Senior Project Manager Applied Research at ESI | Eindhoven

TNO-ESI is an open and diverse innovation research centre hosted by TNO with strong partnerships with industry-leading high-tech companies. TNO-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 programme 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, TNO-ESI provides specific programmes for innovation support and competence development of system architects and senior engineers.

You will have a unique opportunity to have impact on how the high-tech equipment industry overcomes the complexity issues in their products and systems through managing projects at TNO-ESI. In such projects, TNO-ESI creates impactful and industrially applicable architecting and design methodologies. You will manage several projects in parallel, conducted by ESI researchers in tight collaboration with industry partners and executed to a large extent at industry location.

As a project manager at TNO-ESI you perform your work in close interaction with your colleague project managers and the TNO-ESI management team. You have a wide responsibility for your projects. which includes key account management, project definition & execution, leadership of the technical teams, and communication to stakeholders. You will have a portfolio of multi-year projects with leading high-tech industries in The Netherlands and across Europe. Many of our projects are public private funded and you will ensure that project results are of the highest quality and fulfil the needs of all stakeholders, both public and private.

You will develop and foster long term relationships with our project partners working closely with their strategic management. Here you will define new projects to solve real innovation challenges or to bring new Systems Engineering related technologies into industrial practice. Your role includes the preparation of innovative project proposals and plans for submission to funding authorities and our project partners. Once projects are up and running you manage them and balance the changing needs as the projects progress. You give leadership to the team and communicate progress and results to all stakeholders. In addition to executing the projects successfully you are aware of any human related issues within the team and can provide coaching to stimulate personal growth and to maintain a positive team spirit.

Your projects are executed in close collaboration with the client’s product development teams at the premises of the industrial project partner. They are program-wise executed in close relationship with other TNO-ESI projects. Synergy over projects is a clear goal.

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 making technology work in practice as well as getting the best out of teams and individuals. You enjoy coordinating multidisciplinary teams of research fellows, product innovation specialists and scientists who develop new methods and techniques for design and engineering of complex high-tech systems. You like and have experience with working in complex organisational environments, where interests of multiple stakeholders come together. You combine a focussed drive to deliver, with the flexibility to adapt to changes in a dynamic environment, going the extra mile when necessary. You have excellent communication skills and you feel comfortable in communication with a range of stakeholders. Preferably, you have built up a track record in influencing business decisions and directions, based on your technological insight and personality.
Summarizing, you are a person that we can rely on guiding our customers and our research staff successfully through their innovation journey.
What else can you offer?

• An engineering degree (e.g. computer science, electrical or mechanical engineering, physics) at academic level.
• A relevant professional background, several years of working in- or with high-tech industry (either directly or through R&D activities closely linked with industry).
• A proven track record in driving applied research or product innovation projects.
• Demonstrable affinity with systems engineering.
• The ability to quickly familiarize yourself with new technical and application domains.
• You preferably have a system architect background, or at least understand the complex challenges of innovative multidisciplinary projects.
• Ability to operate both on the conceptual and operational level and have experience in creating structure and overview in programs and projects.

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 € 5,539,- and € 7,396,29 (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 on a full-time basis.
• An employer that values and encourages diverse talent, with initiatives like the Female Leadership Program, our Rainbow Community and round tables on 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 of 36 hours) and the possibility of working from home.
• Networking opportunities and great activities organized by Jong TNO.
• Extensive relocation package for international candidates.
• A good pension scheme.

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.

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.

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 programme 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 programmes for innovation support and competence development of system architects and senior engineers.

Please apply before the 15th of August, 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.

A certificate of Conduct (VOG) is required before starting a new job at TNO.