TNO Logo

Senior project manager human machine teaming

TNO

  • Soesterberg
  • TNO
  • 22 oktober 2026
Utrecht

Functieomschrijving

About this position

Do you envision a future in which humans and (intelligent) systems work together effectively and responsibly? As a Senior Project Manager Human Machine Teaming, you are at the helm of these kinds of groundbreaking projects.

The mission of the HMT department is to generate knowledge and develop methods that improve the interaction between humans and technological systems. We investigate the effects of human-machine collaboration on performance, behaviour and motivation of people on topics such as artificial intelligence, interactive robotics, interaction design, staffing and collaboration in control rooms.

You will work in the Human Machine Teaming (HMT) department, consisting of approximately 50 colleagues with diverse backgrounds, including AI researchers, engineers, cognitive psychologists and interaction designers. Within projects, you will not only work together with colleagues from HMT, but also with experts from other departments.

What will be your role?

As a project leader, you are responsible for achieving project results on time and within budget. What that result is varies. Sometimes it is a feasibility study or analysis, other times it is a prototype or the testing and adaptation of existing technology for its usability for Defence and National Security. You always work on multiple projects at the same time. During your working day, you constantly switch between the different topics. You often work on behalf of clients in the defence and security domain, such as the armed forces, the Ministry of Justice and Security and the police. You will develop a clear picture of the needs behind customer questions and of the frameworks and interests of the project. You then plan and organize the research and ensure high customer satisfaction.

Within the project, you focus on delivering high-quality answers to customers, the usability and implementability of the results at the customer and strengthening the knowledge base of your department. Thanks to you, the members of the project team know exactly what is expected of them and are given the opportunity to develop to the fullest. You pay extra attention to the development of the starters within your team. You will also look for new ways to bring the knowledge and experience that your department develops to the market. During the project, you also have an eye for other support needs that the customer may have and convert them into new projects. To do this, you work together with subject matter experts and business developers.

You:

  • Develops a keen view of customer needs and project frameworks.
  • Plan and organise the project together with substantive and commercial experts.
  • Manages the project team, monitors progress and ensures a good working atmosphere.
  • You are a sparring partner for subject matter experts and a point of contact for customers.
  • Pays attention to knowledge development and guidance of start-ups.
  • Ensures satisfied customers and high-quality research results.

    • What we expect from you

    You are a connector who successfully brings projects from start to completion. In addition, you are a real controller who finds it a challenge to get complex projects on track and bring them to a successful conclusion independently and together with clients and stakeholders. To do this, you adopt a flexible attitude towards the customer while focusing on the intended end result and you bring up major deviations. You have experience with different approaches to projects to achieve a result. You have experience with research projects and leading professionals in multidisciplinary teams. You are good listeners, ask questions and communicate clearly with both customers and colleagues.

    You also bring:

  • A completed university education in a relevant field for research into human-machine teaming. For example, (technical) business administration, public administration, psychology, data science, computer science, social sciences or industrial design.
  • At least 5 years of experience as a project leader in a research environment.\
  • Experience as a project manager or project leader of different types of projects (short-term and multi-year projects or programmes, with industry, multidisciplinary teams, etc.)
  • Excellent command of Dutch and English.
  • People management skills and stress resistance.
  • You are enthusiastic and motivated to immerse yourself in the world of our stakeholders (Defence and Security).

    • 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 € 5, and € 7, (based on your knowledge and experience), 8% holiday pay, a 13th month bonus of 8.33% and a flex budget (5.58% + € ). 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 where every employee can flourish, with various initiatives such as , numerous expertise based guilds, Rainbow Community and Round Tables on diverse inclusion topics.
  • We offer a comprehensive and flexible that also includes full compensation for public transportation for commuting and business travel.
  • Great social events with your team and other . 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 for international candidates.
  • A good pension scheme.

    • Read about tailoring your benefits package.