Key Skills

Job Description

We are currently looking for a Scientist Innovator Advanced Materials to join the team in The Hague. As a Scientist Innovator Advanced Materials, you will work on the development and testing of protection concepts for vehicles, as well as the development of advanced (protective) materials against ballistic threats and explosions. This work will be carried out largely within the military domain, and partly within the civilian one. With this support, new protection technologies are developed that are ultimately deployed by units of the Dutch Armed Forces, as well as by foreign armed forces and police forces. Within the department, both theoretical and experimental research is conducted. As a Scientist Innovator Advanced Materials, you will work on the development and improvement of new materials and protection concepts for highly dynamic loads, such as ballistic impacts or explosions. One of the objectives, for example, is to develop more lightweight vehicle protection concepts that optimise the balance between protection and manoeuvrability. The use of composite materials is one of the approaches used to achieve this. Together with our customers and partners from the defence sector and industry, you will work on the development and validation of new and existing materials and concepts, ensuring that they can ultimately be applied in practice. To achieve an optimal understanding of the phenomena involved, numerical simulations and experimental research go hand in hand. Naturally, you will carefully document and report the results of your research. The main focus of this position will be on conducting (numerical) simulations using finite element software. In addition, you will work on the underlying physics, experiments and analyses, developing an understanding of exactly what happens during an explosion or ballistic impact. For input and validation of the simulations, we make use of a unique lab, where live-fire and explosive testing is carried out. In addition, small- and large-scale experiments are regularly conducted at outdoor test facilities in the Netherlands and abroad. Based on our knowledge of new and existing technologies, you will advise clients—including the Dutch Ministry of Defence, the police, and national and international companies—on innovation and the (future) implementation of new materials and protection concepts. Requirements We are looking for a colleague with an open and proactive attitude who is curious and able to develop new research initiatives into concrete proposals and execution. You are an enthusiastic and creative researcher with an eye for detail, who is not afraid to think outside the box. At the same time, you keep the eventual practical application in mind. You have strong social and communication skills and are able to explain complex concepts in an understandable way, for example, to a client with a less technical background. You are willing to take responsibility for the results and for your own professional development. In addition, you bring: A completed Master’s degree in a relevant technical field, such as Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Materials Science. Knowledge of mechanics/dynamics, preferably involving composite materials. Proficiency in numerical techniques, particularly finite element method (FEM) software. Strong reporting skills. Proficiency in Dutch and English, both spoken and written, at least at B1 level. Please note that if you do not hear back from us within 10 days of your application, you may assume that we have selected another candidate we would like to interview for this position. We do our best to get back to you individually, however, due to a high volume of responses, it can be that we have not been able to reject your application in person. We kindly request that recruitment agencies do not contact us regarding this vacancy. We are not seeking assistance and will not be liable for any fees or charges associated with unsolicited CVs or candidate introductions. Any candidates submitted by agencies without prior written agreement will be considered our direct applicants and may be employed without obligation or fee. Are you enthusiastic about becoming our new Software Engineer?

Core Responsibilities

The Scientist Innovator will develop and test advanced protective materials and concepts for ballistic and explosive threats using numerical simulations and experimental research. They will also advise clients, including the Ministry of Defence, on the innovation and implementation of these protection technologies.

Requirements

Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in a relevant technical field such as Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Materials Science. Proficiency in finite element method (FEM) software and strong communication skills in both Dutch and English are required.