Internship | Autonomous Systems & Robotics | student position

We are working on various aspects related to truly intelligent and autonomously operating systems, including (but not limited to):

• Position, navigation and timing (PNT);
• Cyber-physical systems design (drones, rovers, robotic arms, etc);
• Knowledge representation and manipulation;
• Planning, scheduling and optimization;
• Decentralized- / Swarm-intelligence;
• Self-aware systems design;
• Runtime Verification of adaptive systems;
• Explainable / verifiable AI.

The systems we are building are multi-purpose and must be able to operate under real world conditions. Due to the evolution we encounter in adaptive systems and decisions taken by the AI engines we are building – and because such systems produce natural cases for scenarios – they cannot be completely known / tested during design time. Our solutions have to account for that.

You will be working on site at our location in The Hague, 40h a week. Due to the nature of the location where you will be working, a security screening by the Dutch Government (paid for and organized by TNO) is required. This may take up to 3 months, bear this in mind when applying.

Generally speaking, we try to tailor projects as much as possible to the student and the student’s interests and capabilities. The earlier you get in touch, the better we can do that together with you.

We require good / exceptional course marks and a personal interest in the field you will be working in. Existing specializations from the student’s field of study can be considered as focus / starting point for the student’s work. Abstract thinking and problem solving are habits you have and enjoy. The group is active and social, therefore detailed discussions with colleagues (where you explain your thoughts / bounce your ideas of your colleagues) are something you like and do not shy away from.
Experience with research publications and methodologies will help, a basic capability for reading and writing (simple) code is required. Experience with Linux systems and ROS is desirable, subject to / depending on the actual demonstrators and prototypes available within the project at the time.

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.