Thales
Research and Development Engineer - CEMA
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Research and Development Engineer - CEMA
Research and Development Engineer – CEMA (Permanent)
Location: Reading, United Kingdom Contract Type: Permanent Ref: R0325186 • Date Posted: 02/07/2026
About Thales
At Thales, we are a global technology leader with over 83,000 employees across five continents. With 7,500+ people based in the UK, we operate in defence, space, aerospace, and digital security, helping to create a safer and more trusted future for our nation. Our innovations support national security, while also delivering societal value through our products and services.
Part of Thales Research & Technology (TRT), this role offers collaboration with a dynamic research team to drive rapid proof-of-concept development, emerging technologies, and future defence and security capabilities.
About the Role
Key Responsibilities
You’ll be a key contributor to our R&D innovation pipeline, responsible for:
- Developing proof-of-concept (PoC) demonstrators, quickly evaluating new technologies and concepts.
- Supporting technical experiments, trials, and high-impact demonstrations to validate emerging approaches.
- Conducting feasibility studies through analysis, rapid prototyping, and experimental evaluation.
- Researching cutting-edge technologies and designing innovative solutions tailored for Thales’ future defence and security needs.
- Collaborating across multidisciplinary teams, owning individual research projects, and adaptively tackling new technical challenges.
Why Work with Us?
This is more than just a job—it’s a chance to:
✔ Help shape next-generation defence and security technologies. ✔ Work in a creative, experimental atmosphere with freedom to innovate. ✔ Translate ideas into practical, real-world solutions. ✔ Benefit from pro active mentorship and exposure to diverse technical challenges.
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Experience & Skills
IdealCandidate Profile
Your background and expertise should include:
- Advanced software engineering with experience in:
- Python (essential)
- C (essential)
- Preferred: C++, C#, Rust, or equivalent.
- Hands-on experience with embedded systems and single-board computers:
- Common platforms: Raspberry Pi, Arduino, BeagleBone, STM32, etc.
- Knowledge of RTOS, device drivers, and peripheral integration.
- Rapid prototyping skills, including:
- Hardware integration, debugging, fault-finding.
- Soldering, 3D printing.
- Exposure to RF and wireless technologies—Software-Defined Radio (SDR) or RF measurement techniques.
- A creative problem-solver: ability to translate technical concepts into prototypes, communicate ideas effectively.
Dangerously brilliant? Bring it on.
The Benefits
Thales offers a competitive benefits package to support your success:
- Performance-related bonus (per grade).
- Car cash allowance (per grade).
- Flexible working:
- Half-day Fridays (typically finishing by 13:00).
- 28 days annual leave (plus paid bank holidays) + buy-up of 40 hrs/year (pro-rated).
- Work-life balance:
- 24 hours paid volunteering leave per year.
- Commitment to health & wellbeing:
- Private healthcare (per grade).
- Life cover.
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- Mental wellbeing app (WellMan).
- Gym discounts (including Everyday Healthcare and corporate partnerships).
- Financial wellbeing:
- Stakeholder pension scheme (matches contributions).
- Employee perks:
- Discount shopping schemes (e.g., wird+, Voup) across major brands.
- Equal opportunity:
- Equal pay, inclusive environment, and meaningful career growth.
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Security Clearance Requirement
UK Employees Only: This role requires Security Clearance (SC) from the UK government.
- You must hold or obtain a UK Security Clearance with no caveats before commencing employment.
- Dual national candidates from a non-ITAR country may be acceptable if approved by the Ministry of Defence (MOD); otherwise, must be a UK national.
To qualify for full SC clearance:
- Generally, 5+ years of continuous UK residence is required.
- In some cases, 3+ years within the last 5 years may be accepted, subject to additional checks.
For guidance, refer to the UK Security Vetting (UKSV): 🔗 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels
Equal Opportunity & Culture
Thales is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring an equitable and values-driven environment. We celebrate differences and strive to foster an engaging, supportive workplace for everyone.
Let’s Connect
Interested? Join our Talent Community to be triple-considered for future Thales opportunities. 🔗 [Join the Talent Community](ta-thales.easyapplyuk.com/de/?urlID=241728 — expanded_link_to_apply)
Want to join the team that delivers extraordinary security for a safer future? Get in touch! Drop us a note by #LI-AS1 (LinkedIn tracking code) or find open roles here: Apply now.
Get HI! Let’s turn your expertise into game-changing impact. 🚀
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