Consultant Sustainable Heating and Cooling Systems

Want to make your mark on our time? Join TNO as a Consultant at the Heat Pump Application Center in Delft!

About this position

As an expert in heat pumps and other sustainable installations, you are the go-to contact both internally and externally for our research projects. You have in-depth knowledge of residential installations and understand the fundamental technical principles behind them. You can effortlessly translate this knowledge into practical solutions and clear advice within our projects. You will work on a variety of projects with one clear common goal: contributing to a successful energy transition in the built environment!

What will be your role?

As a Consultant at the Heat Pump Application Center, you are the internal and external point of contact for the Sustainable Indoor Climate Systems team. You liaise daily with researchers inside and outside the team and work closely with business development. You translate the questions of others into research questions and projects and contribute to developing solutions and concepts that help make the built environment more sustainable.

Your focus is on making existing homes gas-free and more efficient through heat pump installations. You will work on topics such as mapping the real-world performance of (hybrid) heat pumps; integrating heat pumps into smart grids to reduce network congestion; heat storage; and mapping noise emissions under realistic conditions. Increasingly, it is important to view climate control as a complete system. Only when source, delivery, and control are aligned can the best performance be achieved without comfort complaints. In addition, programs are underway to scale up the installation (capacity) of heat pumps in existing buildings, in close collaboration with major Dutch installation companies.

We are looking for a consultant who easily engages with external stakeholders such as manufacturers, installers, and policymakers. Someone who enjoys bringing internal experts together and playing a shaping role in the project process. You must be able to independently and substantively oversee the coherence between projects. It is essential that you understand the subject matter well and can connect it to the needs of stakeholders in the sector.

In addition to your advisory role, you will actively participate in projects, including hands-on work in our laboratory environment. This practical involvement is crucial for gaining a solid understanding of experimental processes and ensuring the quality and safety of lab activities. Your lab experience also strengthens your ability to prepare accurate project proposals and manage risks effectively. Finally, you will play an important role in developing intelligent control systems for heat pumps. These innovations aim to simplify installations, improve energy efficiency, and increase grid compatibility, supporting the transition to sustainable heating solutions.

What we expect from you

You will work in the Buildings & Energy Systems department and actively contribute to the energy transition in the built environment. Together with approximately 34 colleagues, you will work on a variety of projects with one shared goal: making an impact and accelerating the transition. The department offers diverse work across multiple projects for various clients. Project scopes can range from experimental research on new technologies (or their applications), simulation and feasibility studies, conducting and analyzing measurement campaigns, to building prototypes and even final products in collaboration with industrial partners.

Our projects are carried out for manufacturers, government bodies, installation companies, industry organizations, the Top Sector Energy, and the European Commission. In addition to our own broad knowledge base, knowledge of innovation processes, and laboratory facilities, we also leverage expertise from colleagues in other TNO departments.

As a result, your work will be very diverse and every day different. You will do all this within a close-knit team in an open and informal culture, taking your interests and strengths into account. You will perform a significant amount of work in our HVAC laboratory. The lab features large climate chambers, water conditioning setups, extensive instrumentation, and sensors. The team you will join increasingly focuses on solutions relevant to the energy transition.

Additional expectations:

• You have a completed university master’s degree in mechanical engineering, building physics, technical physics, or a related field, with a solid understanding of thermodynamics.
• You have an affinity and interest in sustainable buildings and reliable energy supply in the built environment (at the level of homes, neighborhoods, or nationally).
• You feel comfortable engaging stakeholders in the heat pump sector and can question them substantively.
• You are capable of explaining research and research results at all levels: from policymakers to engineers.
• You are a problem solver, curious, and take initiative.
• The team you will join has an international character, so you are proficient in both English and Dutch, spoken and written (at least B1 level).
• You are able to understand and use physical models and analyze data using tools such as Matlab/Simulink and/or Python.
• Extensive experience and knowledge of heat pumps, installation technology, and/or measurement techniques.
• Experience in preparing project plans and budgets, translating conversations into concrete project proposals, and writing clear, concise, and audience-focused texts.
• You are capable of independently monitoring budgets in smaller project trajectories as a consultant.

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 € 4,600 and € 6,800 (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 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. That’s how you will get to know a lot of people really quickly.
• Flexible working hours, the possibility to work parttime (32 of 36 hours) and the possibility of working from home.
• Extensive relocation package for international candidates.
• 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. 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.