefront of its field in the long term.

In doing so, you connect two perspectives. From an inside-out perspective, you identify emerging knowledge, technologies and capabilities from our research that can contribute to E&MO’s strategic priorities and propositions. At the same time, you look further ahead: what developments are coming our way, and what knowledge do we need to develop today to make a difference in the years to come?

Your key responsibilities are:

• Setting the direction for the S&T portfolio. You translate the Science & Technology strategy into action within E&MO, safeguard the coherence and quality of the knowledge and technology portfolio, and initiate new research directions where needed.
• Connecting Science & Technology to propositions. Together with proposition leads, research managers, the market team and other subject-matter leaders, you translate new knowledge and technologies into strategic propositions and priorities. Conversely, you identify which future capabilities require the development of new knowledge. Examples include propositions such as Air Defence and Military Space.
• Understanding and connecting with the national and international forefront. You know where leading-edge knowledge and technology are being developed, both nationally and internationally, which organisations and experts are shaping developments in relevant technology domains, and where collaboration with allied research partners can add value. You build relationships that give E&MO access to knowledge, expertise and opportunities for joint development. Examples include DARPA, the Air Force Research Laboratory and Fraunhofer.
• Strengthening scientific and technological excellence. You foster scientific and technological leadership, multidisciplinary collaboration and development across organisational and disciplinary boundaries.
• Helping shape research programmes. You represent E&MO in relevant research programmes, both during their development and throughout their execution, and help ensure that their content, resources and governance remain aligned with the chosen S&T direction.

Together with the Director of Science & Technology, the other Science & Technology Managers and the Principal Scientists, you form the DSS knowledge leadership team. Within E&MO, you work closely with the Division Director, research managers, proposition leads, the market team and programme managers.

In this role, you are therefore not only a guardian of scientific quality. Above all, you are someone who translates science and technology into strategic direction, informed choices and long-term relevance.

What we expect from you

You are a strategic thinker with strong scientific and technological expertise, capable of understanding complex technologies without needing to be a specialist in every field yourself. You see connections across different scientific and technological domains, can distinguish between developments that are interesting and those that are genuinely strategically relevant, and are accustomed to making choices with a long-term perspective.

You are able to operate with authority among researchers, technologists, programme leaders and directors. You are curious about new ideas, while also being able to provide focus, set priorities and bring others along in shaping a clear strategic direction.

You navigate the network of research organisations and allied partners with ease. You are quick to understand where the scientific and technological forefront lies, who the leading experts and organisations are within a particular field, and which parties E&MO should collaborate with strategically. You also have the organisational and political awareness to bring together people with different interests and perspectives. You build support, act diplomatically when needed, and are able to provide convincing advice and strategic direction at executive level.

What you bring:

• An academic level of thinking and working, combined with a strong scientific and technological background;
• A broad affinity with E&MO’s knowledge and technology domains, as well as sufficient technical depth to engage credibly with leading specialists;
• Experience in developing and managing strategic research, technology or innovation portfolios;
• The ability to build and leverage a relevant national and international network;
• Experience in strategic advisory roles and influencing decision-making at senior management or executive level;
• The ability to inspire and connect scientific and technical leaders and highly qualified specialists;
• Excellent command of both the Dutch and English language verbally and in writing.

Experience in defence, security or a technologically complex environment is considered an advantage. A relevant network within TNO and among national or international research and defence partners is also valuable, but more important is your proven ability to build and develop such networks.

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 € 7.275,- and € 10.000,- (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 3rd 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.