Since the 24th of February 2022, the world has been living in a new reality, one that has only become increasingly unpredictable. Our society, politicians, government, armed forces, knowledge institutions, and other civilian partners must adapt and respond faster than ever before. As a leading research and technology organization within this ecosystem, TNO plays a crucial role through its highly educated professionals working on innovations for Defence & Security. We actively contribute to strengthening autonomy and sovereignty at both the national and European levels at an accelerated pace.
As a Business Developer Autonomous Systems & Decision Support (AS&DS) based in The Hague or Soesterberg, you will contribute directly to this ambition. Autonomous (military) systems are becoming increasingly important, while the demand for smart support solutions for military personnel continues to grow. This includes decision-support capabilities driven by data and advanced analytics. We are seeing that capabilities such as collaborative combat and information-driven operations are becoming decisive factors in modern conflicts.
In this role, you maintain a broad overview of this rapidly evolving landscape and are in continuous contact with the Ministry of Defence, industrial partners, other research organizations, and, of course, colleagues from a wide range of disciplines. By building and managing these connections, you help ensure that Defence has access to the best technologies, capabilities, and methodologies available.
Working independently and together with your TNO colleagues, you contribute to the development of innovative research and the application of research outcomes to complex, multidisciplinary challenges within the defence domain. Your primary focus is on shaping national and international projects, including initiatives within frameworks such as NATO and the European Defence Fund (EDF), in the defence and security sector.
You collaborate closely with clients across all parts of the national and international defence and security landscape, as well as with industry partners. Acting as an orchestrator, you take the initiative, identify opportunities, and guide ideas through to the realization of concrete projects. In doing so, you build and maintain long-term relationships with stakeholders. You connect Defence needs with TNO’s innovation capabilities and the strengths of the national and international industrial base, making an essential contribution to the future readiness and operational effectiveness of the armed forces and their strategic partners.
You stay up to date with the latest developments in your field by reading professional literature and participating in conferences, trade fairs, and symposia. This enables you to act as a trusted and valuable advisor to your stakeholders. You continuously explore the market and initiate strategies that bring all relevant parties together to achieve tangible results.
The team of Business Developers within TNO Defence, Safety & Security is diverse in terms of background and experience, but united by a strong passion for Defence & Security. Together, we support Defence in developing new concepts and technologies and help ensure their successful adoption within the day-to-day operations of the armed forces. Professionalism, enthusiasm for our work, and a good sense of humour are key characteristics of our team.
Due to the rapidly growing demand for innovative solutions to defence and security challenges, we are looking for several talented professionals to strengthen this market team.
You combine a strong substantive background with an entrepreneurial, sociable, and enthusiastic mindset, and you are able to adapt quickly to changing circumstances. Building relationships comes naturally to you, and you enjoy connecting people and ideas. You thrive in a central coordinating role and gain energy from being the hub that brings everything together.
In addition, you can effortlessly switch between different communication styles and navigate both national and international (political) contexts. You enjoy working across a variety of topics within this domain and are flexible in taking on different assignments. You work accurately and bring structure to business development and acquisition processes. You are analytical, responsible, curious, and motivated to understand and solve complex challenges.
What else do you bring?
- Academic or higher professional education level (Master's or Bachelor's degree, or equivalent).
- At least 5 years of relevant work experience.
- Experience in, or affinity with, the defence and security domain or related industries.
- Affinity with innovation and technology.
- Excellent communication skills in both Dutch and English, verbal and written (minimum C1 level).
Are you excited about what you have read so far and ready to make a meaningful impact in these dynamic times? In your motivation letter, we would like to clearly see your affinity with the defence and security domain, as well as 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 € 6.500,- (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 20th of September, 2026. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. The preliminary interview takes place on the 29th of September, 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.
