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Location: Belfast, 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.
Systems Engineer - IAS
Location: based in Belfast, minimum 3 days/ week in office (hybrid)
Other: permanent, full-time with minimal domestic travel
Ready to help develop the technologies that make tomorrow possible? Join a world-class team of innovators delivering advanced solutions that improve lives, protect communities, and keep people safe.
What the role has to offer
- Work on cutting-edge defence technology that protects people, supports critical missions, and shapes the future of air defence capabilities
- Influence the full engineering lifecycle, from concept and requirements through to integration, testing, and delivery of operational systems
- Develop your career alongside industry-leading experts, with opportunities for professional accreditation, continuous learning, and progression
Our Opportunity
At Thales IAS UK, you'll help develop the next generation of defence technologies that protect people, safeguard critical assets, and support mission success around the world. As a Systems Engineer, you'll join a high-performing multidisciplinary team at the forefront of Fire Control and Air Defence System development, turning complex customer challenges into innovative, mission-critical solutions. Working across the full systems engineering lifecycle, you'll play a key role in defining requirements, shaping system architectures, conducting analysis and modelling, and supporting integration, testing, and verification activities. This is an opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology, tackle complex engineering challenges, and see your contribution directly influence world-class defence capabilities.
We're looking for a motivated Systems Engineer who enjoys solving complex problems, working collaboratively across disciplines, and taking ownership of delivery. You'll have experience in at least one stage of the systems engineering lifecycle, from concept and design through to integration, delivery, support, and disposal, along with the curiosity and drive to broaden your expertise. With some foundation level industry experience, strong critical thinking skills, and a passion for innovation will enable you to make a real impact while cross-fertilising your skills and learning from specialists across the wider engineering community.
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Building a Future, we can all trust.
Integrated Airspace Protection Systems (IAS) - our main purpose is to protect and defend. We provide rapid integrated solutions for detection, coordination, fire control, engagement and support. We cover three sectors: Surface Attack & Air Defence (UK), Air Defence (International) and Air Operations & Services as well as Space.
What we offer you
We offer a competitive salary and benefits package designed to support our employees’ wellbeing and professional growth, which includes:
- 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
- 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
Main Responsibilities
- Capture and manage customer, user, and business requirements, ensuring a clear understanding of operational needs and how products will be deployed and used
- Support system architecture and design development, working with multi-disciplinary teams to define system architectures, interfaces, behaviours, and flow-down requirements
- Develop and optimise system solutions through trade studies, technical analysis, modelling, and prototyping to achieve performance, cost, and operational objectives
- Plan, coordinate, and participate in verification and validation activities, including testing and trials, to ensure solutions meet customer and stakeholder requirements
- Produce and maintain technical documentation, capturing designs, decisions, requirements, and rationale within specifications and other engineering artefacts to support the full product lifecycle
About You
At Thales, we are committed to equal opportunities and welcome all talented individuals to consider joining our team. So even if you don't match every statement below but feel you have some of the experience, knowledge or skills needed for this role, we encourage you to apply. It will take all of us working together to deliver solutions to the world’s most critical challenges.
Ideal Skills & Experience
Essential
- Acquired a Bachelor's degree (BEng, BSc or equivalent) in an Engineering, Scientific, Mathematical or other relevant technical discipline
- Demonstrated experience in systems engineering activities, including requirements definition, system design, integration and/or verification and testing
- Proven ability to apply critical thinking, problem-solving and innovative approaches to complex technical challenges
- Demonstrated effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey technical information to a range of stakeholders
- Proven ability to deliver outcomes, overcome obstacles and drive progress within projects and multidisciplinary teams
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Desirable
- Acquired knowledge of Air Defence Systems, Fire Control Systems or related defence technologies
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a team and deliver results in a demanding, high-pressure environment
- Acquired a postgraduate engineering qualification and/or proven progress towards professional accreditation (e.g. Chartered Engineer status)
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: UKSV website.
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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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