Internship | Machine Learning for Heavy-Duty CO2 Emissions

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

About this position

In this internship, you will develop a second-by-second CO2 emission model for heavy-duty vehicles using XGBoost, building on previous work for light-duty vehicles. The main challenge is that HD vehicle mass can vary strongly with payload and is often unknown, so part of the project is to estimate the current vehicle weight from available signals and use that information in a robust predictive CO2 emission model. The final goal is to create an accurate, data-driven model that can capture real-world driving behaviour and improve CO2 emission estimation for heavy-duty transport.

What will be your role?

During the internship, the student will work on building and improving a CO2 emission model for heavy-duty vehicles using XGBoost. In practice, this means exploring real vehicle data, cleaning and preparing datasets, selecting relevant driving and vehicle features, and developing methods to estimate the vehicle’s current weight when it is not directly known. The student will train and compare models, analyse prediction performance, and help translate the results into a usable modelling approach for the wider project. Along the way, the student will learn how to work with vehicle emission data, apply machine learning in a technical research setting, and communicate findings clearly to both researchers and practitioners.

What we expect from you

A good fit for this internship is a student in (Applied) Mathematics, Data Science, Econometrics, Mechanical Engineering, or a similar (quantitative) programme, with a solid interest in data analysis and modelling. Some experience with Python, modelling, machine learning, or working with data in tools such as pandas, scikit-learn, or XGBoost is helpful, but not required if the student is motivated to learn. An affinity with sustainability, transport, vehicle technology, and emission modelling is an advantage, as is a careful and structured way of working, since the assignment involves exploring data, testing assumptions, and comparing model performance. We are looking for a student who is curious, analytical, communicates clearly, has a strong quantitative background, and works well in a team, because the internship includes regular discussion of results, ideas, and next steps with colleagues. The internship is intended for about 6 to 9 months, with room to agree on the exact duration together. During the internship, there is plenty of space to learn new technical skills, gain experience with real-world data, and further develop research, communication, and teamwork skills in a practical research environment.

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. 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.