Internship | Graduation internship within buildings, infrastructure or hydraulic structures

TNO; Delft; On-site; EUR 6,000 - 8,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

€615 internship allowance

Travel expense contribution

Laptop provided

Leave allowance (8 hours per month)

Jong TNO membership

Job summary

TNO offers a graduation internship in the Reliable Structures department in Delft. You will join a team of about 15 within a 60-strong group and work at the Bouwinnovatie laboratory, gaining access to labs and field measurements.

The program emphasizes scientific research, collaboration and publishing opportunities, with an internship allowance and travel support. Apply by 15 August to start your research journey at TNO.

Qualifications

• Follow a master programme in STEM such as civil engineering, mechanical engineering, architecture, (applied) physics or mathematics, computer science, marine/aerospace engineering, or similar
• Have an investigative and critical attitude, want to know why certain phenomena occur and determine their effect
• Like to cooperate with others and are creative
• Live in the Netherlands
• Have excellent oral and written communication skills in English, and preferably Dutch language

Responsibilities

• Join one of four teams in the Reliable Structures department in Delft.
• In total more than 60 TNO colleagues are part of this department and the team you join will consist of about 15 people.
• Within TNO you have access to modern research facilities and an extensive network to carry out your research.
• A few examples of graduation topics you can graduate with us include: probabilistic design, development of design standards, soil subsidence, monitoring of high-rise buildings, fatigue & fracture mechanics, and assessment of existing infrastructure.

Skills

Investigative mindset

Team cooperation

Communication skills

Education

Master in STEM fields

Job description

About this position

Ensuring the reliability of large structures is crucial for societal safety, affordability, and predictability. There are major challenges in the technical industry when renovating and replacing outdated infrastructure, ensuring the structural safety of dense urban environments, and adapting to a changing climate. TNO tackles these issues by combining many different areas of expertise in in-depth and independent research, contributing to the implementation of technological innovations.

What will be your role?

You will join one of the four teams in the Reliable Structures department in Delft. In total more than 60 TNO colleagues are part of this department and the team you join will consist of about 15 people. Next to the office, the “Bouwinnovatie” laboratory is located, where experiments can be carried out, and some colleagues regularly perform measurements in the field. Each team aims to play a leading role in social trends and developments. Our specialists have a diverse range of experiences and competences. Your research is one of the links in TNO’s research programs. Within TNO you have access to modern research facilities (software tools, laboratories, etc.) and an extensive network to carry out your research. TNO offers opportunities to develop as a specialist and to present and publish your research where possible.

A few examples of graduation topics on which you can graduate with us, and research already carried out under supervision include:

• Probabilistic design
• Development of design standards
• Soil subsidence
• Monitoring of high-rise buildings
• Fatigue & fracture mechanics
• Assessment of existing infrastructure

What we expect from you

We offer a graduation position to students that:

• Follow a master program in STEM such as civil engineering, mechanical engineering, architecture, (applied) physics or mathematics, computer science, marine/aerospace engineering, or similar
• Have an investigative and critical attitude, want to know why certain phenomena occur and determine their effect
• Like to cooperate with others and are creative
• Live in the Netherlands
• Have excellent oral and written communication skills in English, and preferably Dutch language

What you’ll get in return

An internship at TNO means working in an environment where substance and impact are central. You become part of a knowledge organisation where research and practice come together, and where experts collaborate on solutions to current societal and technological challenges. The internship is a period to discover what suits you, where your strengths lie, and what you would like to learn next. You are part of a professional working environment, gain insight into how things work in practice, and have the opportunity to build experience that goes beyond this internship alone. For many students, an internship is also a first step in discovering whether TNO could be a potential next step after graduation.

In addition, we offer you:

• A professional and innovative internship environment in which you actively contribute to societal and technological challenges, working alongside leading experts in your field
• Personal and dedicated supervision, focused on your learning objectives, development and study assignment
• Room to develop: you gain relevant work experience, develop both subject-specific and professional skills, and build a valuable network
• Use of a laptop and the facilities you need to perform your work effectively
• A monthly internship allowance of €615 for a full-time internship, for MSc, BSc and vocational education (MBO) students
• Up to eight hours of leave per internship month for a full-time internship, allowing you to balance your internship with your studies and personal life
• A contribution towards travel expenses if you are not entitled to a student travel card
• A free membership to Jong TNO: the network for young colleagues, with opportunities to meet other TNO colleagues and participate in sports activities, professional and personal development activities, and social events such as the annual ski trip

TNO as an employer

Our people are at the heart of TNO. Their curiosity, expertise and entrepreneurial mindset enable high-impact research and innovations that contribute to society’s sustainable wellbeing and prosperity. 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 connect diverse perspectives to strengthen our innovative capability and create responsible, meaningful results. We believe this is our time to help society, government, and business move forward faster. Together with driven colleagues, you translate knowledge into concrete innovations or ventures that make a difference by combining science and entrepreneurship, and you make your mark on our time.

The selection process

You can apply for this internship position until 15 August. After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation by email. TNO will arrange an appropriate internship agreement. If you have any questions about the content of the internship or the application procedure, you can contact the person listed below. If you start an internship with us, we will also ask you to provide a Certificate of Conduct (VOG).

Important to know before applying: Before the start of the internship, an internship agreement must be signed. For students enrolled at a Dutch university or university of applied sciences, TNO uses the UNL-template, supplemented with several TNO-specific agreements. For students from foreign educational institutions and MBO (secondary vocational education) programmes, the TNO internship agreement applies. TNO does not sign any other internship agreements. Before the start of the internship, the educational institution will need to confirm in writing that you are enrolled at the educational institution for the duration of the internship, and that the internship forms part of your study programme. The confirmation of educational institution takes place by signing the UNL template or forms prepared by TNO. Interns at TNO must have a registered residential address in the Netherlands at the start of the internship. Carrying out internship activities from abroad is not possible. Are you an international student? Please note that you must have a BSN (Dutch citizen service number) before the start of your internship. Applying for a BSN can take several weeks, so start this process well in advance.