Scientist Ammunition Safety

About this position

The safety of ammunition is critical for military personnel during education and training as well as during international operations. At TNO, you will work on challenges that directly contribute to the safe storage, transportation, and operation of ammunition under a wide range of conditions.

As a Scientist Ammunition Safety, you conduct applied research into the behaviour of energetic materials and ammunition. You translate research findings into practical technological advice for clients such as the Dutch Ministry of Defence and international partners.

What will be your role?

You will work on research projects related to the performance and safety of ammunition and energetic materials. Typical questions include: Why did this ammunition item function unexpectedly? How do energetic materials degrade when exposed to high temperatures? And how can new technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, contribute to the safe use of ammunition?

You investigate how ammunition safety is assured and how ammunition behaves under different conditions, such as elevated temperatures or mechanical loading. Based on your analyses, you contribute to challenges related to the storage, transportation, and use of ammunition, translating research results into practical recommendations for end users and stakeholders.

In your work, you will use advanced testing facilities and analytical techniques, including chemical and thermal analysis. You will also develop and apply innovative technologies and participate in national and international research programmes. In these programmes, you collaborate with experts from the field to generate new insights and practical applications.

About the team

You will join the Ammunition Safety team within the Munition Technology department. This team consists of approximately 20 specialists who focus on the investigation, analysis, and testing of explosive substances and ammunition.

Within the Munition Technology department, professionals with diverse backgrounds—including chemistry, mechanical engineering, and physics—work on national and international projects for clients such as the Ministry of Defence, foreign governments, and industry partners. The department has advanced facilities for chemical and thermal analysis, mechanical testing, and the testing of energetic materials.

What we expect from you

You are curious, analytical, and driven to understand complex technical challenges. You work independently while actively collaborating with colleagues and stakeholders. You have a solution-oriented mindset and are able to translate research results into practical applications.

In addition, you have an affinity for research within the defence and security domain and are motivated to further develop your expertise in energetic materials and ammunition safety. You work carefully, have a strong awareness of safety, and take responsibility for the quality of your work.

You also bring:

• A completed MSc degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or a related field. Candidates with a BSc degree are also encouraged to apply, provided you have at least four years of relevant work experience.
• Affinity with energetic materials or the safety of technical systems;
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to understand complex technical challenges;
• Excellent communication skills in both Dutch and English;
• An interest in applied research and translating knowledge into practical solutions.

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 € 3,520 and € 5,900 (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.

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.