Engineer | Software & Hardware Co-Design

Want to make your mark on our time? Become an Engineer Software & Hardware Co-Design at TNO in Groningen!

About this position

At TNO, we’re looking for a driven engineer who thrives at the intersection of hardware and software. You’ll work on intelligent, reconfigurable, and distributed technologies that power next-generation infrastructures, from adaptive control systems to scalable embedded platforms.

What will be your role?

Digital systems are becoming more complex, interconnected, and intelligent. At TNO, we design solutions that integrate hardware, software, and control in a seamless way, bridging the gap between theory and real-world performance. As an Engineer in our team, you’ll contribute to the co-design, prototyping, and integration of complex cyber-physical systems that need to be fast, reliable, and adaptable.

You’ll work closely with experienced researchers and developers on multidisciplinary projects across domains like AI-enhanced embedded systems, edge-cloud computing, and reconfigurable platforms. Your work will often involve contributions to European and national innovation programs, with direct collaboration with industry partners.

You will:

• Co-design and prototype hardware/software systems, including embedded and edge-based architectures.
• Contribute to distributed computing platforms and their deployment in real environments.
• Integrate sensors, networks, control software and cloud/edge infrastructure into working systems.

You’ll also take part in system-level modeling, simulation, and analysis of complex, multi-domain platforms, while contributing to documentation, reporting, and knowledge-sharing efforts.

What we expect from you

You enjoy connecting the dots between hardware and software. You’re curious, hands-on, and like building systems that work, even under real-world constraints. Whether it's integrating components, prototyping new architectures, or experimenting with reconfigurable platforms, you take pride in making technology smarter and more robust.

You also have:

• MSc or PhD (or near completion) in Computer Engineering, Embedded Systems, Systems & Control, or related fields.
• Strong grasp of hardware/software co-design principles.
• Familiarity with distributed systems and communication protocols.
• Experience in systems integration and engineering methodologies.
• Solid programming skills (e.g., Python, C/C++, Java, or Rust).
• A collaborative mindset and ability to work in interdisciplinary teams.

Bonus points if you also have experience in:

• Experience with real-time systems, FPGAs, or neuromorphic/quantum computing.
• Knowledge of cyber-physical systems, control theory, or digital twins.
• Affinity with AI/ML in embedded or adaptive systems.
• Familiarity with system modeling tools (Simulink, SysML, Modelica).
• Experience with open-source platforms or toolchains (e.g., ROS, Zephyr, Yocto).
• Participation in applied research, open innovation, or tech transfer projects.

What you'll get in return

Challenging and varied work with a real impact. At TNO, you are in charge of shaping your career. We offer a gross monthly salary between € 3,385 and € 5,000 (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, 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 plus a flexible holiday (prorated) that can be used on a cultural, religious, or otherwise important day of your choosing.
• 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

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life, and for a strong economy. We make knowledge and technology available for the common good. You work with people who will challenge and inspire you, with space and support for your talent and ambition. 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.