Projectmanager Electromagnetics & Military Operations

About this position

The security of the Netherlands and its allies requires effective collaboration, reliable technology, and a strong organization of knowledge and innovation. Modern military operations are becoming increasingly complex and take place across the maritime, land, air, and space domains, where technology, information, and collaboration play a decisive role in success.

Within TNO Defence, Safety & Security (DSS), multidisciplinary teams work on knowledge and technologies that support the Armed Forces in preparing, executing, and evaluating military operations. This expertise comes together within the Electromagnetics & Military Operations (E&MO) division, where technical expertise, research, and operational challenges reinforce one another. Working at E&MO means operating at the heart of defence innovation. Within the division, you collaborate with project managers, researchers, engineers, and analysts on technologies and knowledge that are essential for modern military operations.

As a project manager within E&MO, you connect people, content, and planning. You ensure that research and innovation projects are effectively organized, managed, and delivered, thereby making a direct contribution to mission-critical defence innovation. Do you want to play a key role as a project manager in organizing and delivering complex research and innovation projects for Defence? And are you looking for an environment where you can grow and make a visible impact on society? Then we encourage you to apply.

What will be your role?

As a Project Manager within E&MO, you are responsible for organizing and managing research and innovation projects for Defence. You operate in an environment where technical depth, complexity, and attention to detail are essential.

Your responsibilities include:

• Setting up, planning, and coordinating research and innovation projects;
• Aligning goals, scope, and approach with internal teams and clients;
• Monitoring timelines, budgets, risks, and quality;
• Facilitating collaboration within multidisciplinary teams;
• Reporting on progress and results to stakeholders;
• Identifying bottlenecks and steering projects in a timely manner;
• Contributing to the further professionalization of project management within EMO.

What does UMBRA mean?

UMBRA is the entry point for technical and analytical talent within TNO’s Electromagnetics & Military Operations (E&MO) division, part of the Defence, Safety & Security unit. UMBRA—named after the Latin word for “shadow”—is a “shadow group” where both early-career talent and senior experts enter the E&MO division. Together, you will work on mission-critical Defence challenges with societal impact, with a strong focus on short-cycle innovation. In practice, this means aiming for results within months rather than years. Depending on your experience level and the capacity within the teams, you will also start working on projects in one of the division’s six research groups from the outset.

In addition, you will follow an onboarding program within UMBRA tailored to your experience level and development goals, helping you find the right long-term position. You are expected to transition to one of the division’s research groups after approximately three months. UMBRA is based in Rijswijk, where you will start your role; after some time, you will move on to the division located in The Hague.

What we expect from you

This position is open to medior and senior project managers who want to work in a technically driven environment with societal relevance.

You recognize yourself in the following profile:

• An HBO or MSc-level background, preferably in a technical, business, or project management field;
• Experience with or a strong interest in project management within a technical or research environment;
• The ability to maintain oversight in complex projects involving multiple stakeholders;
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively and connect people;
• You take initiative, identify opportunities, and proactively contribute ideas for improving projects and processes;
• You are flexible and able to adapt to changing circumstances, priorities, and project dynamics;
• Affinity with defence, security, and/or high-tech environments;
• A very good command of the Dutch language, both spoken and written.

In addition, you work in a structured and meticulous manner, feel comfortable in an environment characterized by uncertainty and complexity, and take responsibility for delivering agreed results.

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 € 7.700 (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.

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.

A certificate of Conduct (VOG) is required before starting a new job at TNO.

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.