Eric Engelbrecht

Background

About Eric Engelbrecht

Eric Engelbrecht is the International Account Director for Europe and NATO at the Defense, Safety & Security (DSS) Unit of TNO, the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research. He leads strategic engagement with NATO, the European Defence Agency (EDA), and key European defense stakeholders, ensuring TNO’s advanced research aligns with critical security priorities. The DSS Unit operates under the Netherlands Ministry of Defense, driving research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT & E) to enhance national and allied defense capabilities. With a career spanning military service, industry leadership, and strategic consultancy, Mr. Engelbrecht has deep expertise in defense innovation, program execution, and international security policy. Previously, he was Senior Business Development Manager at TNO, leading the Ocean Resilience and Transparency innovation portfolio focused on disruptive dual-use naval and maritime technologies. His career includes leadership roles in engineering, production, business development, and strategy across Fortune 500 corporations, high-growth startups, and specialized defense enterprises. A former U.S. Naval Submarine Officer, he served seven years on active duty, including aboard USS Georgia (SSGN 729), before transitioning into the naval and maritime defense industry. His experience provides operational insight into technology innovation, stakeholder engagement, and international collaboration. Beyond TNO, he shapes European defense research and policy as TNO’s representative in the European Defense Research Institute Network (EDRIN), where he chairs the Strategy and Policy Working Group. He also contributes to the EARTO Security and Defense Working Group, advancing cooperative defense innovation across Europe. Mr. Engelbrecht also plays a key role in global maritime technology standardization as a Technical Committee Member within the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Technical Committee 8 – Ships and Marine Technology. Representing NEN, the Dutch standards body, he participates in ISO/TC 8/WG 10 – Smart Shipping, supporting the standardization of Big Data, edge computing, IoT, and sensor systems for shipbuilding and marine operations. He holds a Bachelor of Science in History from the United States Naval Academy, a Master of Engineering Management from Old Dominion University, and a Master of Military Strategic Studies from the Netherlands Defense Academy, specializing in intelligence and security. He resides in The Hague, Netherlands.