Entry-level Machine Learning Engineer

Develop software solutions that shape autonomous systems within the energy transition, defence, and smart industry. Work on applications with significant societal impact and real-world challenges. Become a Machine Learning Engineer at TNO in Groningen.

About this position

AI is changing our world, but in critical environments it must be reliable, scalable, and safe. At TNO, we develop AI-driven systems that collaborate with physical processes (such as sensors and actuators) and make autonomous decisions in complex situations – from smart energy grids and defense intelligence to digital twins for biodiversity that support environmental policy.

As a Machine Learning Engineer, you contribute to the research, development, and implementation of machine learning solutions that have direct impact on vital infrastructures. You work alongside top experts in AI, distributed systems, and software engineering to develop innovative applications that bridge fundamental research and practical implementation. You also investigate how systems perform and work on improving their safety and controllability.

Your home base is the research group Intelligent Cyber-physical Systems Engineering (ICSE). From Groningen and The Hague, more than 35 scientists, researchers, and consultants work here daily on the value of digital applications. You collaborate closely with colleagues from other departments and units. ICSE is a diverse team with people of different ages, backgrounds, and nationalities. We share a passion for applied research, maintain an open and informal atmosphere, support one another, and are receptive to your ideas!

What will be your role?

As a Machine Learning Engineer, you are involved in the full lifecycle of ML solutions: from research and experimentation to building and deploying robust AI systems. Your responsibilities include, among other things:

• Developing Machine Learning software that promotes autonomy in cyber-physical systems.
• Building proof-of-concept applications and demonstrators that translate AI research into practical and scalable solutions.
• Optimizing and deploying ML models with a focus on performance, reliability, and efficiency.
• Collaborating in multidisciplinary teams with experts in AI, systems engineering, and domain-specific applications.
• Exploring the latest AI techniques and assessing their applicability in critical infrastructures and in interaction with physical processes.
• Working with clients and partners to solve existing and new challenges using state-of-the-art ML technology.

Examples of ongoing projects:

• AI Agents for Military Intelligence – Generative AI agents that support analysts in filtering large-scale data for actionable insights.
• GPT-NL – Contributing to data curation and training pipelines for the first large-scale, legitimate Dutch language model in the AI domain.
• Sustainable (Re)production – AI-based decision support for optimizing return flows in industry.

What we expect from you

You are an ambitious Machine Learning Engineer with a solid technical foundation and a passion for applying AI to real, societal challenges. You care about building reliable and safe digital solutions and feel at home in an environment with diverse areas of expertise.

In addition, you bring the following:

• A recently completed master's or PhD in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
• A proactive and independent working attitude.
• Experience with Python and a willingness to learn other languages/platforms such as Rust, TypeScript, Java, or Go. Knowledge of and preferably experience with frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow.
• An analytical mindset and curiosity about new AI techniques, combined with a critical and pragmatic perspective on their application.
• Excellent command of Dutch and English, as you will work with international teams and for Dutch clients.

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 € 3,385 and € 5,000 (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.

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.

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.