Business Developer Defense, division Autonomous Systems & Decision Support

TNO; Den Haag; On-site; EUR 54,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Gross monthly salary €4,800–€6,800

8% holiday pay

13th month bonus 8.33%

Flexible budget + travel compensation

33 days annual leave

Job summary

TNO Defence, Safety & Security in The Hague/The Netherlands seeks a Business Developer Autonomous Systems & Decision Support to shape national and international defence projects, including NATO/EDF frameworks. You will orchestrate opportunities, build stakeholder networks and translate Defence needs into concrete programs.

You combine strategic mindset with entrepreneurial drive, excel at coordinating diverse teams, and engage with public sector and industry across borders.

Qualifications

• You combine your professional expertise with an entrepreneurial, sociable and enthusiastic attitude, and you are able to adapt quickly to changing circumstances.
• You enjoy connecting with people and do so with ease.
• You are a natural connector and thrive in a coordinating role at the heart of a network of stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Engage with clients across national and international defence domains and with industry partners.
• Identify opportunities and guide ideas towards concrete projects.
• Build long-term relationships with stakeholders and connect Defence needs with innovative capabilities.
• Work across topics within defence and security and adapt to changing priorities.

Skills

Entrepreneurial mindset

Sociable attitude

Communication skills (Dutch & English)

Flexibility

Coordination

Education

University degree (WO) or university of applied sciences (HBO)

Job description

About this position

About this positionSince 24 February 2022, the world has been facing a new reality, one that has only become increasingly unpredictable. Our society, political institutions, government, armed forces, research organisations and other civilian partners need to respond and adapt faster than ever. As a research and technology organisation, TNO plays a crucial role within this ecosystem, bringing together highly qualified professionals working on innovations for Defence & Security. We actively contribute to accelerating and strengthening our capabilities for autonomy and sovereignty, both nationally and at European level.

As Business Developer Autonomous Systems & Decision Support (AS&DS) in The Hague or Soesterberg, you will contribute directly to this ambition. Autonomous military systems are becoming increasingly important, while the need for intelligent solutions to support military personnel continues to grow. This includes, for example, data-driven decision support. We are increasingly seeing capabilities such as collaborative combat and information-driven operations play a decisive role in today’s conflicts.

In this position, you maintain an overview of the broader landscape and are in continuous contact with the Ministry of Defence, industry partners, other research organisations and, of course, colleagues from a wide range of disciplines. By bringing these perspectives together, you help ensure that Defence has access to the best possible capabilities, tools and methods.

What will be your role?

Working both independently and together with your TNO colleagues, you contribute to the development of innovative research and the application of research findings to complex, multidisciplinary challenges within the defence domain. Your particular focus is on shaping national and international projects in the defence and security domain, including projects within frameworks such as NATO and the European Defence Fund (EDF).

You engage with clients across all areas of the national and international defence domain, as well as with industry partners, helping them explore their challenges and ambitions. You take the initiative as an orchestrator, identify opportunities and guide ideas towards concrete projects. In doing so, you build long-term relationships with stakeholders. You connect the needs of Defence with the innovative capabilities of TNO and national and international industry, making an essential contribution to the future readiness and operational effectiveness of the armed forces and their partners.

You keep your professional knowledge up to date by, among other things, reading relevant literature and attending conferences, trade fairs and symposia. This enables you to work alongside your stakeholders as a valued and trusted advisor. You explore the market and initiate strategies that bring all parties involved together to achieve tangible results.

The team of Business Developers at TNO Defence, Safety & Security

The team of Business Developers at TNO Defence, Safety & Security brings together people with diverse backgrounds and levels of experience, united by a strong passion for Defence & Security. Together, we support Defence in developing new concepts and technologies and help translate these innovations into the day-to-day operations of the armed forces. Our team is characterised by professionalism, enthusiasm for what we do and a healthy sense of humour. With demand for innovative solutions to defence and security challenges growing rapidly, we are looking for several talented professionals to strengthen our market team.

What we expect from you

You combine your professional expertise with an entrepreneurial, sociable and enthusiastic attitude, and you are able to adapt quickly to changing circumstances. You enjoy connecting with people and do so with ease. You are a natural connector and thrive in a coordinating role at the heart of a network of stakeholders.

You can easily adapt your communication style to different audiences and navigate both national and international political contexts. You enjoy working across a variety of topics within this domain and appreciate the flexibility of contributing wherever your expertise is needed.

You work methodically and bring structure to business development and acquisition processes. You have an analytical mindset, take responsibility, are naturally curious and enjoy getting to the heart of complex challenges.

What else do you bring?

• A university (WO) or university of applied sciences (HBO) level of working and thinking.
• At least five years of relevant professional experience in consultancy, business development and/or innovation.
• Demonstrable experience in the public sector, preferably within or in collaboration with the defence and security domain or related industries.
• An affinity with innovation and technology.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both Dutch and English, at a minimum of C1 level.

Are you excited about what you have read so far and ready to make your mark on the challenges of our time? In your cover letter, we would like you to clearly demonstrate your affinity with the defence and security domain and your enthusiasm for this position.

What you'll get in return

• We offer a gross monthly salary between € 4,800 and € 6,800 (based on your knowledge and experience), 8% holiday pay, a 13th month bonus of 8.33% and a flex budget (5.58% + € 180).
• 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 for every employee to 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 or a lease car.
• 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.
• 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 20th of October, 2026. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. The preliminary interview takes place on the 30th of October, 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.