Key Skills

Job Description

About This Position Do you envision a future in which humans and (intelligent) systems work together effectively and responsibly? As a Research Engineer Human-System Interaction, you will work on the development of (robotics) systems that result in optimal effective human-machine teaming. You will work in the Human Machine Teaming (HMT) department, consisting of approximately 50 colleagues with diverse backgrounds, including AI researchers, engineers, cognitive psychologists and interaction designers. Within projects, you will not only work together with colleagues from HMT, but also with experts from other departments and locations. The mission of the HMT department is to generate knowledge and develop methods that improve the interaction between humans and technological systems. So you not only do research on technology, but also work hands-on with technology. It is precisely this combination that offers you the opportunity to further develop both as a scientist and as a technological professional. No two projects are the same. In one project, for example, you program a drone demonstrator for an evaluation by end users. In another project, you work in a team of system engineers, where hardware has to be integrated and programmed. What will be your role? As a Research Engineer Human-System Interaction, you will play an important role in applied research into the use of (semi-unmanned/intelligent) systems and in particular the collaboration between humans and such systems. In this position, you combine technology with scientific research. You will help develop and test new forms of collaboration between humans, robots and semi-autonomous systems, with applications within the defence and security domain. You will investigate how (robotics) systems can support professionals in complex operational environments effectively, safely and responsibly. You will be part of multidisciplinary project teams and work on challenging research issues at the intersection of human-system interaction, robotics and autonomy. In doing so, you combine practical technology development with insights from scientific research. In this way, you contribute to technology solutions that offer demonstrable added value in practice and thus strengthen the operational readiness of safety professionals. You will be involved in, among other things Developing and programming demonstrators/prototypes and simulation/evaluation systems. Identifying and interpreting new developments in the field of robotics, telerobotics, AI and autonomy and assessing their relevance for human-machine collaboration. Testing (semi-unmanned) systems in an operational context. Translating operational needs and scientific insights into technological solutions. To technically support the execution of scientific experiments in the field of human-machine interaction and human-machine teaming. Reporting and presenting results to colleagues, clients and other stakeholders. Providing input to project proposals with new research ideas. What we expect from you You have technical knowledge and experience with robotics/mechatronics, and have a demonstrable interest in research into human-system interaction. You enjoy working in multidisciplinary teams and communicate clearly with customers and project members. You can take on tasks independently, but you also like to work in a team. You are able to translate customer questions and complex project objectives into concrete, substantiated solutions. You can quickly master new topics and are able to approach problems from different perspectives. In addition, you can report the outcomes and conclusions of complex issues in a technical-scientific way and present them in an accessible way to a variety of target groups. The location for this vacancy is Soesterberg. In addition, you have the opportunity to work at a TNO location in The Hague for 1 or 2 days. What else you bring A completed HBO/WO study in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Electro engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science or a similar field. Knowledge and skills to develop and program demonstrators, preferably in languages such as Python, C#, C++, as well as a curiosity about new technologies. And you don't shy away from the practical integration and testing of hardware and sensors. Knowledge and experience with real-world robotics, quantitative research (including literature review, conducting experiments and data collection). Creativity and a practical attitude to translate scientific insights into relevant applications in practice. You are enthusiastic and motivated to immerse yourself in the world of our stakeholders (Defence and Security). 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 € 3.500,- and €4.800,- (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. Extensive relocation package for international candidates. 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 Please apply before the 3rd 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. 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

Develop and program robotics demonstrators, prototypes, and simulation or evaluation systems, and test semi-autonomous systems in operational settings. Translate operational needs and research findings into practical human-machine collaboration solutions, support scientific experiments, and report results to stakeholders.

Requirements

A completed higher professional or university degree in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science, or a related field is required. Candidates should have robotics experience, programming skills—preferably in Python, C#, or C++—and experience with quantitative research, experiments, data collection, and practical hardware and sensor integration.

Benefits

• Holiday Pay
• 13th-Month Bonus
• Flexible Benefits Budget
• Professional Development and Training
• 33 Days of Annual Leave
• Flexible Holiday Day
• Public Transportation Compensation
• Flexible Working Hours
• Part-Time Work Options
• Work-from-Home Option
• Relocation Package
• Pension Scheme
• Social Events