Internship | Optimization Tool for Future Munition Magazine Complexes

About this internship

This internship gives you the chance to work on a nationally relevant challenge: How can the Netherlands store more munition safely, efficiently, and with minimal land use? Because of high population density and strict safety regulations, designing and siting munition storage facilities requires intelligent and efficient land-use strategies. By combining geospatial analysis tools (such as QGIS) with optimization algorithms, there is great potential to strategically configure munition storage site plans that maximize storage capacity while minimizing land use. This internship focuses on developing such an optimization approach, supporting strategic decisions for both existing and future Defense locations. The project is conducted in close collaboration with TNO and the Dutch Ministry of Defense.

What will be your role?

Your internship topic will be tailored to your skills and interests, but should align with a geomatics-driven optimization approach for munition storage site design. Potential directions include:

• Algorithm development for land-use optimization.
• Spatial analysis and modeling in QGIS.
• Safety-zone minimization through layout optimization.
• Multi-objective trade-off studies (e.g., capacity vs. footprint).

You will perform your research at TNO Ypenburg, The Hague, within the research group Personal Protection and Explosives Safety. This department conducts cutting-edge research on explosions, ballistics, blast-resistant infrastructure, and protective design. Their work supports critical civilian and military infrastructure, buildings, tunnels, ports, industrial sites, and more, against explosion-related risks. You will work closely with experts who advise national and international clients on explosion effects, risk assessment, and protective measures.

What we expect from you

You are a motivated HBO/WO student in a field such as:

• Geomatics / GIS.
• Data Science / Applied Mathematics.
• Civil Engineering.
• Or a related technical domain.

We expect that you:

• Have an interest in GIS, spatial modelling, or optimization.
• Are comfortable working with data (experience with Python is a plus).
• Are curious, analytical, and able to work independently.
• Enjoy solving complex design problems with real world constraints.
• Are available for 3-6 months.

What you'll get in return

TNO attaches a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope 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).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet other TNO professionals and join several activities, such as sports activities, (work-related) courses or the yearly ski-trip.
• 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. 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.

Security clearance requirement

For this internship vacancy it is required that the AIVD issues a security clearance (VGB) after conducting a security screening. Take into account that this process may take about 8 weeks. If you have been abroad for more than 6 consecutive months, or if you do not have the Dutch nationality, it may take longer.

Contact

koen.winters@tno.nl