Systems Engineer Optics | Delft / Hybrid

TNO; Delft; On-site; EUR 78,120 - 111,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 33 days

Relocation package

Flexible working hours

Work from home option

Job summary

TNO in Delft seeks a Senior Systems Engineer in the Optics department to guide the development and realisation of optical systems from large telescopes to PICs on a microchip. You will lead cross-disciplinary teams, manage requirements, risks and scheduling, and help drive technology roadmaps.

Fluent English and a proven ability to bring experts together are essential. The role offers scope to shape projects and advance photonics across aerospace, space, and quantum domains.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of Systems Engineer experience across contexts (domains/clients/TRLs).
• Masters-level background with optics specialization.
• Master Systems Engineering Management techniques (requirements management, planning, cost estimating, risk).
• Proven track record bringing multiple disciplines together to develop advanced systems.
• Able to motivate and guide a team of technical experts in complex contexts.
• Experience with (optical) satellite communication or PIC development is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Connect all necessary disciplines within the project team.
• Deliver the technical project result and successful system.
• Minimise technical risks and satisfy stakeholders.
• Steer technology roadmaps and contribute to new opportunities.
• Contribute to professionalisation of Systems Engineering at TNO.

Skills

Systems engineering

Technical leadership

Requirements management

Project planning

Risk management

Multidisciplinary teamwork

IP development

English fluency

Education

Master's in applied physics or engineering

Job description

About this position

High-quality optical systems are designed and fabricated at TNO for integrated photonics, space-based atmospheric monitoring, opto-acoustic sensor systems, optical satellite communication, medical devices, quantum technologies, structural health monitoring and instrumentation for the semiconductor industry. This work is for customers including Airbus, NASA and ESA, and for projects such as the Sentinel 5 global air quality monitoring satellite and ITER. With a background in applied physics or engineering, you will be a senior Systems Engineer within the Optics department. This department consists of a team of 60 colleagues, with whom you will work closely. You will also be in regular contact with optical manufacturing, thermal and mechanical engineers, acoustics experts, and calibration and integration specialists from the Opto-mechatronics, Acoustics, Nano-instrumentation, Quantum Technology and Space Systems Engineering departments. See more of the TNO Unit High Tech Industry and the Optics Group.

What will be your role?

As a Systems Engineer in the Optics department you will guide the development and realisation of optical systems. These systems range in size from very large telescopes to tiny photonic integrated circuits (PICs) on a microchip. The successful creation of high-quality optical systems requires technical leadership and insight into the elements of the system as well as the interaction between these elements. These elements are not only products (hardware and/or software and/or firmware) but also processes, people and information.

As a Systems Engineer you will be responsible for:

• Connecting all necessary disciplines within the project team.
• The technical project result.
• Successful delivery of the system.
• Minimising technical risks.
• Satisfied customers and other stakeholders.
• Steering the development of technology roadmaps.
• Actively contributing to the acquisition of new projects.
• Contributing to the professionalisation of Systems Engineering in TNO.
• Proactive identification, and bringing forward, of new opportunities.

What we expect from you

• Have successfully worked as a Systems Engineer for at least 10 years within different contexts (within a broad knowledge spectrum and/or various domains and/or various TRL levels and/or various types of clients).
• Have a background in applied physics or engineering at least at Masters level, with specialisation in optics.
• Master Systems Engineering Management techniques (requirements management, engineering management and planning, project and system breakdown, estimating and scheduling engineering costs and planning, risk management and mitigation).
• Have a proven track record of bringing experts from multiple disciplines together to jointly develop beyond-state-of-the art-systems.
• Are able to motivate and guide a team of technical experts, even in very complex situations.
• Previous experience in development of (optical) satellite communication systems and/or photonic integrated circuits (PICs) would be an advantage for this position but is not a requirement.
• Want to continuously improve the quality of your work and share best practices and support the development of other Systems Engineers.
• Are able to lead the development of IP/patents.
• Are able to communicate fluently in English (you will have many international colleagues).

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 (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.
• Extensive relocation package for international candidates.
• 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

This is a vacancy without a deadline; when the right candidate is hired the publication ends.

The selection process comprises two interview rounds. 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.