At the Surface & AeroSpace Warfare department, you will participate in technical-scientific research projects aimed at supporting the Ministry of Defence—particularly the Navy—in making better decisions. This can happen on many fronts, from the procurement and maintenance of equipment on board ships to the planning and execution of operations. Together with your colleagues, you will analyze qualitative and quantitative data (obtained through simulations you conduct), develop concepts and algorithms, and provide advice that has a real impact on the work of military units, policymakers, and politicians, both nationally and internationally.

At the start, you will follow a general (internal) training program focused on your personal development and on acquiring skills that are important for working at TNO, so that you can quickly contribute as a full team member to projects in the field of above-water warfare for the Navy. Gradually, you will start working more independently, gain more responsibility, and engage directly with clients. For you, “another day at the office” will likely mean something different than it does for most people. There’s a good chance your day will begin on a frigate or at a naval base. You will visit these locations to gather information, conduct interviews, or perform tests. You may also attend the presentation of research results and conclusions. Eventually, you will be the one giving these presentations based on your own research.

In addition to your colleagues at the Surface and AeroSpace Warfare department, you will collaborate in project teams with top experts from other TNO departments as well as from (international) organizations and research institutes. This allows you to quickly build a large network and further expand your knowledge. Within the Surface and AeroSpace Warfare department, you will join approximately 40 driven men and women who conduct research to optimize military and security operations in the maritime, air, and space domains. Defence and other security organizations rely on our expertise, for example, in large-scale procurement processes or in determining the most effective deployment of weapon or radar systems.

Functie-eisen

At a minimum, a completed university-level Master’s degree (WO-Master) in Aerospace Engineering (with a focus on space mission design or certain tracks within control & simulation) or Mechanical Engineering (WTB) (in a specialization that involves modeling the physical movement of large objects such as rockets, aircraft, etc.).
Experience in Java (or alternatively C++).
Experience in Python.
Demonstrated affinity with defense, particularly the navy.
Demonstrated interest in optimization problems.
Projects / thesis work indicating experience in modeling motion equations, such as flight dynamics.

We understand that this is a tall order—essentially looking for a "sheep with many legs"—so we’re aiming for someone who meets at least 3 or 4 of the above points.

Typically:

Point 6 (modeling motion equations) can be seen as an alternative to Point 1 (specific academic background), and we’re currently very strict about this because we are not looking for analysts (so no Econometricians and/or Operations Research candidates).

Point 2 (Java experience) is also somewhat harder to find, but must be present if Point 1 or Point 6 is lacking, as these are the two core competencies that take the most time to develop.

Point 4 (affinity with defense/navy) is a nice bonus, but not often seen in entry-level applicants, and we're less strict on this.

For the current needs of the team, Point 5 (affinity with optimization) is less important and mainly a “nice to have.”

Competenties

Strong communication and collaboration skills, as much of the work will be done in project teams on complex topics.
Consultancy skills to effectively present and explain research results to Defence stakeholders.

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