Internship | Student Intern - Microservices

The complexity of high-tech equipment is increasing because of a number of market and technology trends. One such trend is that customers want systems that are highly customized and tailored to their specific needs. The industry is addressing this by moving towards platform-based design, where new customized systems can be built by configuring a set of reusable (software) components. A challenge with this approach is that it results in many possible product configurations (variants), unique combinations of software components, to realize the functionality requested by the customer. It is currently very challenging to predict the performance of new such configurations in early stages of design, to determine whether end-to-end performance (timing) requirements will be satisfied. Currently, this is typically evaluated in late stages of development, after integration, when changes are expensive and time consuming.

TNO-ESI is working together with the high-tech equipment industry to research new methodologies for performance engineering for applications implemented as containerized microservices in a Kubernetes environment. This goal of this thesis project is to research a methodology to predict the performance of possible product configurations in early stages of design.

Tentative steps involved in this could be:

1. Investigate the state-of-the-art in performance prediction for microservice applications, in particular in the context of product families, classify existing solutions, and identify research gaps.
2. Propose a methodology for performance prediction of possible product configurations, e.g. using analytical models, discrete-event simulation, or using AI-based methods.
3. Calibrate/train the proposed model using telemetry data, such as traces and metrics, captured from the running system.
4. Verify the accuracy of the prediction for a number of relevant scenarios and adapt the model and prediction method to increase fidelity.
5. Write and defend a thesis and optionally publish results as an academic paper.

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.

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.