2027 Systems Engineering Graduate

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.

Are you passionate about engineering? Do you have an inquisitive mind? Do you want to be part of a Graduate Programme that will develop and challenge you?  If so, then look no further…

What is the Engineering Development Programme?

This is a 3-year programme with the option to rotate, in Year 3, around the country across different business units experiencing different parts of an engineering lifecycle. You will be assigned to a succession of new or existing programmes where you will work with and be supported by other engineers to design and develop engineering solutions to meet the needs of our customers.

During your time on the programme, you will be under the sponsorship and guidance of the Engineering Leadership team and will follow a structured and detailed learning pathway to fast track your development within your role.

During the programme, you will:

• Complete a 3-year Graduate Development Programme which is accredited by the IET, IMechE and RAeS
• Have the opportunity to rotate in Year 3 or explore an external secondment with one of our Thales partners
• Participate in a core training pathway focusing on transversal skills
• Develop key engineering skills, knowledge and competencies
• Work in a set location and domain for the entirety of the scheme, enabling you to fully understand how the Engineering Function operates
• Work on exciting new and existing products
• Build a professional network across the organisation

Requirements:

This is an entry-level graduate opportunity designed for individuals at the start of their professional career. We welcome applications from candidates who have completed a degree and have limited relevant professional experience. You will have gained or be on track to achieve a Bachelor’s degree in one of the following subject areas:

• Aeronautical or Aerospace Engineering
• Electrical and/or Electronic Engineering
• Information Technology
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Systems Engineering
• AI, Machine Learning and Cybernetics
• All applicable technical or related degrees will be considered

Benefits

• Competitive salary of £34,000 per annum
• Performance-related pay uplifts
• Holiday entitlement of 201 hours a year (plus a company day and bank holidays)
• Contributory Company Pension
• Health Care Cash Plan
• Hybrid/flexible working options
• Employee assistance programme
• Learning and development support
• Employee discounts and wellbeing initiatives
• Life cover
• 80 Hours Volunteering per year (first two years)

Thales Graduate Recruitment Process

1. Apply Online - submit your application online
2. Upload Your CV
3. Check your emails for the invitation to apply – this will come from recruiting@jobalerts.thalesgroup.com
4. Complete Your Application – follow the link provided in the email to complete your application. You can apply for one primary role and up to 3 additional roles.
5. Complete Online Tests - undertake the online assessments designed to evaluate your suitability for the role.
6. Video Interview - if successful in the online testing stage, you will be invited to complete a video interview.
7. Virtual Assessment Centre - candidates who progress from the video interview stage will attend a virtual assessment centre, which may include presentations, group exercises, and competency-based interviews.
8. Job Offer – successful candidates who perform well throughout the recruitment process will receive a job offer from Thales.

Please note, assessment centres for shortlisted candidates will be held between February - May 2027. Induction week for all Graduate will take place from Monday 6 September - Friday 10 September 2027.

Please note that roles may close earlier than the advertised deadline if we receive a high number of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on this opportunity.

Because of the work we do at Thales, all roles are subject to security requirements.

To be considered for this position, you must have the permanent right to work in the UK and be able to successfully complete and maintain UK Government security checks, including Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) screening and Security Clearance (SC), which is a government background check, before starting employment.

To be eligible for SC clearance, you will typically need to have lived in the UK continuously for the last five years. As part of the vetting process, you will be asked to provide evidence of your identity, right to work in the UK, any time spent overseas during the last five years, and your employment and/or education history.

Thales is an equal opportunities employer and diversity, and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales. 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.

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