Model-Based System Engineer

About this position

As a Model-Based System Engineer, you will work on research projects for the Defence, Safety & Security (DSS) unit. These projects increasingly address system-of-systems challenges, where traditional analyses (often document-based) are insufficient to capture the complexity. To address this, the department is building expertise in MBSE (Model-Based Systems Engineering) and Mission Engineering, applying these methods to create insight into missions, capabilities, and dependencies, and to identify capability gaps. The goal is to perform operational analyses to advise Defence on the development of their future capabilities, the organizational impact, and the required conditions and support. These analyses are conducted in multidisciplinary teams, alongside experts in operations as well as specialists in radar, communication, and autonomous systems. The MBSE methodology will not only be applied within MTO projects but will also be implemented more broadly across the DSS unit.

• The Hague
• On-site
• 32-40 hours/week

What will be your role?

• Developing and maintaining SysML models (for complex systems and systems of systems).
• Translating content from sessions with stakeholders and experts into digital mission architectures.
• Supporting capability gap analyses, impact assessments, and trade-off studies to inform decision-making.
• Defining and safeguarding architecture and interface descriptions between collaborating systems.
• Contributing to meaningful and validated integration of MBSE models with simulation tools used by other technical departments.
• Collaborating within project teams both inside and outside your department.
• Contributing to TNO-wide initiatives, such as the development of a shared MBSE methodology within the MBSE working group.
• Contributing to TNO-wide model governance, including modelling conventions, review processes, configuration management, and reusable model libraries.

What we expect from you

• A completed Master's degree (MSc) in a technical field (e.g. Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science).
• A background in Systems Engineering or a related discipline (guideline: approximately 3+ years) in a technical or systems-focused role.
• Demonstrable experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (guideline: 1–2+ years), for example through projects, PhD research, or thesis work.
• Experience working in project teams and facilitating workshops (e.g. architecture sessions).
• Experience working with SysML (v1 required; v2 is a plus).
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to abstract and structure complex problems.
• Excellent proficiency in both Dutch and English.

Preferred qualifications

• Affinity with Enterprise Architecture and/or Mission Engineering.
• Experience with modelling standards or frameworks for systems of systems and missions (e.g. Unified Architecture Framework or NATO Architecture Framework).
• Experience with CATIA Magic / Cameo, such as Magic Cyber Systems Engineer or Magic Systems-of-Systems Architect.
• Experience with automating analyses or reporting (e.g. through scripting).
• Experience working in research or defence-related environments.

If you do not meet all the requirements but recognize a strong overlap, we still warmly invite you to apply. We value not only experience, but also your motivation and how well you fit within the team.

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 € 3,497 and € 6,153 (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).
• We offer a comprehensive and flexible mobility plan that also includes full compensation for public transportation for commuting and business travel.
• Great social events with your team and other TNO colleagues.
• 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. That is why we invest in an inspiring and inclusive working environment where colleagues can excel, have autonomy and continue to grow.

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.