Team Manager - Software Engineering for Defence Naval Business

Thales is a global technology leader trusted by governments, institutions, and enterprises to tackle their most demanding challenges. From quantum applications and artificial intelligence to cybersecurity and 6G innovation, our solutions empower critical decisions rooted in human intelligence. Operating at the forefront of defence and security, aerospace and space, cybersecurity and digital identity, we’re driven by a mission to build a future we can all trust.

In Romania, we are advancing innovation through software engineering, research and development, delivering solutions in key markets in which Thales Group operates. Our engineers design, develop and integrate solutions that impact global industries – from fully operational systems and subsystems for naval warfare and maritime security operations, to air traffic management systems, satellite-based solutions, tactical indoor simulations, identity and biometric technologies and more.

About the project

Thales’ Naval Business Unit, part of the Romanian Engineering Competence Center, develops cutting-edge combat and information management systems functionality for naval vessels, integrating sensor and weapon systems with advanced data processing, decision support, and human-machine interfaces. Our flagship product, TACTICOS, enables missions ranging from anti-piracy to ballistic missile defense, combining legacy and next-gen technologies in a high-stakes environment.

About the job

We are seeking an experienced and visionary leader to take on the role of Team Manager/Head of Discipline – Software Engineering, working as part of our local Naval software engineering business unit. In this pivotal role, you will lead teams and strengthen our software engineering discipline, delivering critical software development contributions to our Combat Management System and ensuring technical excellence across the full software lifecycle. You will be responsible for steering growth and delivery strategy, capability development and performance of several engineering squads, ensuring delivery excellence and technical innovation across a portfolio of cutting-edge Naval defense projects and product developments.

You will be part of the Local Naval business unit management team, collaborating with engineering leaders from Romania and The Netherlands, leading up to 5 squads in Romania, helping them thrive in a high-complexity, high-impact environment where both legacy and next generation systems coexist. The focus is on people, performance, and transformation - driving continuous improvement while nurturing a strong engineering culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Define and execute the long-term vision for software engineering, aligning with the overarching naval strategy.
• Team & Talent Growth: Lead, mentor, and scale high-performing teams (25+ engineers), fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement.
• Operational Excellence: Drive quality, process maturity, and performance across the software lifecycle, from architecture to deployment.
• Community Building: Inspire and grow a strong, connected engineering community through engagement, coaching, and culture-building.
• Change & Transformation: Champion agile best practices, knowledge sharing, and modern engineering standards to future-proof mission-critical systems.
• Collaboration: Partner with Engineering Managers, Technical Leads, and global stakeholders to deliver cohesive, high-impact solutions

About you

Do you have a passion for technology, do you enjoy constantly developing your skills and are you interested in working on Naval Command & Control systems? Then you are the person we are looking for.

The ideal candidate would:

• Be a seasoned software engineering leader with a strong background in large-scale system development, and a passion for people and organizational growth. You’re comfortable in both strategic and operational domains, with a hands-on mindset when necessary. You understand the engineering lifecycle deeply and know how to lead through influence as much as through structure.
• Have proven experience in leading multiple software engineering teams (>25 FTEs), ideally in a high-assurance or mission-critical domain (e.g., defense, aerospace, telecoms, etc.).
• Bring deep understanding of software lifecycle management, system engineering integration, and agile development practices.
• Demonstrate ability to lead change, improve performance, and drive long-term technical excellence.
• Provide strong communication abilities, experience with stakeholder management, and coaching skills.
• Have a Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field.
• Bring proven experience within a matrixed, multinational organization.

Your career at Thales

Future opportunities will allow you to discover other domains or sites. You will be able to evolve and grow your competences in different areas:

• Room and attention to personal development.

• Build your talents in another domain of Thales Group, discovering new products, new customers, new country or go to a more complex Solutiom

• Choose between a technical expertise or a leadership path.

• Build an international career within a leading Engineering Group.

• Work for different Thales domains & entities.

Your immediate benefits

• 24 holiday days a year

• Benefit Online

• A good work-life balance which includes flexible working hours

• A comprehensive compensation and benefit package including medical coverage & life insurance

• Hybrid Workplace

• GoFluent & Udemy Subscription

• Engineering, Technology & Management Academies

At Thales, we’re committed to fostering a workplace where respect, trust, collaboration, and passion drive everything we do. Here, you’ll feel empowered to bring your best self, thrive in a supportive culture, and love the work you do. Join us, and be part of a team reimagining technology to create solutions that truly make a difference – for a safer, greener, and more inclusive world.