Technical Advisor Radar Systems

About this position

Radar systems are essential for a safe and resilient society. Whether deployed on naval vessels, in aviation, or for drone detection, they provide situational awareness day and night and in all weather conditions.

Within the Radar Technology Department, we have been developing innovative radar technologies for almost 100 years. We use this expertise not only to drive new technological developments but also to advise our partners on the acquisition, deployment, and performance of radar systems.

This is becoming increasingly challenging. Both physical space and the electromagnetic spectrum are being used more intensively. Consider wind farms, high-rise buildings, and power transmission infrastructure that can affect radar coverage, or telecommunications and radar systems competing for the same spectrum. At the same time, the rapid growth of drones is increasing the importance of reliable radar coverage in low-altitude airspace.

Do you enjoy translating complex technical challenges into practical advice for clients and partners? Are you interested in combining business development, project leadership, and technical depth? Then this could be an excellent opportunity for you.

What will be your role?

As a Technical Advisor Radar Systems, you will contribute to maintaining the safety and reliability of low-altitude airspace.

As civilian and military use of airspace continues to increase, effective low-altitude radar coverage becomes increasingly important. You will help determine where radar systems provide sufficient coverage, where limitations arise, and how these limitations can be addressed.

You will work on questions related to the deployment and performance of radar systems. Using models and simulations, you will analyze the impact of new wind farms, high-rise developments, and other obstacles on radar coverage and, consequently, on military and aviation safety.

When new radar systems are introduced, you will assess which locations provide the most effective coverage and how radar data can be efficiently shared among stakeholders. You will interpret the results of your analyses and translate them into clear, technically substantiated recommendations for our clients.

In addition, you will advise customers during the procurement and tendering processes for new radar systems. As you gain experience, you will increasingly take ownership of client interactions, oversee and lead projects, and contribute to preparing proposals and bids.

You will also collaborate with our software engineers to ensure our models and analytical tools remain relevant, effective, and future-proof.

In this role, you will combine technical expertise with project management, business development, and consultancy.

What we expect from you

You are analytical and well-organized, enjoy working collaboratively, and can clearly explain technical topics to stakeholders. You like bringing together different disciplines and have an interest in societal and technological challenges at the intersection of defence, security, energy, and spatial development.

You have:

• A Bachelor's (HBO) or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Aerospace Engineering, or a comparable technical field.
• Basic knowledge of radar technology, including antennas, electromagnetic propagation, and radar detection.
• Experience with MATLAB and/or Python.
• The ability to explain technical analyses and results clearly to customers and other stakeholders.
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills in both Dutch and English.

Preferred Qualifications:

It is considered an advantage if you:

• Have experience in radar technology or a related technical domain such as telecommunications.
• Have several years of relevant work experience.
• Have experience with or affinity for GIS systems.

In addition:

• You are comfortable working within the defence domain.
• You are willing to work at least three days per week from our office in The Hague to collaborate effectively with colleagues.

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 € 3,533 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

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.