Experimentation Lead - Hypersonic Ballistic Experiments

About this position

R&D for Defence and (inter)national companies. This research focuses on developing new firepower and protection concepts and is carried out in close collaboration with various colleagues from other Research Groups. For these activities, we are looking for a new colleague.

As an Experimentation Lead, you will be technically responsible for the preparation, execution, and completion of hypersonic ballistic experiments. You will do this together with highly experienced colleagues.

What will be your role?

• Preparation & Structure: The experiments require you to thoroughly understand the context of the question and the technical solution to be realized. In collaboration with the client, you will define an experimental matrix and develop a measurement plan. You will work closely with colleagues performing finite element simulations. You translate their data into practical production drawings and are confident in making decisions. You design and build experimental setups in which you combine advanced acceleration technology with mechanical, electronic, and optical components.
• Daily Operations & Quality Control: You start test days together with a briefing to go over the daily objectives. During the experiments, you closely monitor whether the setups are executed exactly as agreed. You learn to speak the language of the firing range operators. You understand their specific needs and know exactly when they need what throughout the year and during the day. You identify improvement points in the test setup in a timely manner and initiate these improvements well in advance throughout the year.
• Reporting: You process the data during and immediately after the test campaign. You finalize the report quickly while the knowledge is still fresh, while also stepping back from the operational work in time to meet deadlines. You ensure that the research results are delivered on time and to the client’s satisfaction and are presented properly. You prepare the report together with colleagues. During the reporting phase, you already start preparing the next series of experiments.

What we expect from you

You are a true self-starter, enjoy hands-on work, and can easily switch between different stakeholders. You work accurately, clearly document findings, and enjoy creating structure and overview in your reports. You are also able to switch quickly. With your pragmatic mindset, you always look ahead and actively seek the best and most practical solution. You have a critical and analytical view of design and execution.

Additionally, you enjoy working together: you feel comfortable in a team, communicate easily with colleagues, and know how to leave a professional and positive impression in client interactions. You can operate at different levels: from in-depth theoretical discussions with simulation experts to the no-nonsense language on the shop floor with firing range operators. You have the confidence to make decisions and a strong sense of self-discipline. You are able to step away from the operational intensity at the right moment to focus on delivering high-quality and timely reports. You report to the Project Manager.

What you bring:

• A completed Bachelor’s degree (HBO) in Mechanical Engineering or a similar field, combined with 5 years of relevant hands-on experience; for example, as a mechanical project engineer in a process environment or offshore.
• You have provided functional leadership and guided projects and client relationships. Additionally, you have, for example, experience working on or commissioning at production sites.
• Demonstrable experience with CAD design in SolidWorks or similar is a plus.
• Knowledge of machining techniques and experience outsourcing turning and milling activities to external parties for product realization is a plus.
• Experience with performing quality inspections and assessing delivered items against specifications and finishing is a plus.
• You are fluent in Dutch (C1 level) and have a good command of English (B2 level), both spoken and written.

Note: Working hours are from 08:30 to 17:00; however, during experiments you will likely work outside these hours. Flexible working and working from home are only possible for reporting activities, provided that the classification level of the report allows it.

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. In addition, you will be given every opportunity to develop yourself.

Perhaps you would like to grow your career in the direction of commerce or consultancy? Or would you like to become a project manager? Immerse yourself in sustainable innovations? Or carve out a career as a technical expert?

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).
• Flexible working hours, the possibility to work parttime (32 or 36 hours) and the possibility of working from home.
• A good pension scheme.

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 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.

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.