Senior Scientist Ammonia in Maritime Applications

About this position

At Naval and Offshore Structures, we contribute to a safe, sustainable, and resilient future. Our team designs, analyses, and tests a wide range of mechanical structures for the maritime, offshore, and defence sectors. Ensuring the safety, reliability, and long-term performance of these structures, even under the most demanding conditions and throughout their entire service life, is at the core of our work.

We support the Dutch and European maritime industries in their transition towards sustainable shipping through the safe adoption of alternative energy carriers and propulsion technologies, including methanol, ammonia, and nuclear energy. This requires a holistic approach that balances safety, sustainability, and economic viability. Drawing on our expertise in naval architecture, structural engineering, and materials science, we contribute to TNO-wide initiatives aimed at accelerating this transition, including the development of in-depth knowledge on emerging degradation and damage mechanisms associated with new energy systems.

To strengthen our team in this field, we are significantly expanding our activities related to ammonia as a hydrogen carrier. We are looking for an experienced professional who can help shape and lead this growth together with the team. If you are passionate about advancing the future of sustainable maritime energy systems, this could be the opportunity for you.

What will be your role?

As a Senior Scientist Ammonia in Maritime Applications, you will translate your vision on the adoption of alternative fuels into innovative maritime systems and vessel designs. You understand the challenges faced by the maritime industry as it transitions towards new energy carriers and can connect these challenges with TNO's research capabilities and technological solutions. Working alongside a multidisciplinary team, you will analyse, model, and experimentally investigate maritime structures and systems that enable the safe and cost-effective implementation of next-generation fuel technologies. Your expertise in structural and material behaviour will be instrumental in developing solutions that improve safety, extend service life, and enhance economic feasibility. Your work will focus on hydrogen carrier technologies, with a particular emphasis on expanding TNO's expertise in ammonia-based energy systems. The knowledge generated through your research will contribute directly to the development of future regulations, standards, and guidelines, while supporting industry partners in the safe and efficient introduction of ammonia and related technologies within the maritime sector.

You will be part of a rapidly growing multidisciplinary team of specialists from diverse engineering backgrounds and will work closely with clients, industrial partners, and colleagues across TNO. As a Senior Scientist, you will provide technical leadership within research projects, initiate and develop new research opportunities, and play an active role in shaping our long-term research strategy. In addition, you will represent TNO in national and international scientific and industrial forums, establish collaborations with industry and academia, and contribute to TNO's visibility through scientific publications, conference presentations, and industry engagement.

You will join the Naval and Offshore Structures department, a team of approximately 60 highly motivated experts with backgrounds in naval architecture, civil engineering, aerospace engineering, applied physics, and mechanical engineering. Our primary application domains are defence and maritime & offshore technology. With access to advanced mechanical testing facilities, we combine experimental and computational expertise to address complex engineering challenges and validate innovative structural solutions. Our research spans topics such as the safe implementation of alternative fuels on board ships, the structural integrity of offshore wind turbines, and blast- and shock-resistant naval structures. Together, we tackle some of today's most pressing challenges: accelerating the energy transition while ensuring safety, resilience, and security at sea.

What we expect from you

You hold a Master's degree or PhD in a relevant engineering discipline, such as Naval Architecture, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Civil Engineering, with a specialization in the design and development of engineering systems and structures. You bring more than ten years of experience within the maritime sector, with demonstrated expertise in alternative fuels and sustainable propulsion technologies. You have a strong theoretical foundation combined with practical insight into the behaviour of maritime systems and the implications of engineering design choices. You are experienced in the application of numerical modelling and simulation techniques and have a solid understanding of the underlying physical phenomena relevant to maritime structures and energy systems.

Beyond your technical expertise, you are excited by the opportunity to help build and grow a new research team. You can combine your industry network, strategic vision, and scientific leadership with the expertise available within the department to develop a strong and impactful research portfolio. Strong communication skills, customer focus, and a results-oriented mindset are essential. You have a proven track record of providing technical leadership to multidisciplinary teams and delivering complex projects successfully. Finally, you are fluent in both Dutch and English, written and spoken.

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 € 5.650,- and € 8.072,- (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 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]