Technological innovation plays a crucial role in the security of the Netherlands and its allies. At TNO, we work closely with the Ministry of Defence to develop solutions that contribute to information superiority, operational effectiveness, and a future-ready armed forces. From radar technology and electronic warfare to sensors, simulations, and command-and-control systems, every innovation depends on a team capable of successfully delivering complex projects.
As a Project Manager, you will help turn these innovations into reality. You will bring together people, expertise, and planning, create clarity in complex projects, and ensure that multidisciplinary teams work effectively towards solutions that directly enhance the security of the Netherlands and its allies.
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 Project Manager, you will work on research and innovation projects within the Electromagnetics & Military Operations (E&MO) division. Acting as the link between researchers, engineers, clients, and other stakeholders, you will ensure that projects are delivered in a structured, controlled, and goal-oriented manner.
Depending on your experience and expertise, your responsibilities may include:
- Initiating, planning, and coordinating research and innovation projects;
- Aligning objectives, timelines, and project scope with clients and project teams;
- Monitoring progress, budgets, risks, and quality;
- Connecting multidisciplinary teams and areas of expertise;
- Reporting on project progress and results to internal and external stakeholders;
- Identifying opportunities and risks and adjusting projects when needed;
- Further professionalizing project management practices within E&MO.
No two projects are the same. One day, you may be leading a multidisciplinary research project focused on next-generation sensor technologies; the next, you could be managing an innovation project in radar, Electronic Warfare, or operational support for the Ministry of Defence.
Working through UMBRA
You will start 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 range of research and development projects.
From your first day, you will work on real-world projects and gain exposure to different technologies, research groups, and application domains within the E&MO division. This allows you to discover where your knowledge, experience, and ambitions can create the greatest impact. Depending on project needs and your expertise, you will collaborate with various research teams and disciplines. This variety offers the opportunity to gain experience across multiple technologies and application areas while making a valuable contribution to current Defence projects and building a broad professional network within the division.
The strength of UMBRA lies in its 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 domains.
Within UMBRA, you will receive responsibilities and support that match your level of experience. If you are still in the early stages of your career, you will develop further under the guidance of an experienced professional. More senior project managers will have the opportunity to shape technical solutions, coach colleagues, and play a key role in developing new areas of expertise.
For this position, we are specifically looking for candidates who have already gained initial professional experience and have previous exposure to project management.
You are a project manager who thrives on complex challenges and enjoys bringing together people, technology, and interests. You have a talent for maintaining oversight, creating structure, and enabling multidisciplinary teams to work effectively towards shared goals.
In addition, you bring:
- A bachelor's or master's degree (HBO or WO), preferably in a technical field;
- Experience in project management within a technical, research, or innovation-driven environment;
- The ability to organize and coordinate complex projects involving multiple stakeholders;
- Strong communication skills and the ability to connect people across disciplines and areas of expertise;
- An affinity with Defence, security, and technological innovation;
- Excellent command of both Dutch and English.
Experience within a research or Defence environment is an advantage, but certainly not a requirement. More important to us is that you take initiative, enjoy collaboration, and are motivated by delivering innovative projects that create meaningful societal impact.
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 € 4,400 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.
Applications can be submitted until the 24th of August 2026 and can only be submitted via the application button on this page. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. In a final meeting, we will discuss the employment terms, which you can tailor to your own preferences. We aim to complete 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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