Projectmanager Autonome Systemen & Robotica | The Hague

Driven project managers are always welcome at TNO – especially if you want to use your leadership skills for innovations in the defence and security domain. Respond to this vacancy and find out how you can contribute to a safe world.

Introduction
Unmanned and autonomous systems have become a fixed part of our society. Drones, robots, autonomous ships, smart factories, intelligent sensor networks – the list goes on. TNO’s Autonomous Systems & Robotics department conducts research into the technology underlying such systems. With practical concepts, demonstrators, and prototypes, we help our clients to develop new products and solve social issues. Our automation has enabled, for example, naval ships to sail with smaller crews or the swarm-like deployment of unmanned systems. Our 50 professionals work closely with public authorities, industrial partners, and universities.

At the Defence Safety & Security (DSS) unit, we strive for an inclusive culture in which we are open and considerate, and we talk and listen. We work together towards shared goals, across disciplines and departments, we encourage diversity, and we learn from each other's experiments and ideas. This puts our science and innovation at the forefront. Read more about defence and security at TNO.

What will you be doing?
As a project leader within the Autonomous Systems & Robotics department, you’re responsible for achieving project deliverables on time and within budget. What those results are depends on the project in question: sometimes it’s a feasibility study or an analysis, other times a prototype. You always work on multiple projects simultaneously, which means you’re constantly switching between topics during your work day. You often work on behalf of clients in the defence and security domain, such as the armed forces, the Ministry of Justice and Security, and the police. Close collaboration with these clients is a prominent part of your work (‘Customer Intimacy’). You develop a keen understanding of the needs underlying client questions and the frameworks and interests involved in the project. You then plan and organise the research together with the subject matter experts and ensure high client satisfaction.

Within the project, you focus on delivering high-quality answers to clients, as well as increasing the knowledge base of your department. This often includes:

1. Multidisciplinary, cross-departmental, complex projects.
2. Translating research into development (concept development).
3. A strong focus on operational relevance.
4. Connecting with clients (‘looking outwards’).

Thanks to you, the members of the project team know exactly what’s expected of them and are given the chance to develop themselves fully. You pay particular attention to the development of starters in your team. You also go in search of new ways to bring the knowledge your department is developing to market. For this, you collaborate with subject matter experts and business developers.

You’re a true organiser, you seek to connect with internal and external stakeholders, and you enjoy the challenge of setting up complex projects and bringing them to a successful conclusion. You speak the language of technical professionals, but also demonstrate your added value in meetings with clients. Together with your team, you excel in translating technical and scientific research into usable solutions for the national and international market. You also have people management skills, have experience in leading professionals (from a service-oriented leadership perspective), and know how to maintain calm in the team when there’s stress.

Other knowledge and skills you bring to TNO:

• A completed university degree in an area such as physics, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, technical business administration, computer science or mathematics, or similar.
• A minimum of five years' experience as a project leader in a technical environment (R&D environment, high-tech industry, product development).
• Experience in or demonstrable affinity with the defence and security domain.
• An excellent command of both Dutch and English.

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 €4.500,- and €6.500,- (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.
• Access to TNO’s project managers guild: a network of some three hundred equals. The guild organizes workshops, conferences, intervision sessions and other activities for project managers.
• 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.

Please apply before the 31st of March, 2025. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. The first round of interviews is scheduled for 10th of April, 2025. 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.

As you will be working for clients in the domain of defence and security, a Certificate of No Objection issued by AIVD (The Dutch General Information and Security Service) is mandatory. This means you will have to undergo a security screening. Read more about security screening.