Internship | Frequency Selective Surfaces (FSS) for high power radar applications

Frequency selectivity is crucial for radar system. Spurious frequencies of the higher order harmonics generated in the chain of a front-end radar system can interfere or even damage other systems located in the vicinity. Frequency filtering operations are usually implemented along the RF chain of a transmitter (TX) by electronic filters (lumped, distributed elements filters, etc.). Such type of electronic components cannot be enough to reach the suppression level needed when very high power level are generated in a TX chain. Frequency Selective Surfaces (FSS) are flat panels composed by engineered materials which allow to realize frequency filtering at radiation level manipulating the electromagnetic waves radiated by an antenna.

The main goal of this project is to study a FSS solution to be integrated in a radar system, with high rejection level of high order harmonics without minimal affects the radiation performance of the system in terms of gain and scanning range, able to handle very high radiated power level.

The Department of Radar Technology is a passionate and creative group of professionals (60 people) dedicated to the specification, development and evaluation of innovative, high-performance MMICs, miniaturised and integrated RF subsystems, antennas and front-ends. The department is at the heart of novel, game-changing radar system and signal processing concepts for the military, space and civil domains.

You are in the final stages of your degree in electrical engineering or a similar degree and have solid track record in the field of applied electromagnetism and antennas. You have experience in programming in Matlab or/and Pyhton, you are pragmatic and focused on making things work. Next to technical expertise we value communication skills and a results-driven attitude.

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:
  • you are enrolled at the educational institution during the internship, and;
  • 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.