Since 24 February 2022, the world has been living in a new reality—one that has only become more unpredictable. Our society, policymakers, government, armed forces, knowledge institutions, and other civilian partners must respond swiftly to these changing circumstances. As a leading research and technology organisation, TNO plays a crucial role within the ecosystem of defence, industry, and knowledge institutes. With around a thousand highly educated professionals dedicated to innovation in Defence & Security, we actively contribute to the development of defence underwater systems while also applying our expertise to areas such as drone detection and noise management.
As a Business Developer Acoustics & Underwater Warfare (AUW) in The Hague, you will contribute to technological innovation in the underwater domain. Your work will span a wide range of applications, from systems for naval vessels and autonomous anti-submarine warfare solutions to the protection of critical infrastructure. In addition, you will help enable responsible military training and operations on land and at sea by applying expertise in noise management, both above and below the water surface.
Your scope of work covers the entire spectrum—from intelligent and autonomous data processing, continuous development of sonar systems and software, digital underwater communications, torpedo defence, the development of new sensors, and mine countermeasure technologies, to the operational deployment of maritime unmanned systems. In this role, you maintain an overview of this complex and rapidly evolving field while working closely with Defence, industrial partners, other research organisations, and, of course, colleagues from a wide range of disciplines. Together, you help ensure that Defence has access to the best possible technologies, capabilities, and methods.
Does this sound like the challenge you are looking for?
Independently as well as in collaboration with your TNO colleagues, you contribute to the development of innovative research and the application of research results to complex, multidisciplinary challenges, primarily within the defence domain. Your particular focus is on shaping national and international projects (the latter including initiatives such as NATO and the European Defence Fund (EDF)). You work closely with clients across all parts of the national and international defence landscape, as well as with industry partners. You take initiative, identify opportunities, and guide ideas through to concrete projects. In doing so, you build and maintain long-term relationships with stakeholders. By connecting Defence needs with TNO’s innovation capabilities and those of national and international industry partners, you make an essential contribution to the future readiness and operational effectiveness of the armed forces and their value chain partners.
You stay up to date with developments in your field by reading professional literature and participating in conferences, trade fairs, and symposiums. This enables you to act as a valued and trusted advisor to your stakeholders. You continuously explore the market and develop and initiate strategies that bring all involved parties together to achieve tangible results.
The Business Development team within TNO Defence, Safety & Security brings together professionals with diverse backgrounds and experience, united by a shared passion for Defence & Security. Together, we support Defence in the development of new concepts and technologies and help ensure their successful implementation in day-to-day military operations. What defines our team is professionalism, enthusiasm for our field, and a healthy sense of humour.
You combine your substantive expertise with an entrepreneurial, sociable, and enthusiastic attitude, and you can switch gears quickly. Building relationships comes naturally to you, and you enjoy connecting with people. You thrive in a coordinating role, acting as the hub that brings people and ideas together. In addition, you can easily adapt your communication style to different audiences, navigate both national and international (political) contexts, and enjoy being deployed flexibly across a variety of topics within this domain. You work in a structured and meticulous manner and provide organization throughout business development and acquisition processes. You are analytical, responsible, curious, and driven to understand and solve complex challenges.
What else do you bring to the table?
- A university (WO) or higher professional education (HBO) level of thinking and working.
- At least 5 years of relevant work experience, preferably within the R&D sector.
- Experience in, or affinity with, the defence and security domain or a related industry.
- An affinity for technological innovation.
- Excellent communication skills in both Dutch and English, verbally and in writing.
Are you excited by what you have read so far and ready to make your mark on the world of today? In your motivation letter, we would like to clearly see your affinity with the defence and security domain and your enthusiasm for this role.
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 € 4.800,- and € 6.000,- (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).
- An employer working towards a respectful, inclusive, and equitable work environment where every employee can flourish, with various initiatives such as Jong TNO, numerous expertise based guilds, Rainbow Community and Round Tables on diverse inclusion topics.
- We offer a comprehensive and flexible mobility plan that also includes full compensation for public transportation for commuting and business travel or a lease car.
- 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 or 36 hours) and the possibility of working from home.
- A good pension scheme.
Read more about tailoring your benefits package.
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. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. By working with businesses and government, and by connecting different perspectives, we strengthen our innovative capability and create responsible, meaningful results.
At TNO, we believe this is our time to help society, government and business move forward faster. Together with driven colleagues, you turn knowledge into concrete innovations or ventures that truly make a difference by combining the power of science and entrepreneurship. And in doing so, you make your mark on our time.
Please apply before the 26st of July, 2026. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. The preliminary interview takes place on the 4th of August, 2026. In a final meeting we will discuss the terms of employment and your tailored benefits package. We aim to finalize the entire process within four weeks.
The selection process may include an online assessment and a reference check.
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. Read more about security screening
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