Scientist Systeemlogistiek

About this position

Do you want to make an impact on the availability, affordability, and deployability of complex (weapon) systems within defence? We are looking for a medior/senior Systems Logistics Researcher with strong substantive expertise in weapon system management, sustainment, and life cycle management.

In this role, you will work on defence-related challenges where innovation, technology, modelling, logistics, organisational aspects, and decision-making come together. As a Systems Logistics Scientist, you are the subject-matter expert for systems logistics within the Modeling of Tactical Operations (MTO) department.

Systems logistics in a defence context encompasses all logistical activities throughout the entire life cycle of weapon systems, platforms, and IT systems. To achieve the desired operational availability at acceptable cost and risk levels, the full scope is considered—from design and deployment to sustainment, modification, and phase-out.

Addressing today’s defence challenges requires knowledge of innovative techniques. These include predictive and condition-based maintenance using sensors, health monitoring, and data analytics; modelling of systems and system behaviour; assessing the impact of emerging technologies such as additive manufacturing on the deployment and maintenance of complex (weapon) systems; and applying optimisation and AI in (inventory) planning and forecasting.

This expertise leads to valuable insights that improve operational and logistical performance.

What will be your role?

You will work in project teams on strategic and applied research aimed at designing, analyzing, and improving the logistical support of complex (weapon) systems for the various branches of the armed forces.

Your responsibilities include:

• Conducting analyses and studies on sustainment and maintenance concepts;
• Investigating life cycle costs, performance, and risks;
• Supporting policy development and decision-making in defence logistics through both quantitative and qualitative analyses;
• Translating complex systems logistics challenges into clear insights and recommendations;
• Collaborating with operational users, materiel organizations, policymakers, and industry partners.

In addition, you will play a key role in building the new Logistics Team within MTO, focusing on four pillars: systems logistics, supply chain logistics, medical logistics, and Integrated Logistics Support (ILS). For systems logistics, you will serve as the team’s subject-matter anchor and actively maintain and expand the network with Defence.

What we expect from you

You are a strong analytical researcher with an affinity for complex technical and logistical systems, and you feel comfortable working at the intersection of innovation, engineering, logistics, and decision-making.

You bring:

• A Master’s or PhD in logistics, systems engineering, industrial engineering and management, applied mathematics, operations research, or econometrics;
• Experience with systems logistics, sustainment, maintenance, or life cycle management (LCM);
• The ability to translate complex analyses into practical and policy-relevant advice;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills;
• A proactive and collaborative mindset;
• Experience in project management and developing research lines.

What we offer

• Research with strategic and societal impact;
• The opportunity to work on urgent challenges related to defence equipment and logistics;
• Room for in-depth expertise development and professional growth;
• Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and external partners.

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 € 4.621 and € 7.900 (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.

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.