Thales
Comms & Networking Research – Software Solution lead
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Location: Reading, United Kingdom
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.
Communications & Networking Research - Software Solution Lead
Reading | Hybrid (minimum 3 days onsite) | Permanent
Closing date for applications: Monday 17th July 2026
Help Shape the Future of Connectivity
Are you a communications and networking expert who thrives on turning cutting-edge ideas into working solutions?
At Thales Research, Technology & Solution Innovation (RTSI), we're looking for an experienced engineer with a deep technical background in wireless communications, networking, and connectivity systems to lead the development of next-generation solutions for critical defence and security applications.
This is not a traditional product development role.
You'll work at the forefront of applied research, taking innovative concepts from early-stage exploration through to demonstrable prototypes and operational trials. You'll combine your expertise in communications technologies with modern software engineering approaches to solve some of the most complex connectivity challenges facing our customers.
If you're passionate about SATCOM, terrestrial communications, network architectures, and emerging connectivity technologies, and want to influence the future technical direction of mission-critical systems, we'd love to hear from you.
What You'll Be Doing
- Leading the technical delivery of innovative connectivity demonstrators and prototype solutions
- Designing and implementing software-enabled communications and networking systems
- Translating wireless concepts into scalable architectures and deployable capabilities
- Providing technical leadership and mentoring a small team of engineers
- Engaging with customers and stakeholders to understand challenges and shape solutions
- Supporting technology strategy, innovation activities, and future research bids
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What We're Looking For
- Strong technical background in communications, networking, and connectivity systems
- Experience developing wireless communication solutions, ideally across SATCOM and terrestrial technologies
- Proven ability to translate communications concepts into practical system architectures
- Embedded software development experience, from proof-of-concept through to prototype delivery
- Experience with modern software practices, including:
- Cloud-native architectures
- Containerised development
- Microservices
- Kubernetes/K3s
- Edge and enterprise deployments
- Experience working in innovation, research, advanced engineering, or concept development environments
- Ability to provide technical leadership and guide less experienced engineers
If you're excited by solving complex connectivity challenges and turning breakthrough ideas into reality, we'd love to hear from you.
Our Benefits:
- Performance-related bonus (grade dependent)
- Car cash allowance (grade dependent)
- Half day every Friday, usually finishing around 13:00 – delete if not applicable to the BL
- 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 (grade dependent)
- 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
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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 Security Clearance (SC). 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.
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.
Join Thales in the UK – Innovate with us and shape the future!
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