Senior Projectmanager

About this position

You will have a unique opportunity to have impact on how the high-tech equipment industry overcomes the complexity issues in their products and systems through managing projects at TNO-ESI. In such projects, TNO-ESI creates impactful and industrially applicable architecting and design methodologies. You will manage several projects in parallel, conducted by ESI researchers in tight collaboration with industry partners and executed to a large extent at industry location.

What will be your role?

As a project manager at TNO-ESI you perform your work in close interaction with your colleague project managers and the TNO-ESI management team. You have a wide responsibility for your projects. which includes key account management, project definition & execution, leadership of the technical teams, and communication to stakeholders. You will have a portfolio of multi-year projects with leading high-tech industries in The Netherlands and across Europe. Many of our projects are public private funded and you will ensure that project results are of the highest quality and fulfil the needs of all stakeholders, both public and private.

You will develop and foster long term relationships with our project partners working closely with their strategic management. Here you will define new projects to solve real innovation challenges or to bring new Systems Engineering related technologies into industrial practice. Your role includes the preparation of innovative project proposals and plans for submission to funding authorities and our project partners. Once projects are up and running you manage them and balance the changing needs as the projects progress. You give leadership to the team and communicate progress and results to all stakeholders. In addition to executing the projects successfully you are aware of any human related issues within the team and can provide coaching to stimulate personal growth and to maintain a positive team spirit.

Your projects are executed in close collaboration with the client’s product development teams at the premises of the industrial project partner. They are program-wise executed in close relationship with other TNO-ESI projects. Synergy over projects is a clear goal.

Read more about ESI (TNO) or watch this video introducing ESI

What we expect from you

You are a goal-oriented and self-driven professional energized by delivering high quality results and willing to learn from new experiences and your colleagues. You are passionate about making technology work in practice as well as getting the best out of teams and individuals. You enjoy coordinating multidisciplinary teams of research fellows, product innovation specialists and scientists who develop new methods and techniques for design and engineering of complex high-tech systems. You like and have experience with working in complex organisational environments, where interests of multiple stakeholders come together. You combine a focussed drive to deliver, with the flexibility to adapt to changes in a dynamic environment, going the extra mile when necessary. You have excellent communication skills and you feel comfortable in communication with a range of stakeholders. Preferably, you have built up a track record in influencing business decisions and directions, based on your technological insight and personality.

Summarizing, you are a person that we can rely on guiding our customers and our research staff successfully through their innovation journey.

What else can you offer?

• An engineering degree (e.g. computer science, electrical or mechanical engineering, physics) at academic level.
• A relevant professional background, several years of working in- or with high-tech industry (either directly or through R&D activities closely linked with industry).
• A proven track record in driving applied research or product innovation projects.
• Demonstrable affinity with systems engineering.
• The ability to quickly familiarize yourself with new technical and application domains.
• You preferably have a system architect background, or at least understand the complex challenges of innovative multidisciplinary projects.
• Ability to operate both on the conceptual and operational level and have experience in creating structure and overview in programs and projects.

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 € 6000,- and € 8000,- (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 [OPTIONAL] or a lease car.
• 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.