The security of the Netherlands and its allies requires in-depth knowledge and reliable technology. Modern military operations take place across the maritime, land, air, and space domains, and are increasingly shaped by electronic systems, data, sensors, and complex technological interconnections.
Within TNO Defence, Safety & Security (DSS), engineers and researchers work on innovative technologies that support the armed forces in preparing, executing, and evaluating military operations. You will be part of the Electromagnetics & Military Operations (E&MO) division, where engineers, scientists, project managers, and analysts collaborate closely.
Working at E&MO means operating at the heart of defence innovation. Within the division, specialists and generalists combine their strengths to tackle challenges ranging from signal analysis and system design to building, testing, and integrating technology in realistic operational environments. Together, they develop technologies and knowledge that are essential for modern military operations.
For junior, medior, and senior talent alike, UMBRA is the entry point into the E&MO division—an environment where technical depth, societal impact, and personal development go hand in hand.
As an Electrical Engineer within E&MO, you will work on the development, analysis, application, and validation of technologies within the electromagnetic spectrum for Defence. You will be part of multidisciplinary research and innovation projects where technical depth and practical applicability come together. Depending on your expertise, you may also contribute to the development and application of antenna technology, for example within radar and sensor systems.
Depending on your background and interests, your work may focus on:
- RF technology, radar, antenna, and wireless communication systems;
- Antenna design, EM analysis, array technology, and propagation challenges;
- Digital Signal Processing (DSP), radar signal processing, and signal analysis;
- Software Defined Radios (SDRs) and signal processing close to the sensor;
- Embedded systems and FPGA applications;
- Electronic Warfare (EW / CEMA);
- Sensor integration, prototyping, and validation of compact (antenna) systems;
- System design, validation, and integration of solutions in operational environments.
You will work on technology that is directly applicable in practice: from analyzing signals and modeling electromagnetic behavior to designing antennas, developing algorithms, building prototypes, and testing systems in experimental and operational environments.
What does UMBRA mean?
UMBRA is the entry point for technical and analytical talent within TNO’s Electromagnetics & Military Operations (E&MO) division, part of the Defence, Safety & Security unit. UMBRA—named after the Latin word for “shadow”—is a “shadow group” where both early-career talent and senior experts enter the division together.
You will collectively work on mission-critical Defence challenges with societal impact, with a strong focus on short-cycle innovation. In practice, this means aiming for results within months rather than years. Depending on your level of experience and team capacity, you will also quickly start contributing to projects in one of the six research groups within the division.
In addition, you will follow an onboarding program within UMBRA tailored to your experience level and development goals, designed to help you find the right long-term position. You are expected to transition to one of the division’s research groups after 3–6 months. UMBRA is based in Rijswijk, where you will start your role; after some time, you will move on to the division located in The Hague.
For junior electrical engineers
You will start in UMBRA with an onboarding program that introduces you to the Defence context, E&MO domains, and TNO’s way of working. You will work on well-defined technical assignments and gradually build your expertise and technical depth.
For medior electrical engineers
UMBRA offers you the opportunity to establish yourself within E&MO, further deepen your expertise, and independently contribute to research and innovation projects.
For senior electrical engineers
As a senior, you will immediately contribute to complex projects. You will help shape technical architectures, methodologies, and solution approaches, and often take on a coaching or guiding role within teams. In addition, you will play a key role in translating low-TRL research outcomes into practical applications and contribute to technology roadmaps and collaborations within the defence domain.
You recognize yourself in (parts of) the following profile. We are specifically looking for candidates with expertise in one or more of these areas:
- You have a Master’s degree (MSc) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Embedded Systems, Telecommunications, Applied Physics, or a related field;
- You have knowledge of or affinity with one or more of the following domains: radar and sensor systems, antenna technology, or wireless communication systems;
- You have experience with or interest in electromagnetic (EM) analysis, antenna design, and/or RF systems;
- Preferably, you have experience with EM simulation tools (such as CST, HFSS, or similar) and knowledge of propagation, radiation patterns, or array configurations;
- You understand the functional elements of modern transmitter, receiver, and sensor systems, and can translate theoretical knowledge into practical hardware and software implementations;
- You have experience with or interest in Software Defined Radio (SDR) and/or developing custom applications;
- You have experience with or interest in programming (e.g., Python, C/C++, or MATLAB);
- Knowledge of embedded computing, FPGA technology, and RF electronics is a plus;
- You have an interest in system development, experimentation, and prototyping, for example in lab or field environments;
- You are interested in defence and security-related challenges;
- You are comfortable working in environments with high technical complexity and uncertainty;
- You have a good command of both Dutch and English, spoken and written.
In addition, you work in a structured and precise manner, are curious and eager to learn, and perform well in multidisciplinary teams. You take initiative, proactively identify opportunities for improvement or innovation, and take ownership of the quality and reliability of your work.
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 € 3.500 and € 7.700 (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.
- 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.
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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