RF/Microwave IC designer

TNO; Den Haag; On-site; EUR 39,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

8% holiday pay

13th month bonus

Flexible budget

Homeworking options

Pension

Job summary

TNO in The Hague is seeking a skilled electrical engineer to join the Radar Technology department. You will design, simulate and test MMICs, and tie IC choices to system performance in real radar environments.

You will work hands-on from day one, using Cadence and ADS, collaborating with antenna and radar experts, and contributing to projects that support national defence priorities.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Electrical Engineering with a focus on RF/Microwave technology, IC design, or analog electronics.
• Experience with IC design using ADS or Cadence; tape-outs or complete IC designs are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, simulate and test MMICs.
• Perform circuit and EM simulations and optimize layouts.
• Contribute to measurement and evaluation of designs in a state‑of‑the‑art lab.
• Collaborate with radar experts and antenna specialists to impact radar technology.

Skills

IC design

RF/microwave

ADS

Cadence

Education

MSc or PhD in Electrical Engineering

Tools

ADS

Cadence

Job description

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 - YouTube.

What will be your role?

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.

Why is this role at TNO so unique?

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.

What we expect from you

Technical background

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.

Skills and mindset

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.

Working environment

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.

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 € 3,500 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). 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.

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.

Required clearances

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.