Embedded Software Research Engineer

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: 03/06/2026
Req No: R
Contract Type:
Permanent

Location:

Reading (Hybrid Working)

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 an Embedded Software Research Engineer to join our Thales Research & Technology (TRT) team in Reading. This is an opportunity to move beyond traditional software development and work on technologies that don't yet exist in today's products. You'll join a small, expert research team where creativity, experimentation and innovation are encouraged, giving you the chance to explore new concepts, develop proof‑of‑concept demonstrators, and influence future Thales capabilities.

Working across a variety of cutting‑edge projects, you'll combine hands‑on embedded 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.

The 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.

• Develop proof‑of‑concept demonstrators and pre‑production prototypes for future technologies and products.
• Develop, integrate and test Embedded C software on embedded platforms.
• Conduct feasibility studies through analysis, experimentation and rapid prototyping activities.
• Research, invent and evaluate innovative concepts and technologies, demonstrating their applicability to Thales products and solutions.
• Collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams while taking ownership of individual technical activities and adapting to new research areas.

• Strong experience developing software in Embedded
  
  C.
• Experience developing for embedded platforms, ideally using ARM-based processors and real‑time operating systems (RTOS).
• Understanding of software engineering standards, processes and best practices, including areas such as MISRA, CERT C, Agile methodologies, Git, CI/CD or related tools.
• Ability to analyse complex technical problems and develop innovative, practical solutions.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively both independently and within a team.

• Bachelor's degree (minimum 2:1), Master's degree or PhD in a relevant Engineering, Electronics, Computer Science, Mathematics or…