Operations Research Specialist

About this position

Do you want to contribute to the safety of the Netherlands by optimizing the tactical use of underwater vessels? Then come and work at TNO as an Operations Research Specialist in the Under Water Warfare domain!

As an Operations Research Specialist at TNO, you work at the intersection of technology, science and defence. You will contribute to technical‑scientific research projects that help the Ministry of Defence – and in particular the Navy – to deploy their resources with maximum effect. Think of anti‑submarine warfare, protection of critical undersea infrastructure, torpedo defence and sea mine warfare. You will help to design, optimise and evaluate tactics that give our navy a strategic advantage – now and in the future.

Together with your colleagues, you look across the field to determine the best deployment in various scenarios, taking into account realistic system properties, preconditions and uncertainties. You will issue advice that will have an impact on the work of military units, policymakers and politicians, both nationally and internationally.

You will be part of the Underwater Operations & Seabed Security department and will focus specifically on the underwater domain. You will work closely with experts, analysts and developers from other departments, in particular with other operations research specialists who are looking at the deployment above water. You will actively contribute to the further development of this discipline within TNO Defence and Security.

You will develop and analyse tactical concepts for underwater operations using mathematical models to assess their effectiveness. You will apply operations research methods such as optimisation, simulation, statistical analysis and game theory. You will think ahead about future threats and required resources: what sensors, platforms and weapons are needed to remain effective in a rapidly changing underwater environment. In this way, you will make a direct contribution to the operational capabilities of the Navy and the safety of the Netherlands.

• At least a university master’s degree in operations research, econometrics, systems and control, mathematics, (applied) physics or another relevant field.
• Ability to connect abstract models with hands‑on applications and explain this effectively.
• Relevant experience with the underwater domain, in applied experimental environments and with wargaming or tactical evaluation is a plus.
• Experience with relevant programming languages such as MATLAB and Python. Ability to abstract the operation of systems and convert them into models and algorithms.
• Excellent command of the Dutch and English language in writing and speaking.

• Challenging and varied work with a real impact.
• Gross monthly salary between €3,500 and €4,800 (based on your knowledge and experience), 8% holiday pay, a 13th month bonus of 8.33% and a flex budget (5.58% + €180).
• Opportunities to shape your career: project management, commerce, consultancy, sustainable innovations, technical expertise, etc.
• Optional employee benefits tailored to your situation, including an extremely professional, innovative working environment.
• Opportunity to attend courses, workshops and conferences, and receive training and coaching.
• 33days annual leave plus a flexible holiday that can be used on a cultural, religious or otherwise important day of your choosing (full‑time basis).
• Supportive work environment with respectful, inclusive and equitable practices, various initiatives such as Jong TNO, expertise‑based guilds, Rainbow Community and Round Tables on diverse inclusion topics.
• Comprehensive and flexible mobility plan with full compensation for public transportation for commuting and business travel.
• Great social events with your team and other TNO colleagues.
• Flexible working hours, possibility to work part‑time (32 or 36 hours) and possibility of working from home.
• Extensive relocation package for international candidates.
• A good pension scheme.

Our people are at the heart of TNO. Their curiosity, expertise and entrepreneurial mindset make it possible…