RF​/Microwave IC designer

About this position

Do you want to work on technology that truly matters? At TNO, you will contribute to the next generation of MMICs, which our industrial partners directly integrate into their advanced radar systems for defence. You will develop innovative solutions that push the performance of future radar systems forward. This makes your work both technologically challenging and socially relevant. More information about our Radar Technology department can be found at:
Radar Technology or TNO Radar - You Tube.

In this role, you will be hands‑on from day one, working on the design, simulation, and testing of MMICs. Within our projects, you always take an application‑driven approach: you make design and technology choices based on the required system performance in the intended operational environment. You will use modern design and simulation tools such as Cadence and ADS, and work with (Bi)
CMOS and III‑V semiconductor technologies. With these, you design, characterize, and simulate components, perform circuit and EM simulations, and optimize layouts. Depending on your knowledge and interests, you will also actively contribute to the measurement and evaluation of your designs in our state‑of‑the‑art lab, working alongside our measurement specialists.

You will work in a team where all chip building blocks come together seamlessly through strong collaboration. In addition, you will collaborate with other radar experts, such as antenna specialists, giving you access to a broad knowledge network and enabling you to make a greater impact on radar technology together.

At TNO, we have been researching and developing MMIC technology for over 25 years, which is applied in advanced radar systems for, among others, the Royal Netherlands Navy. Our designs directly contribute to the performance of radar systems on air defence and command frigates, as well as Holland‑class patrol vessels. Within the Radar Technology department, we combine specialized expertise in electromagnetics/antennas, RF modules, IC design, and signal processing.

This means you will work in an environment where disciplines converge and where your IC designs are actually integrated into operational radar systems. The combination of deep technical expertise and real‑world application makes this work both unique and impactful.

You will start this role through UMBRA, the entry program for new talent within the Electromagnetics & Military Operations (E&MO) division, based in Rijswijk. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to quickly find your footing, contribute right away to impactful projects, and gain insight into the defence context while getting to know the division. After a few months, you will transition into your permanent role within the team in The Hague, where you will continue to build your expertise and make an impact.

You hold an MSc or PhD in Electrical Engineering with a focus on RF/Microwave technology, IC design, or analog electronics. You have affinity with and/or experience in IC design using ADS or Cadence. Experience with tape‑outs or complete IC designs is a plus.

You possess strong analytical skills and enjoy contributing to technical challenges within a broader context. You are interested in linking your IC designs to their application in radar systems, and you feel comfortable working in a multidisciplinary team. You are curious, work accurately, and are open to new knowledge and feedback.

You will work in an environment where technology directly contributes to national security and feel comfortable operating within the defence domain. To ensure effective collaboration, you are present on‑site in The Hague at least three days per week and have a good command of the Dutch language, both written and spoken.

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 € 3,500 and € 6,800 (based on your knowledge and experience), 8% holiday pay, a 13th month…