Thales
Machinist / Toolmaker

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Location: Templecombe, 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.
Working days: 4 days a week on site in Templecombe (Mon-Thurs)
Working hours: 9.25 hours a day (15 minute break in the morning and 30 minute break for lunch)
Due to continued growth across our Maritime Mission Systems business we’re looking for a Machinist/Toolmaker to join us. You’ll be responsible for the daily operations within the machine shop supporting prototyping activities and production builds.
Core Benefits:
On offer is a competitive salary and benefits package, which includes:
- Gain Share Incentive Plan
- Half day every Friday, usually finishing around 13:00
- 201 hours annual leave plus 1 company day given during Christmas close, plus bank holidays, plus opportunity to buy up to 40 hours/year (pro rata)
- 24 hours volunteering paid for
- Healthcare cash plan
- Pension scheme
- Life Assurance
- Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers
- Gym membership discounts
You can read about some of our other benefits here: UK benefits | Thales Group
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Under Water Systems (UWS)
Our purpose is to be the leading provider of underwater sensors and decision superiority, helping navies across the world keep our friends, families and all of us safe. We cover four sectors: Mine Counter Measures, Anti-Submarine warfare, Services and Future Capabilities.
Key Responsibilities:
- Operate manual mills and lathes to manufacture precision components
- Setup and operate CNC mills and lathes
- Design and manufacture jigs and tooling to support manufacturing and prototyping activities
- Maintain high standards of quality and accuracy in all work performed
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organised work environment
About You:
- Experienced in manual milling and lathe operations
- Basic CNC programming and program editing experience and machine setup on mills and lathes
- Time-served apprentice in machining/toolmaking
- Good attention to detail
- Familiarity with interpreting engineering drawings and specifications
- Computer literate
Security Clearance Requirement: UK Eyes Only:
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.


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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.
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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