Internship | Hybrid Quantum-Classical Optimization for Energy Systems

Make your mark on our time? Become an intern at TNO!

About this position

The energy transition requires advanced optimization methods to manage increasingly complex and flexible energy systems. In this internship, you will explore how emerging computational approaches, including hybrid quantum–classical optimization methods, can support future energy system planning and operation.

You will work with a multidisciplinary team at TNO on practical optimization challenges and assess where advanced solution techniques can provide value beyond conventional approaches. The internship offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of energy systems, optimization, and emerging computational technologies.

What will be your role?

During this internship, you will work on the development and evaluation of optimization methods for representative energy system planning or scheduling problems.

Typical activities include:

• Formulating an energy system optimization problem.
• Developing and implementing a classical optimization baseline.
• Investigating advanced decomposition approaches such as column generation, Benders decomposition, or related methods.
• Exploring hybrid quantum–classical optimization workflows where appropriate.
• Benchmarking solution quality, computational performance, scalability, and practical applicability.
• Translating findings into clear technical conclusions and recommendations.

You will contribute to ongoing research activities within TNO and gain hands-on experience with optimization, energy systems modeling, and scientific software development.

What we expect from you

For this internship, we are looking for a Master's student with a background in:

• Electrical Engineering
• Applied Physics
• Computer Science
• Operations Research
• Mathematics
• or a related field

Preferred qualifications:

• Solid background in mathematical optimization (e.g. MILP, operations research, convex optimization, or decomposition techniques).
• Experience with Python and scientific computing.
• Interest in energy systems and advanced optimization methods.
• Interest in quantum computing is a plus, but not required.
• Ability to work independently and communicate technical results clearly.

We are looking for a curious and proactive student who enjoys solving challenging technical problems and contributing to applied research.

Duration: preferably 5–6 months, with some flexibility depending on university requirements.

What you'll get in return

An internship at TNO means working in an environment where substance and impact are central. You will become part of a knowledge organisation where research and practice come together, and where experts collaborate on solutions to current societal and technological challenges.

Your internship is a period in which you can discover what suits you, where your strengths lie and what you would like to learn next. You are part of a professional working environment, gain insight into how things work in practice, and have the opportunity to build experience that goes beyond this internship alone. For many students, an internship is therefore also a first step in discovering whether TNO could be a potential next step after graduation.

In addition, we offer you:

• A professional and innovative internship environment in which you actively contribute to societal and technological challenges, working alongside leading experts in your field.
• Personal and dedicated supervision, with focus on your learning objectives, development and study assignment.
• Room to develop: you gain relevant work experience, develop both your subject-specific and professional skills, and build a valuable network.
• Use of a laptop and the facilities you need to perform your work effectively.
• A monthly internship allowance of € 615 for a full-time internship, for MSc, BSc and vocational education (MBO) students.
• Up to eight hours of leave per internship month for a full-time internship, allowing you to balance your internship with your studies and personal life.
• A contribution towards travel expenses if you are not entitled to a student travel card.
• A free membership to Jong TNO: the network for young colleagues, where you can meet other TNO colleagues and participate in sports activities, professional and personal development activities, and social events such as the annual ski trip.

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.

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.