Research Fellow Synthesis Based Engineering at TNO-ESI

Having real impact on complex systems in the Dutch high-tech industry. Can you picture it? Contribute to the world of tomorrow as a Research Fellow at the Eindhoven-based TNO-ESI.

You will have the unique opportunity of raising the systems engineering competencies in the high tech industry to higher levels, building on the knowledge and insights generated by the research projects performed by your colleagues at our industry partners (ASML, Canon, ITEC, Philips, Thales and Vanderlande). 

You will participate in a strategic research team, working in one of the TNO-ESI research projects, where you explore new capabilities for software-intensive high-tech systems and applications. These research teams spend part of their time working on the customer premises. Your work will be in the research cluster Embedded Systems Innovation on the topic of system engineering dealing with formal methods, verification, simulation and software synthesis. With synthesis we specify what the system should do and automatically generate an optimal solution that exhibits the required behavior (the how). One of the objectives of TNO- ESI is to embed cutting edge methodologies to resolve industry needs in the High Tech Industry.

There is growing interest in the industrial application of software synthesis and we investigate that together with industry partners. As example one of our projects researches how requirement models based on an extension of UML activity diagrams with formal semantics can be used to synthesize supervisory controllers. The synthesized models are used for the generation of system artifacts, formal verification on specific system aspects (like the absence of deadlocks) and validation by behavior simulation. Formal semantics are essential to reason about the solution space and support the underlying model-to-model transformations. Another important aspect in working with formal methods is how to map these on a Domain Specific Language that fits better with the interests and capabilities of the intended users.

Your work consists of researching the problem, developing proof of concepts to demonstrate the problem, develop different scenarios for solutions; demonstrate the business value, constraints and benefits of these solutions and help bring them into industrial use. More about ESI? Watch this video introducing ESI

You are a goal-oriented and self-driven professional energized by delivering high quality results and willing to learn from new experiences and your colleagues. You are passionate about helping improve the industrial systems engineering way of working by raising the relevant competences of individuals and teams. You are familiar with systems architecting / systems engineering methods processes & required competences. You have an affinity with the high-tech world and are fascinated by the role of human aspects in innovation and technology development. At the same time you are resilient in the face of organizational and operational difficulties that are part and parcel of the dynamics of the high tech industry. You can adapt and respond fast.

What else can you offer?

• You have an academic degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering or equivalent;
• You have a relevant professional background;
• You have an affinity and interest in systems engineering of complex high tech systems, model driven design and complex software development;
• You have experience with formal methods, domain specific languages and MBSE;
• You can give energy to a group;
• You look at things from a systems perspective (business, customer, technology);
• You can lead and facilitate conversations of diverse groups towards a common research goal.

Besides offering a full time position (32-40 hours per week), TNO understands that every employee has different needs. TNO offers flexible terms of employment “a-la-carte”, in which you can exchange various terms of employment against each other on a monthly basis. With flexible working hours (e.g. 4x9 hours) and different leave arrangements you can create a package that serves your needs. TNO believes in the importance of both your personal and professional development. There are many possibilities to shape your own development: Conferences, educations, workshops, intervision and mentoring. At TNO you are in the lead of your own career.

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 € 4.291,- and € 6.614,- (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:

• A good pension scheme;
• A modern mobility policy including 100% public transport reimbursement for commuting and business travel using a Mobility Card;
• An extremely professional, innovative working environment where colleagues are leading experts in their field;
• 28 days annual leave and 5 compensation days under the reduction in working hours scheme (ATV, arbeidstijdverkorting) on a full-time basis;
• 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 and the possibility of working from home;
• The opportunity to attend courses, workshops and conferences, and to receive training and coaching based on your needs;
• Networking opportunities and great activities organized by Jong TNO;
• Extensive relocation package for international candidates.

Read more about tailoring your benefits package.

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 

ESI is an open and diverse innovation research centre hosted by TNO with strong partnerships with industry-leading high-tech companies. ESI addresses the ever-increasing complexity the high-tech industry is facing in the systems they create through the development of new methods and techniques for system design and engineering. Its extensive research program aims to advance high-tech industry in improving lead-time and effectiveness of their product innovation process, as well as the functionality, quality and societal impact of their products. The ESI project teams are motivated to accomplish a difference for their eco-system within an informal working ambience. In addition, ESI provides specific programs for innovation support and competence development of system architects and senior engineers.

Please apply before the 31st of July, 2024. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. 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.