Key Skills

Job Description

About This Position Technological innovation plays a crucial role in the security of the Netherlands and its allies. At TNO, we work closely with the Armed Forces to develop solutions that contribute to information superiority, operational effectiveness, and a future-proof defence organisation. From radar technology and electronic warfare to sensors, simulations, and command & control systems, every innovation is driven by a team capable of successfully delivering complex projects. As a Project Manager, you will ensure that these innovations become reality. You bring people, expertise, and planning together, create structure within complex projects, and enable multidisciplinary teams to work collectively on solutions that directly contribute to the security of the Netherlands and its allies. What will be your role? As a Project Manager, you will work on research and innovation projects within the Electromagnetics & Military Operations (E&MO) division. You will act as the connecting link between researchers, engineers, clients, and other stakeholders, ensuring that projects are executed in a structured, controlled, and goal-oriented manner. Depending on your experience and expertise, your responsibilities may include Initiating, planning, and coordinating research and innovation projects. Aligning objectives, planning, and scope with clients and project teams. Monitoring project progress, budgets, risks, and quality. Connecting multidisciplinary teams and areas of expertise. Reporting project progress and results to internal and external stakeholders. Identifying opportunities and risks and taking corrective action when necessary. Further professionalising project management practices within E&MO. No two projects are the same. One project may involve coordinating a multidisciplinary research programme focused on next-generation sensor technology, while another may involve leading an innovation project in radar systems, Electronic Warfare, or operational support for Defence. Working through UMBRA You will start within UMBRA, an innovative environment where new colleagues collaborate on tomorrow’s technological challenges. You will be part of a multidisciplinary team of software engineers, systems engineers, project managers, researchers, and analysts contributing to a wide range of research and development projects. From your very first day, you will be involved in active projects and have the opportunity to explore different technologies, research groups, and application domains within the Electromagnetics & Military Operations (E&MO) division. This allows you to discover where your knowledge, experience, and ambitions can have the greatest impact. Depending on project requirements and your expertise, you will work alongside various research groups and disciplines. This diversity offers the opportunity to gain experience across multiple technologies and application areas while making a valuable contribution to current defence projects and building a broad network within the division. The strength of UMBRA lies in its combination of societal impact, technical challenge, and personal development. You will contribute to innovative solutions for current defence-related challenges while continuously expanding your expertise in new technologies and domains. Within UMBRA, you will receive the level of responsibility and support that matches your experience. Professionals at the beginning of their careers will further develop under the guidance of experienced colleagues, while more senior project leaders will have the opportunity to shape technical solutions, coach colleagues, and play a key role in developing new areas of expertise. For this position, we are specifically looking for candidates who have already gained initial professional experience and have previously been exposed to project management. What we expect from you You are a project manager who thrives on complex challenges and enjoys connecting people, technology, and stakeholder interests. You are able to maintain oversight, create structure, and successfully bring multidisciplinary teams together. In addition, you have A Bachelor's or Master's degree, preferably in a technical field. Experience with project management in a technical, research, or innovation-driven environment. The ability to organise and coordinate complex projects involving multiple stakeholders. Strong communication skills and the ability to connect people and disciplines. An affinity with Defence, security, and technological innovation. Excellent command of both Dutch and English, spoken and written. Experience within a research or defence environment is considered an advantage but is certainly not a requirement. More importantly, we are looking for someone who takes initiative, enjoys collaboration, and is motivated by delivering innovative projects with meaningful societal impact. Where will you work? You will join TNO Defence, Safety & Security, within the Electromagnetics & Military Operations (E&MO) division. Here, researchers, software engineers, systems engineers, and analysts work every day on innovative technologies for defence and security applications. Our expertise ranges from radar and sensor technology to electronic warfare, simulation, data analytics, and operational decision support. We work closely with Defence organisations, research institutes, and international partners to develop solutions that contribute to a safer world. Within E&MO, you will have significant freedom to take initiative, develop new ideas, and grow professionally. You will collaborate with colleagues who share the ambition of translating technological innovation into practical solutions with real-world impact. 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 13th 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. Benefits 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.

Core Responsibilities

Initiate, plan, and coordinate research and innovation projects in defence technology, aligning objectives, scope, and schedules with clients and project teams. Monitor progress, budgets, risks, and quality; connect multidisciplinary stakeholders; report results; and improve project management practices.

Requirements

Candidates should have a bachelor's or master's degree, preferably in a technical field, and experience managing projects in a technical, research, or innovation-driven environment. They should be able to coordinate complex projects and communicate effectively, have an affinity for defence and security innovation, and be fluent in Dutch and English; research or defence experience is an advantage.

Benefits

• Holiday Pay
• 13th Month Bonus
• Flexible Budget
• Professional Development
• Training And Coaching
• 33 Days Of Annual Leave
• Flexible Holiday
• Flexible Mobility Plan
• Public Transportation Compensation
• Flexible Working Hours
• Part-Time Work Options
• Work From Home
• Pension Scheme