How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Hybrid Algorithm Researcher
Hybrid Algorithm Researcher – Read
📍 Location: Reading, United Kingdom
About Thales
Thales is a global technology leader with over 83,000 employees across five continents. In the UK, we operate across defence, space, aerospace, and digital security with 7,500+ employees. We deliver technology that supports national security and societal impact, ensuring our customers—and society—can trust our solutions.
The Role
We’re looking for a highly skilled Hybrid Algorithm Researcher to develop advanced algorithmic software for future products in Advanced Signal Processing (ASP) and Position, Navigation & Timing (PNT).
This is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of classical signal processing and AI-based methodologies, applying hybrid approaches to intricate challenges in:
- Sensing
- Modelling
- Tracking
- Data fusion
- Estimation in contested electromagnetic environments.
Ideal for you if: ✔ You thrive solving complex technical problems and enjoy translating innovative research into practical, cutting-edge solutions. ✔ You contribute to low-TRL (Technology Readiness Level) projects while ensuring robustness, adaptability, and real-world effectiveness.
What You Will Do
- Develop hybrid algorithmic software in:
- C++
- MATLAB
- Mathematica
- Python
- Design, apply, and evaluate hybrid algorithms in:
- Sensor modelling
- Data fusion
- Tracking
- State estimation
- Anomaly detection
- Apply:
- Time- & frequency-domain methods (e.g., Fourier analysis, digital sampling, filter design).
- Cutting-edge research techniques to real-world ASP & PNT challenges.
- Improve robustness of traditional algorithms for real-world data & complex dynamics.
- Integrate machine learning where appropriate (e.g., non-linear systems).
- Support bids, proposals, and R&D projects.
- Mentor junior engineers and enhance technical capability.
Requirements
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Essential Experience
- Experience with hybrid algorithms combining classical & ML approaches.
- Applied expertise in:
- Feature extraction
- Data fusion
- Target tracking
- Image segmentation/matching
- Sensor calibration
- State estimation
- Anomaly detection
- Integrity monitoring
- Systems modelling/simulation
- Synthetic data generation
- Deep understanding of Fourier transforms, digital sampling, and filter design.
- Ability to evaluate, adapt, and implement techniques from papers in R&D literature.
- Experience in real-world algorithm robustness for complex physical system behaviour.
- Coding proficiency in C++, MATLAB, Mathematica, or Python.
- Track record of working at the research-development-leadership continuum.
Desirable Experience
- Emerging sensing/PNT technologies (e.g., radar, sonar, electronic warfare).
- Familiarity with:
- Kalman filters (EKF, UKF)
- Lie Group UKF
- Physics-informed machine learning
- Experience in:
- Supporting funding bids
- Collaborative consortia
- Contested electromagnetic security challenges
- Mentoring engineers & acting in technical leadership roles.
About You
You’re an innovative problem-solver who thrives at the boundary of R&D and engineering. You’re skilled in:
- Bridging math, software development, and applied experimentation.
- Recognising when to use classical/ML/hybrid approaches.
- Breaking down complex ideas for multidisciplinary collaboration.
- Delivering high-impact, technically rigorous research.
Education & Experience:
- A strong academic background: Bachelor’s (hons), Master’s, or PhD in a relevant field.
- Multiple years’ experience in research & development.
Why Join Thales?
This role lets you work on next-gen resilient sensing and navigation systems. Your contributions will drive fighting-grade technologies for challenging operational environments—directly impacting defence and civilian mission critical systems.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
The work is: ✔ Ambitious — pushing boundaries of innovation ✔ Collaborative — thriving in multi-disciplinary teams ✔ Impactful — effectively solving complex, real-world technical challenges
Benefits
- Performance-related bonus
- Flexible Friday finish (13:00)
- 28 days annual leave + bank holidays (up to 40 extra hours/year)
- Paid volunteering (24 hours/year)
- Private healthcare
- Pension scheme
- Life cover & 24/7 Employee Assistance Program
- Mental wellbeing app access
- Discounts on shopping schemes (majors & retailers)
- Gym membership perks
Security Clearance
Due to the sensitive nature of the work, this role requires Security Clearance (SC). Preference is for applicants with existing clearance, but successful hiring will cover mandatory clearance requirements. Eligibility check:
- Generally: 5 consecutive years of UK residence.
- Alternatively: 3 years of UK residence in last 5 years (plus UK-specific checks). For full guidance: UKSCViskation
Note: Full-time roles require 5 years, but certain positions accept 3 years if meeting additional criteria.
Equal Opportunities & Diversity
Thales fosters an inclusive atmosphere, supporting equal pay, flexible work, and diversity initiatives. We offer robust employee benefits, including: ✔ Private medical ✔ Leave schemes & stock options ✔ Annual bonuses & cycling rewards ✔ Dynamic well-need policies Check our Full Benefits Page for details.
For further company commitment on inclusivity & wellbeing, explore Discover Thales Inclusion.
Next Steps
- Explore opportunities beyond this role by joining our Talent Community [here]([INSERT LINK]).
- Shape the future with Thales!
- Innovate with us. Deliver with confidence.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location