Internship in Hydrogen Fiber Optic Sensor Development

Internship in Hydrogen Fiber Optic Sensor Development

About this position

Are you passionate about experimental research and eager to contribute to the future of clean energy? Join us in developing cutting-edge fiber optic sensors for hydrogen detection, an essential technology for ensuring safety in next-generation hydrogen infrastructure. As part of TNO, you’ll work on a high-impact project that combines optics, data analysis, and engineering challenges. Hydrogen safety is a top priority, and advanced leakage detection systems are urgently needed to support large-scale deployment of hydrogen production and distribution infrastructure.

What will be your role?

This internship contributes to the development of advanced hydrogen detection technology system.
TNO is developing a scalable fiber optic sensor system capable of detecting very low hydrogen concentrations. The project focuses on improving the experimental setup, optimizing data processing for temperature cross-sensitivity, and characterizing sensor response and recovery times. You will be part of a team working on systematic measurement campaigns and helping define the next generation of sensor calibration methods.

What we expect from you

As an intern, you will:

• Contribute to the design and optimization of the hydrogen test setup at TNO.
• Conduct experimental campaigns to evaluate sensor performance.
• Analyze measurement data to assess detection limits, response times, and temperature effects.
• Support the documentation of results and contribute to internal reports and publications.

We are looking for:

• A MSc student in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Photonics, or a related field.
• Someone with a strong interest in sensor technology and experimental research.
• Experience with data analysis tools such as MATLAB or Python is a plus.
• A proactive and detail-oriented mindset, with the ability to work independently and in a team.

What you'll get in return

You want an internship opportunity on the precursor of your career; an internship gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your prospective future employer. TNO goes a step further. It’s not just looking that interests us; you and your knowledge are essential to our innovation. That’s why we attach a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Furthermore, we provide:

• A highly professional, innovative internship environment, within a team of top experts.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo-, hbo- and mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Possibility of eight hours of free leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.

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.

More information about this vacancy?

• Lorenzo Scherino

  • E-mailadres: lorenzo.scherino@tno.nl