TNO Traineeship | 1 September 2026

Want to make your mark on our time? Become a trainee at TNO! The traineeship starts on the 1st of September, 2026.

About this position

At TNO, we work on projects with societal impact through technological innovation. From securely encrypting financial transactions using quantum mechanics, to groundbreaking radar technology for Defence, to testing innovative energy concepts. Our impact reaches far and wide!

What will be your role?

As a TNO trainee, you get a unique opportunity to accelerate your personal and professional growth. The TNO Traineeship helps you understand and develop your talents, drivers, and values. Over the course of two years, you will gain experience in three different roles and departments. It is up to you to find, choose, and shape these roles. This also brings challenges, and we expect you to take them on. We support you through training sessions, workshops, peer coaching, and a personal coach. This enables you to develop your leadership skills. Along the way, you will be part of an enthusiastic group of nearly 30 trainees.

This traineeship is an opportunity to create your own path within TNO. Are you ready to take on the challenge?

During the TNO Traineeship, your 5-day workweek looks as follows:

1) Working within departments

Three and a half days per week you will work in one of the TNO units in a role such as project leader, business developer, consultant, or sometimes scientist. You will collaborate with a team of experts who share an unbounded ambition and drive to create societal impact. Together, you translate knowledge into practice.

2) Personal development

On average, one day per week is dedicated to your personal development. With the support of a personal coach, training sessions, and workshops, you gain deeper insight into your talents, drivers, and values. You will also expand your knowledge of leadership styles and soft skills. Through peer coaching, you learn from and with your fellow trainees. In addition, you will be supported and challenged by the management of the TNO Traineeship throughout the two-year program.

What we expect from you

Setting your own course within a large and complex organization like TNO is a fantastic opportunity. We provide the tools; you bring the perseverance and determination to get the most out of the TNO Traineeship. You thrive in change: working in three different departments over two years suits your entrepreneurial and adaptive character. When challenges arise, you reflect, learn, and grow. You connect disciplines, value diverse perspectives, and communicate effectively. Moreover, you are driven to contribute to innovations that support the sustainable well-being, safety, and prosperity of society.

Other skills and knowledge you bring to TNO:

• You obtained your Master’s degree no more than two years before the 1st of September, 2026.
• You currently live in Europe and are willing to relocate to the Netherlands for the traineeship.

In addition, you meet one of the following criteria:

• You have a technical bachelor’s and master’s degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Econometrics, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or AI, and you have broadening extracurricular activities on your CV.

Or:

• You have a technical bachelor’s or master’s degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Econometrics, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or AI, and a broadening bachelor’s or master’s degree, combined with extracurricular activities.

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 of € 3,530 (we take 1 or 2 years of work experience into consideration), 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 on a full-time basis plus a flexible holiday (prorated) that can be used on a cultural, religious, or otherwise important day of your choosing.
• 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 of 36 hours) and the possibility of working from home. (During the traineeship, you will work 40 hours per week).
• Networking opportunities and great activities organized by Jong TNO.
• Extensive relocation package for international candidates.
• A good pension scheme.

TNO as an employer

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world.