Recruiter: Paul Verschoor
Hiring manager: Janine van der Hilst
Contributing to space technology innovations that benefit our planet. Envision it. Become a project manager space systems engineering at TNO in Delft.
Emerging space-related technologies may hold the key to solving many of the societal challenges we face today. Encrypting communications, for example. Exploring the universe. Monitoring greenhouse gases. As a project manager Space Systems Engineering at the Netherlands’ leading research organisation, you can bring about profound change on our planet (and beyond). At TNO, we’re always reaching for the stars, exploring further than what’s considered possible.
Based in Delft, you’ll be part of an organisation that isn’t out to make a profit but instead uses innovation to help mankind take its next giant leap forward, one innovative step at a time. And with this also stimulating the Dutch economy
See more of the TNO Unit High Tech Industry and the Space Systems EngineeringGroup on the TNO website.
As a project manager at TNO Delft, you’ll be responsible for ensuring that technology development projects are delivered on time and within budget, meeting the project goals with high quality. This can be space or ground based optical / opto mechatronic systems. You can expect a variety of projects that are on the edge of what’s technically possible today. Best of all, your work will rarely be repetitive. Our projects are always innovative, always technically complicated, always changing and always challenging, with plenty of room for creativity.
You’ll manage multidisciplinary project teams of scientists, developers and engineers as well as stakeholders in complex international coalitions.
Typical customers will include existing partners in the institutional market and, increasingly, commercial businesses who enter the market for ground-based astronomy, satellite communication and earth observation. Partners may include manufacturing companies (involved in the production of instruments), large mission primes (satellite integration) and universities that help TNO to do basic research.
You will work alongside the TNO Space Business Development Team, which is responsible for the commercial acquisition of projects. Proposal writing and travelling internationally are part of your job too. You will enjoy the benefits of hybrid working.
A proven track record managing complex projects and teams within the space domain or relevant area’s. You have a finely-tuned political antenna and the ability to communicate on a strategic level with challenging partners. Though never rigid, you have strong communication skills and are sharp, structured and pragmatic. You thrive when dealing with projects that have a lot of uncertainties due to the complex scientific problems we tackle at TNO and the unique nature of our work.
Other knowledge and skills you bring to TNO:
- A higher professional education (HBO/BSc.) or university (WO/MSc.) degree in a technical discipline.
- At least 5 years of project management experience in the space domain or other relevant areas.
- Experience in working with different type of stakeholders such as space agencies (ESA, NASA) and (international) organizations.
- Affinity with innovation and research.
- Ability and interest to develop new ways of working to ensure projects can be executed with short turnaround times.
- Excellent written- and oral communication skills.
- Working experience with Project Management methodologies (IPMA, PMP, Prince2) is a plus.
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 € 3762,00 and € 6076,00 (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.
- Extensive relocation package for international candidates.
- 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 30th of August 2026. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. The preliminary interview takes place in weeksd 37 and 38. The second interview round has been scheduled for weeks 39 and 40 [DAY] of [MONTH], [YEAR]. 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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