System Engineer - Collaborative Autonomous Systems

About This Position The world of autonomous systems is evolving at a rapid pace. These technological advances are transforming not only the systems themselves, but also the way civilian and military operations are designed and conducted. We are seeing an increasing deployment of advanced autonomous platforms capable of collaborating with one another and carrying out complex tasks in a coordinated manner. Examples include collaborative aerial and maritime platforms that can operate fully autonomously in Defence operations. These developments are creating new opportunities for more effective operations, faster decision-making, and enhanced situational awareness across a wide range of operational domains. Within TNO’s Collaborative Autonomous Systems (CAS) department in The Hague, we develop innovative concepts, algorithms, and software for the reliable, optimal, robust, and effective deployment of heterogeneous teams of collaborating autonomous systems in complex operational environments. With a multidisciplinary team of more than thirty scientists and engineers, CAS combines research with practical, operationally relevant solutions, taking innovations from concept to prototypes of fully operational systems. These systems are used, for example, in reconnaissance missions, surveillance operations, and logistical support, where situational awareness, reliable navigation, including in environments where GPS is limited or unavailable, and tactical operations are essential. Our algorithms are designed to enhance situational awareness for military personnel and security teams, enabling them to operate safely and effectively. Through close collaboration with other TNO departments, Defence, industry, research institutes, and universities, our innovations can rapidly find their way into real-world applications. To support these technological innovations, we are looking for a colleague who wants to contribute to the development of software systems that enhance and enrich situational awareness in a military context, enabling Defence to operate more safely, quickly, and effectively. What will be your role? You will work on a variety of projects involving the development and testing of systems. These projects are carried out by multidisciplinary teams comprising experts from different fields. As a Systems Engineer, you will coordinate the technical activities together with the Project Manager. You will work with various stakeholders to align the project objectives and motivate the team to achieve the desired results. You will play a key role in developing systems that often consist largely of software. Your responsibilities include identifying stakeholder needs and requirements, defining the operational concept, designing the system, developing verification and validation plans and test specifications, coordinating integration activities, and carrying out evaluations. You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams and will also coach team members. At the same time, a significant part of your role will involve hands-on implementation of solutions. Throughout the projects, you will have regular contact with our customers. You will contribute to projects in which prototypes and products are developed for customers, often within the Defence and Security domain. Depending on the project, you may work with technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), sensor systems, and robotics. What we expect from you We are looking for a team-oriented Systems Engineer with solid experience in the software engineering domain. Within our team, collaboration and communication are essential you are comfortable asking questions, proactively share your progress, and speak up in good time when you encounter challenges. We are looking for someone who is reliable, eager to learn, technically strong, and a supportive team player. You also have the ability to reflect on your own performance, as self-reflection contributes significantly to both your personal development and effective collaboration. You are able to switch seamlessly between scientific and conceptual thinking and translating ideas into practical solutions. You are a good listener, capable of clarifying customer needs and translating complex requirements into feasible solutions. As a systems thinker, you can work with colleagues to develop system concepts and design and implement software. You also contribute to writing project proposals and are able to explain complex matters clearly to different audiences. What will you bring to the role? - At least a completed Master’s degree in a technical field, preferably Aerospace Engineering, Systems & Control, Software Engineering, or Electrical Engineering, combined with at least five years of relevant work experience. - At least three years of practical experience in the development and evaluation of complex systems. - Experience in defining requirements and developing designs, test plans, and integration plans, as well as supervising integration activities, preparing testing activities, and coordinating experiments. - An affinity with or experience in modelling complex systems or software architectures is an advantage. - Experience with Python and its application in scientific software applications. - Experience with other programming languages, such as Java and C++, is an advantage. - Familiarity with virtualisation technologies and containerisation, such as Docker, is an advantage. - Experience in or an affinity with the Defence and Security domain. - Excellent command of both Dutch and English. How will you make a difference? You will contribute to technologies that enable Defence to operate more safely, quickly, and effectively. With your creativity, teamwork, research expertise, and implementation skills, we develop systems that make a real difference in practice. Apply now and help us build the next generation of collaborative autonomous systems! What you'll get in return 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 € 4,800 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 plus a flexible holiday that can be used on a cultural, religious, or otherwise important day of your choosing (on a full-time basis). - An employer working towards a respectful, inclusive, and equitable work environment where every employee can flourish, with various initiatives such as Jong TNO, numerous expertise based guilds, Rainbow Community and Round Tables on diverse 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 or 36 hours) and the possibility of working from home. - A good pension scheme. Benefits Read more about tailoring your benefits package. TNO as an employer Our people are at the heart of TNO. Their curiosity, expertise and entrepreneurial mindset make it possible to deliver high-impact research and innovations that contribute to society’s sustainable wellbeing and prosperity. That is why we invest in an inspiring and inclusive working environment where colleagues can excel, have autonomy and continue to grow. Your talent and ambition have every opportunity to flourish at TNO. You work with experts (both within and beyond TNO), have access to advanced technology and the freedom to explore, experiment and innovate. Our strength lies in independence, reliability and collaboration. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. By working with businesses and government, and by connecting different perspectives, we strengthen our innovative capability and create responsible, meaningful results. At TNO, we believe this is our time to help society, government and business move forward faster. Together with driven colleagues, you turn knowledge into concrete innovations or ventures that truly make a difference by combining the power of science and entrepreneurship. And in doing so, you make your mark on our time. The selection process Please apply before the 21st of November, 2026. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. The preliminary interview takes place on the 1st of December, 2026. 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. 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 Intelligence and Security Service) is mandatory. This means you will have to undergo a security screening. Read more about security screening.