About this position

English translation:

TNO Optics designs and develops high-end optical systems for a wide range of applications, including atmospheric monitoring from space, optical satellite communications, medical instrumentation, quantum technologies, structural health monitoring, and instrumentation for the semiconductor industry. We carry out this work for clients such as Airbus, NASA, and ESA, and for projects including the Sentinel-5 satellite for global air-quality monitoring and ITER.

Our expertise in optical technologies ranges from large-scale geometric optics to fiber optics, integrated photonics, and subwavelength metamaterials.

With a background in applied physics or engineering and a strong interest in integrated photonics, you will work as an Optical Scientist specializing in Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs). TNO develops PICs for applications in opto-acoustics, quantum technologies, metrology, lidar, and biosensing. Our projects are typically multidisciplinary, combining PIC expertise with substantial knowledge of the relevant application domains.

You will work closely with your direct colleagues within the Optics group, with other TNO experts from different domains, and with external stakeholders, suppliers, and customers. In addition, you will collaborate with colleagues from the Holst Centre in Eindhoven and the Chip Integration Technology Centre in Nijmegen on hybrid integration and packaging processes.

Learn more about  TNO’s High Tech Industry Unit and the Optics Group on the TNO website.

What will be your role?

As an Optical Scientist specialised in integrated photonics, you will be involved in the development, validation and implementation of PIC devices, and systems including PIC components, for various markets, including medical instrumentation, opto-acoustics, optical (satellite) communication and quantum technologies. Your work relates not only to optical aspects but also to thermal, mechanical and acoustic considerations. You will reflect on manufacturability, cost and optical and electrical interconnect, and analyse power budget, transfer functions and noise performance. You will contribute to the technology strategy, system architectures, chip designs and coordination of fabrication at selected foundries, as well as to experimental characterization and validation of PIC-based devices and systems. You will regularly and intensively discuss results, progress, deviations and possible improvements with teams of other technical specialists, project leaders and system engineers, based both at TNO and at our customers and partners. As an optical scientist you will be responsible for:

• Providing and maintaining up-to-date technical expertise on PIC technology

• Contributing to developing the vision and roadmaps for PIC technology at TNO and within our collaborations

• Developing and executing measurement protocols for standardized and custom tests and developing the required measurement setups

• Relating PIC performance to the higher-level architecture of the system in which the PIC is one of the components

• Successful validation of PIC technology in use cases for a range of applications

• Establishing collaborations and creating opportunities, including initiation of national and EU funded projects and programs

• Guiding colleagues from various departments, with a range of different expertise, to enable PIC-based systems

• Delivering high-quality work to satisfy the needs of our customers

What we expect from you

A considerable level of creativity, autonomy and initiative is expected from you. To be able to perform your role well, it is important that you recognize yourself in the following profile:

• A PhD degree in physics or engineering, with knowledge relevant for the tasks described above

• At least 5 years of experience working in the domain of photonics, including fiber optics, PICs, and micro- and nanophotonics

• Experience in PIC modelling and device design (i.e. Lumerical, Photon Design, Synopsis, KLayout and Nazca or similar)

• Experience in the use of MATLAB and/or Python for modelling and signal processing.

• Knowledge of PIC material platforms, fabrication methods and technologies

• Experience in PIC chip-level testing

• A multi-disciplinary spirit, and the ability to connect multiple domains in physics to create integrated solutions

• You are ambitious and would like to further develop your skills in the field of integrated photonics with a focus on application-driven technology development

• Like to work together with others to achieve the best results

• Able to communicate fluently in English (you will have many international colleagues and collaborators)

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 € 4804,00 and € 6545,00 (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

Please apply before the 12th of September 2026. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. The preliminary interview takes place in weeks 39 and 40. The second interview round has been scheduled for weeks 41 and 42. 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.