Trials and Environmental Test Placement Engineer

Trials and Environmental Test Placement Engineer

Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

Thales people architect solutions that are relied upon to deliver operational advantage at every decisive moment throughout the mission. Defence and armed forces customers rely on us to deliver the full range of defensive systems for land, sea, and air. From early warning, to threat neutralisation, our platforms cover all levels from very short‑range systems, to extended protection across the entire battle‑space including Airspace Mobility Solutions, Vehicles and Tactical Systems and Missile Defence, Optronics, and Radar.

Together we offer fantastic opportunities for committed employees to learn and develop their career with us. At Thales UK, we research, develop, and supply technology and services that impact the lives of millions of people each day to make life better, and keep us safer. We innovate across the major industries of Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space. Your health and well‑being matters to us and that’s why we offer you the flexibility to do what’s important to you;

whether that’s part time hours, job sharing, home working, or the ability to flex your start and finish times. Where possible, we support a working pattern that suits your lifestyle and helps you reach your ambitions.

• Placement opportunity available within our world class Environmental Test and Trials Engineering Team based in Belfast
• Gain exciting and relevant experience with an industry leader undergoing significant growth
• Learn and support from some of the best Engineers in the sector
• An industry leading salary and excellent employee benefits
• Opportunity for continued part‑time employment and support throughout your final year

Thales Integrated Airspace‑Protection Systems (IAS) UK designs and manufactures a range of cutting‑edge technologies ranging from air surveillance and mission planning systems to missile and space propulsion systems. The company specialises in lightweight missiles and the integration of weapon systems into various platforms along with the systems to manage and exploit critical mission planning and air surveillance data.

As an Environmental Test and Trials Engineering Placement Student, you will be supporting the design of practical testing for state‑of‑the‑art Defence Systems that deliver world‑class performance. Working within an agile, multi‑discipline team, responsibilities cover testing and verifying that the solution meets the customer’s requirements. The role requires working with the team to optimise test schedules with fixed and experimental environmental test kit, studies, data collection and analyses.

There is also the requirement to attend and support customer trials; this includes time‑bound, routine tasks as well as dealing with unexpected scenarios as they arise, whilst adhering to strict operational protocol.

• Studying in the penultimate year of a relevant Engineering, Scientific or Numerate degree subject (BEng / BSc minimum)
• Can demonstrate an understanding of basic engineering skills
• Some experience with test tool sets and working to set instructions
• Demonstrable analytical and problem solving skills
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Self‑motivated and able to use initiative
• Team working skills
• Availability for company travel, including unsociable hours in remote, outdoor locations

• Goal orientated and delivery focussed
• Ability and self‑motivation to follow instruction
• Demonstrates dedication and determination against assigned tasks

The successful candidate must be a University student in their penultimate year of study able to work for Thales in the period between their penultimate and final year of study; starting by August 2026.

If this sounds like you and you want to join us in building a future we can all trust, apply below and upload your CV.

Connect with Fiona Tal, Talent Acquisition Partner who is eager to explore together with you this exciting opportunity.

This role will require SC Clearance. It would be advantageous if…