Internship | MSc. Internship or graduation project: Antenna embedded in composite

Modern military platforms (such as vehicles, ships, and drones) contain many antennas, for a variety of applications, like communication, navigation, and jamming. Integration of these antennas in the composite body of platforms, leads to increased robustness and compactness of the construction, as well as less feed throughs. This student project is about the integration of antennas in a composite panel, from start to finish, from an electromagnetics (EM) perspective. Research of the challenges that arise, prediction of limitations, 3D EM simulations, discussions with mechanical experts, design and manufacture of a demonstrator, and validation of its performance.

You will research all aspects of the integration of antennas in a composite panel. Research of the challenges that arise when designing antennas embedded in composite, practical design limitations, and expected performance. Your research will be based on both literature study and analytical models, and on 3D EM simulations. Discussion with mechanical and composite experts, regarding practical limitations in manufacturing, as well as in mechanical performance of the composite panel, are also part of the research. However, we do not expect a strong background in mechanics from you.

The theoretical framework will be used to design a prototype containing multiple antennas (or antenna arrays) for a realistic use case. This prototype will also have mechanical requirements, set by other experts. The prototype will be manufactured. The performance of the prototype, for example radiation efficiency, gain, radiation pattern, will be assessed in measurements, and conclusions will be drawn. Various mechanical properties will also be assessed, but are outside the scope of this research.

We are looking for a student who is enthusiastic and wants to contribute to a safe and secure society. We expect you to be independent, eager, creative and willing to learn new things. Effective communication skills, and good proficiency in the English and/or Dutch language are required.

As a (graduate) student pursuing a Master’s degree, preferably in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline, you should possess the following qualifications:

• Affinity with electromagnetics (EM), specifically antenna design;
• Experience with 3D EM modelling software, such as CST;
• Programming experience: Proficiency in either MATLAB or Python (or both) is essential;
• Affinity with mechanical implications of design choices;
• Experience with measurement of antenna properties, such as gain, radiation efficiency, and radiation patterns.

You want an internship opportunity on the precursor of your career; an internship gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your prospective future employer. TNO goes a step further. It’s not just looking that interests us; you and your knowledge are essential to our innovation. That’s why we attach a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Furthermore, we provide:

• A highly professional, innovative internship environment, within a team of top experts.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo-, hbo- and mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Possibility of eight hours of free leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet other TNO professionals and join several activities, such as sports activities, (work-related) courses or the yearly ski-trip.
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world. Read more about TNO as an employer.

At TNO we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society. Want to know more? Read what steps we are taking in the area of diversity and inclusion.

After the first CV selection, the application process will be conducted by the concerning department. TNO will provide a suitable internship agreement. If you have any questions about this vacancy, you can contact the contact person mentioned below.

For this internship vacancy it is required that the AIVD issues a security clearance (VGB) after conducting a security screening. Take into account that this process may take about 8 weeks. If you have been abroad for more than 6 consecutive months, or if you do not have the Dutch nationality, it may take longer. Read more about security screening on the AIVD website.

Important to be aware of before applying:

• Before the start of the internship, the internship agreement from TNO needs to be signed. For students at a college or university based in the Netherlands, TNO uses the UNL-template (supplemented with a number of specific agreements from TNO). For students of foreign and MBO educational institutions, the TNO internship agreement applies. TNO does not sign any other internship agreements.
• Before the start of the internship, the educational institution will need to confirm in writing that:
  • 1) you are enrolled at the educational institution during the internship, and;
  • 2) the internship takes place as part of the programme of the study.
• The confirmation of educational institution takes place by signing the UNL template or forms prepared by TNO.
• Interns at TNO must be in possession of a Dutch residential address at the start of the internship. Performance of internship activities from abroad is not possible.