Research and Development Engineer - CEMA

Location:

Reading, United Kingdom

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: R
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, Beagle Bone, STM
32 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…