Internship | Modelling of Tactical Operations (MTO)

Internship | Modelling of Tactical Operations (MTO)

About this position

Throughout history, war has been perceived at three levels: strategic, operational, and tactical. The strategic level is concerned with the usage and development of national (military) instruments to pursue the interest of the Netherlands and its allies. At the operational level, campaigns and large-scale operations are designed to achieve the strategic goals. The who, what, when, where, and how of unit’s military action is decided at the tactical level. In the Modelling of Tactical Operations (MTO) department at TNO, our aim is to increase the effectiveness of the Dutch Armed Forces at the tactical level.

What will be your role?

Our research portfolio spans land and air operations, tactical data links, logistics, and the development of the Joint Research On Air Defence Systems (JROADS) software environment. Due to our broad orientation, there is a wide range of topics on which you could work. This vacancy is a general vacancy. We do not have predefined problem. We will instead try to tailor an assignment to your interests and expertise. To give you a general idea of what we are working on, some examples are given below.

1. Given time, labour, and precedence constraints, what is the optimal way to switch your fighter jet from configuration A to B or C and vice versa.
2. How do you minimise risk by spreading your fighter jets out over several bases and what equipment needs to be on hand at each base for repairs?
3. Given a campaign plan, how many trucks and containers are required to maintain a high level of supply security?
4. How do you design a tactical data link network such that all participants meet their requirements?
5. What data-driven model can be used to predict the probability of a system being available at time t, based on historical data?

What we expect from you

You are in the final stages of your degree in (applied) mathematics, computer science, econometrics, operational research, data science, or a similar technical field. You have experience programming in Matlab, Python, or Java. You are communicative, results-driven, able to work independently, and motivated to publish your work. Since this is a general vacancy, please include:

• A short motivational letter (max. 1 page) which includes your preferred start and end dates and the types of problems that interest you.
• A C.V. detailing your prior experience.
• An academic transcript.

What you'll get in return

You want an internship opportunity on the precursor of your career; an internship gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your prospective future employer. TNO goes a step further. It’s not just looking that interests us; you and your knowledge are essential to our innovation. That’s why we attach a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you 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. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. 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. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world.

The selection process

After the first CV selection, the application process will be conducted by the concerning department. TNO will provide a suitable internship agreement. 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.

Important to be aware of before applying:

• Before the start of the internship, the internship agreement from TNO needs to be signed. For students at a college or university based in the Netherlands, TNO uses the UNL-template (supplemented with a number of specific agreements from TNO). For students of foreign and MBO educational institutions, the TNO internship agreement applies. TNO does not sign any other internship agreements.
• Before the start of the internship, the educational institution will need to confirm in writing that:
  • 1) you are enrolled at the educational institution during the internship, and;
  • 2) the internship takes place as part of the programme of the study.
• The confirmation of educational institution takes place by signing the UNL template or forms prepared by TNO.
• Interns at TNO must be in possession of a Dutch residential address at the start of the internship. Performance of internship activities from abroad is not possible.

More information about this vacancy?

• Siemen Nooren

  • E-mailadres: siemen.nooren@tno.nl