Medior Scientist Underwater Operations

Join TNO as a Medior Scientist Underwater Operations

Want to make your mark on our time? Become a Medior Scientist Underwater Operations at TNO in The Hague!

About this position

Develop software to predict the performance of the latest sonar systems? Plan and evaluate operations with underwater drones? Join TNO as a scientist in underwater operations!

What will be your role?

Since the invasion in Ukraine, the world is seeing a new geopolitical reality and is becoming more and more unpredictable. Our society, politics, armed forces, and knowledge institutes need to act quickly. As a knowledge institute, TNO plays a crucial role with approximately 1000 highly educated people working on innovations for Defence, Safety, and Security. We contribute actively to a safer world, both at a national and European level.

The division Acoustics and Underwater Warfare unites all of TNO’s acoustic expertise and works mainly for the Royal Netherlands Navy. The Underwater Operations and Seabed Security department focuses on research and development on autonomous underwater systems, mostly for military applications. Examples are detecting and countering naval mines, planning and evaluating missions with networked autonomous underwater and surface drones, standoff anti-submarine warfare operations, underwater communication, and the protection of critical infrastructure on the seabed. We develop state-of-the-art acoustic sensor systems, including sophisticated data processing algorithms for visualization and information extraction to create situational awareness. We add a high level of system autonomy to enable deployment of our technology on unmanned underwater systems. Additionally, we model to predict the expected performance against threats under various operational conditions.

What will be your role?

As a scientist, you will typically be active in multiple applied research and development (R&D) projects to develop solutions for our customers. You cooperate with other highly motivated scientists of your team. You will participate in multiple projects, each having their own team, and no two projects are the same, so expect lots of opportunities to develop yourself further.

Your activities will include (a subset of) the following, depending on your background and preferences:

• Understanding the use of systems in the underwater domain;
• Development of tooling for trade-off analyses;
• Conducting trade-off analyses in support of materiel selection for procurement and operational use;
• Research into optimizing planning, simulation, and evaluation of missions with autonomous underwater drones and increasing the level of vehicle autonomy;
• Developing or improving (sonar) processing algorithms for detection of enemy targets;
• Modelling and simulation of acoustics and performance prediction of sensor systems;
• Implementing your work at low- to mid-TRL levels, typically in MatLab or Python;
• Designing, setting up, and carrying out experimental measurements at sea;
• Reporting and presenting results.

If you like working in teams and are looking for a job that is meaningful to society, this job offers you lots of variation and will challenge you as a scientist.

What we expect from you

Besides being passionate about the work we carry out, you recognize yourself in the following profile:

• You have a MSc or PhD in a technical field, such as (applied) physics, astronomy, (electrical) engineering, computer science, mathematics, operations research, or geophysics;
• You have at least 3 to 5 years of experience with research in projects;
• You have experience with developing software in MatLab, Python, and/or C++;
• You are proactive and assertive. You feel responsible for the end result and make sure things get done;
• You are a creative problem solver, result-oriented, analytic, and have a clear and convincing communication style;
• You have a clear affinity with applied R&D. Experience with signal processing and algorithm development is an advantage;
• You are able to work in an international and military context, such as in European or NATO projects;
• You are open to broaden your view, eager to learn, and willing to help others to do the same.

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 € 4,400 and € 7,000 (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 on a full-time basis.
• An employer that values and encourages diverse talent, with initiatives like the Female Leadership Program, our Rainbow Community, and round tables on inclusion topics.
• We offer a comprehensive and flexible mobility plan that also includes full compensation for public transportation for commuting and business travel.
• Great social events with your team and other TNO colleagues. That’s how you will get to know a lot of people really quickly.
• Flexible working hours, the possibility to work part-time (32 or 36 hours), and the possibility of working from home.
• Extensive relocation package for international candidates.
• A good pension scheme.

TNO as an employer

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer, and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world.

At TNO, we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society.

We are TNO: This is our time

This is the time for us to find innovative solutions that will make an impact. The time to lead the world in safety and security, make our lives healthier, and take sustainability to the next level.