Systems Engineer

Thales is a global technology leader with more than 83,000 employees on five continents. With over 7,500 people in the UK, operating across defence, space, aerospace, and digital security, we help build a future we can all trust. Thales supports the security and stability of our nation by providing extraordinary technology to our customers, as well as delivering social value to the UK with our products and services.

We support armed forces worldwide—from fighter pilots to front‑line soldiers—with the skills they need. Our training portfolio spans computer‑based learning, full‑motion flight simulators and fully equipped replica armoured vehicles, supporting nations as they develop safe, effective and resilient teams.

About this role

• As a Systems Engineer in Flight Avionics, you will have the opportunity to be part of a team focused on the development and delivery of products and programmes to a wide variety of customers in the military aerospace domain. This could include;
• The development of our next generation Tactical Mission Management System or cockpit display and navigation systems for military helicopter platforms

The successful candidate will be someone who

• Is a team player with a “can-do” attitude that performs effectively in a multi-disciplinary team environment and promotes the values of inclusiveness and diversity
• Is confident in their ability to help solve complex problems, asks challenging questions to develop their understanding, and suggests new ideas to further our product offering and increase our added value
• Is a self-starter, with an ability to manage their own workload and meet their agreed objectives, whilst also contributing to the development and delivery of wider operational goals
• Displays enthusiasm about learning new skills and technology, and takes their own self-development seriously

Desired knowledge, qualifications and experience

• Minimum of a Bachelor Degree (BEng, BSc) in a Numerate, Scientific or Engineering subject or Higher Education/equivalent training and experience
• Excellent communications skills, both verbally and written, with the ability to present and explain technical and complex problems, tailored appropriately for the audience
• An understanding of System Engineering and System Engineering Processes and Practices, including knowledge of Systems Lifecycles
• An ability to work with combinations of technologies, to integrate and verify them in a logical and structured way into a system in order to fully satisfy a Customer’s requirement
• Experience of requirements capture and management (e.g. in DOORS), or experience of system architectural modelling is preferred but not essential
• Military Aerospace domain knowledge is welcomed but not essential

Key tasks and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to

• Initial capture & management of the System/Subsystem Requirements
• Creation of Solution, Functional, and Physical System Architectures (Inc. modelling or prototyping) and preparation of System Specifications and Interface Control Documentation
• Liaison with Customers
• Preparation of Technical Statements of Work for, and management of, equipment suppliers
• Preparation of System/Subsystem Test and Integration Specifications, and performing the Integration, and Trials of equipment installed on the target platforms
• Contributing to Safety and Airworthiness Certification of products

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Engineering or computer science

Special Requirements

• Ability to travel in the UK, and internationally, in support of bids, projects and demonstrations.

Benefits

• Performance-related bonus
• Half day every Friday, usually finishing around 13:00
• 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) with opportunity to buy up to 40 hours/year (pro rata)
• 24 hours volunteering paid for
• Private healthcare
• Pension scheme
• Life cover
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing app
• Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers
• Gym membership discounts

Security Clearance Requirement

Due to the nature of the work that we do at Thales, many of our roles are subject to security restrictions. This role requires you to be a UK National and achieve Security Clearance (SC) without any caveats. It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment. If approved by the MOD, a dual national from a non-ITAR country may be considered.

To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years. In some circumstances, a minimum of 3 years’ residence in the UK over the last 5 years may be accepted, with additional overseas checks.

Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels.

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At Thales, we ensure equal opportunities, pay and working conditions for all. The benefits we offer include private medical insurance, buying or selling annual leave, cycle to work schemes, employee discounts, paid volunteering day, stocks and shares, annual bonus and much more depending on the role. Read more about our benefits here.

We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued for who they are and the unique strengths they bring. Discover more about our programmes, employee networks, wellbeing policies, and inclusive features here.

If this role isn’t quite right for you, we encourage you to join our talent community where your details will be shared with our recruitment teams for other potential opportunities. Join the Talent Community here.

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