Research and Development Engineer - CEMA

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.

Location: Reading, United Kingdom
Date: 02/07/2026
Req No: R0325186
Contract Type: Permanent

Research and Development Engineer – CEMA
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.
We are looking for a Research and Development Engineer – CEMA join our highly experienced research team within Thales Research & Technology (TRT). This is an exciting opportunity to develop rapid proof-of-concept demonstrators, explore emerging technologies and contribute to innovative research projects that support future defence and security capabilities. Working within a collaborative team of experienced researchers, you'll have the freedom to be creative, experiment with new ideas and help shape technologies from concept through to prototype.

About Thales Research & Technology
The Thales Research & Technology (TRT) function sits at the heart of Thales UK's innovation capability, supporting growth across our key market sectors and exploring future technologies and opportunities. Our teams undertake cutting-edge research and development activities, helping shape the next generation of solutions across defence, aerospace, security and digital technologies.
Working across a variety of cutting-edge projects, you'll combine hands-on software development with research, rapid prototyping and technology exploration. No two projects are the same, offering exposure to a diverse range of technical challenges and emerging technologies. If you're motivated by solving complex engineering problems, learning from experienced research engineers, and seeing your ideas shape future defence and security solutions, this role offers an exceptional environment to develop your expertise and make a meaningful impact.

Main Responsibilities
•    Develop proof-of-concept demonstrators to evaluate innovative technologies and concepts.
•    Support technical experimentation, trials and demonstrations to validate new approaches.
•    Carry out feasibility studies through analysis, rapid prototyping and experimental evaluation.
•    Investigate emerging technologies and develop innovative solutions, demonstrating their applicability to future Thales capabilities.
•    Collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams while taking ownership of individual research activities and adapting to new technical challenges.

Ideal Experience & Skills
•    Strong software development skills with experience in Python and C, alongside knowledge of languages such as C++, C# or Rust.
•    Experience configuring or developing software for embedded platforms or single-board computers, such as Raspberry Pi, Arduino, BeagleBone, STM32 or similar, including familiarity with RTOS, device drivers and peripherals.
•    Experience building rapid prototypes, with practical skills such as hardware integration, debugging, fault-finding, soldering or 3D printing.
•    Familiarity with RF technologies, Software Defined Radio (SDR) or RF measurement techniques.
•    A creative and innovative approach to solving technical challenges, with the ability to communicate ideas clearly and translate concepts into practical solutions.

Benefits
•    Performance-related bonus (grade dependent)
•    Car cash allowance (grade dependent)
•    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 paid volunteering leave
•    Private healthcare (grade dependent)
•    Pension scheme
•    Life cover
•    24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and access to a mental wellbeing app
•    Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers
•    Gym membership discounts

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, the successful applicant must 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

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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!