The world is changing faster than ever. New geopolitical developments, digital threats, and technological innovations demand smart solutions for defence and security. At TNO, we work every day on technologies that contribute to the safety and security of the Netherlands and its allies. From advanced sensors and simulations to command & control systems and artificial intelligence, our innovations help Defence stay prepared for the challenges of today and tomorrow.
As a Java Software Engineer, you will work on software that truly makes a difference. You will develop robust applications that support researchers, analysts, and Defence personnel in tackling complex operational challenges. Combining technical depth with societal impact, you will not be building standard business software, but innovative solutions that directly contribute to the security of our society.
You will join TNO Defence, Safety & Security, within the Electromagnetics & Military Operations (E&MO) department. This multidisciplinary team brings together researchers, software engineers, systems engineers, and analysts who are dedicated to advancing defence and security technologies. Our expertise covers radar and sensing, Electronic Warfare, modelling and simulation, data analytics, and operational decision support.
Working closely with Defence organisations, academic institutions, and international partners, we develop innovative solutions that help address complex security challenges and contribute to a safer world.
At E&MO, you will be given the freedom and responsibility to take initiative, explore new concepts, and shape your own professional growth. You will collaborate with highly motivated colleagues who are passionate about turning technological innovation into practical capabilities that make a tangible difference in the field.
As a Java Software Engineer, you will develop reliable and scalable software for research and innovation projects within the Electromagnetics & Military Operations (E&MO) division. You will collaborate with software engineers, researchers, scientists, systems engineers, project managers, and analysts on applications used across a wide range of Defence programmes.
Depending on your experience and interests, your work may include:
- Designing and developing Java back-end applications and services;
- Building data-intensive applications for analysis, simulation, and decision support;
- Developing APIs and software components for complex systems;
- Integrating data sources, sensors, and simulation models;
- Improving software architectures and enhancing existing applications;
- Testing, validating, and optimizing software for research and operational environments;
- Developing prototypes that enable rapid exploration and validation of new technologies.
No two projects are the same. One day, you may be developing software for a next-generation sensor system; the next, you could be building an application that supports the analysis of military scenarios or developing a prototype that leverages artificial intelligence.
Working through UMBRA
You will start your journey within UMBRA, an innovative environment where new colleagues collaborate on the technological challenges of tomorrow. You will become part of a multidisciplinary team of software engineers, systems engineers, project managers, researchers, and analysts contributing to a wide variety of research and development projects.
From day one, you will work on real-world projects and have the opportunity to explore different technologies, research groups, and application domains within the E&MO division. This allows you to discover where your knowledge, experience, and ambitions can make the greatest impact. Depending on project needs and your expertise, you will collaborate with various research teams and disciplines. This variety enables you to gain experience across multiple technologies and domains while making a meaningful contribution to current Defence programmes and building a broad professional network within the division.
The strength of UMBRA lies in its unique combination of societal impact, technical challenge, and personal development. You will contribute to innovative solutions for today's Defence challenges while continuously expanding your expertise in new technologies and specialist fields.
Whether you are just starting your career or already bring extensive experience, UMBRA offers the level of responsibility and support that matches your background. Junior colleagues receive guidance from experienced professionals, while mid-level and senior engineers are given the opportunity to shape technical solutions, mentor colleagues, and play a key role in developing new areas of expertise.
You are a curious and driven Software Engineer who enjoys tackling complex technical challenges and developing solutions with real societal impact.
In addition, you bring:
- A university-level Master's degree (MSc) in a technical or scientific discipline, such as Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, or Physics, with a relevant specialization (e.g. Control & Simulation or Modelling);
- A broad technical interest and a proven affinity for the development of models and simulations. You combine curiosity and attention to detail with the ability to understand and address complex challenges from a systems perspective;
- Experience with Java (or alternatively C++ or C#). Experience with Python is considered a plus;
- Excellent command of both Dutch and English, written and spoken.
Experience in a high-tech, research, or Defence environment is an advantage, but certainly not a requirement. More importantly, we are looking for someone who is curious, enjoys collaborating with others, and is eager to continuously learn and develop.
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.
