Integration & Test Technician

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.

Integration & Test Technician
(In-house - known as Integration &Test Team Lead)
Location: Cheadle
Other: permanent, full-time, onsite 4 days/ week, with 5 % domestic travel
 

Be part of a collaborative engineering environment where your attention to detail and technical skill make a real difference from day one!

What the role has to offer

• Hands‑on prototype involvement - direct participation in first‑off builds, development activities and safety‑critical electronic testing that shapes products from concept to production

• Technical, execution‑focused work - precise electronic assembly, Linux‑based workflows, detailed fault‑finding and data‑driven reporting using real test equipment

• Collaborative engineering environment - daily interaction with technicians, planners, inspectors and engineers, contributing to high‑quality builds and continuous improvement in a supportive team culture

Our Opportunity

Join the team that transforms concepts into production‑ready products. From engineering updates to salvage solutions and full lifecycle testing, you’ll make sure every item hits the floor robust, reliable, and ready to ship. The Inboard Division at Cheadle Under Water Systems is where we develop and deliver advanced sonar technologies for submarines, surface vessels, autonomous mine-hunting ships, and helicopters. Our projects involve low-volume, high-complexity builds, including custom processing cabinets, high-performance data payloads, and precision-engineered sub-assemblies.

The ideal candidate is a proven test technician with strong prototype and development experience, bringing demonstrated skill in fault‑finding, component‑level diagnosis and precise execution of production‑spec test procedures. They have acquired proficiency in Linux, computer software, system configuration and hands‑on use of test equipment such as multimeters, supported by meticulous attention to detail in reporting, data logging and documentation. They also bring awareness of IPC‑620/IPC‑610 standards, understanding how cables and PCB assemblies are manufactured and repaired to industry‑approved levels. Thriving in collaborative engineering teams, they work closely with technicians, planners and engineers to deliver accurate, safe and on‑schedule builds in a safety‑critical environment. Confident interpreting circuit diagrams, wiring schedules and engineering drawings, they apply proven electro‑mechanical assembly skills to first‑off and development‑stage products. While applicants from all sectors are welcome, the role is not typically suited to automotive‑centric backgrounds, as it places greater emphasis on prototype work, production‑spec execution and safety‑critical electronic testing.

Building a Future, we can all trust.

Thales relies on our skilled talent in Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management, LEAN, and Logistics to deliver our products and services to existing and new customers all over the world. From production of credit cards, drivers licenses, and passports to maintenance, repair and operations activities on electrical and mechanical equipment coming out of commercial aircrafts, this robust job family is a launching pad to develop your technical and behavioural skills to prepare you for future career growth. 

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.

What we offer you

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package designed to support our employees’ wellbeing and professional growth, which includes:

• Four day working week (compressed hours)

• 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 

• Electrical & Electronic Assembly - carry out precise build operations following routings, manufacturing instructions, wiring schedules and engineering drawings

• Fault Identification & Documentation - diagnose issues, record findings accurately and maintain complete, compliant build documentation

• Workshop Standards - uphold a safe, organised and high‑performing environment through correct use and care of tools and equipment

• Tooling & Equipment Care - ensure all production tools and equipment are maintained to required standards, supporting consistent build quality

• Collaborative Engineering Partnerships - partner closely with the APRU Manager, Team Leader, Planners and specialists across Industrial Process Engineering, Industrial Architecture and Hardware Engineering, while engaging daily with Test Operatives, Technicians, Inspectors and wider project teams to keep builds on track and quality assured

• Performance & Quality Metrics - your performance will be measured against key operational metrics, including maintaining Health, Safety & Environmental compliance, meeting Site Schedule Achievement targets, contributing to efficiency goals, achieving strong First Pass Yield, and ensuring robust audit performance through consistent process adherence

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.

Experience & Skills

• Acquired educational foundation including HNC/HND in Electronics (or equivalent) and a solid general education in Maths and English; or qualified by experiene

• Demonstrated performance in multi‑skilled Production environments with experience in Production Test roles; and/or

• Proven experience in electro‑mechanical assembly testing, prototyping, first‑off product evaluation, and validating Production Test Specifications for scalable manufacture

• Demonstrated component‑level expertise across through‑hole and surface‑mount technologies, including testing, fault diagnosis, and repair of high‑complexity electronic assemblies and wired units

• Acquired systems knowledge of Windows, LINUX, computer hardware, and system configuration, supported by strong PC proficiency in MS Word and Excel

• Values‑driven mindset focused on customer commitment, teamwork, innovation, and developing colleagues

If you’re excited by hands‑on engineering, thrive in a collaborative environment and want to play a key role in delivering high‑quality, safety‑critical products, we’d love to hear from you - apply today and take the next step in your career with us.

Security Clearance 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. 

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.

#LI-VG1

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!