2026 Mechanical Engineering Graduate

Thales UK Limited; Belfast; On-site; GBP 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company in Belfast is seeking a 2026 Mechanical Engineering Graduate to join a permanent role focused on exciting engineering projects. Ideal candidates will have a passion for engineering and teamwork skills, with a bachelor's degree in a STEM subject. This program offers mentorship, a chance to rotate across business units, and numerous employee benefits. The starting salary is £34,000 per annum, with applications closing on January 5, 2026.

Benefits

201 hours annual leave

Company Pension

Health Care Cash Plan

Life Insurance

Discount Portal

Performance-related pay uplifts

80 Hours Volunteering

Qualifications

• On track to achieve a Bachelor’s degree in Product Design Engineering, Mechanical or Aeronautical Engineering, or Design, Manufacturing & Engineering Management.
• Must possess an intrinsic interest in people and leadership.
• Strong teamwork capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Work on exciting projects within business units.
• Receive mentorship from Engineering Leadership team.
• Participate in rotating across different business units in Year 3.

Skills

Passion for engineering

Inquisitive mind

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in a STEM Subject

Job description

Location: Belfast, United Kingdom

In fast changing markets, customers worldwide rely on Thales. Thales is a business where brilliant people from all over the world come together to share ideas and inspire each other. In aerospace, transportation, defence, security and space, our architects design innovative solutions that make our tomorrow's possible.

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.

2026 Mechanical Engineering Graduate

Start Date: 07 September 2026
Salary: £34,000 per annum
Location: Belfast
Employee type: Permanent
Working Schedule: Monday – Friday, 37 hours a week (8 hours Monday – Thursday, 5 hours Friday)

What the role has to offer

• Permanent role from day one
• Work on exciting projects within our business units
• Receive mentorship and support from our Engineering Leadership team
• An opportunity in year 3 to rotate into different business units and experience different parts of an engineering lifecycle

This is an exciting engineering graduate programme designed to create the next generation of aspiring technical experts, specialists and leaders for Thales in the UK. We are looking for people with a passion for engineering combined with an inquisitive mind and an intrinsic interest in people, leadership and success through teamwork. If you are looking for a broad learning experience, Thales will offer you extensive development and challenges, and support you with a unique level of exposure within our business so that you can drive your career progression at the rate right for you.

Graduate Programme

This is a 3 year programme with the option to rotate in Year 3 around the country, across the different business units experiencing the engineering lifecycle. You will be assigned to a new or existing programme 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, where you will follow a structured and detailed learning pathway to fast track your development within your role.

Requirements

You will have gained or be on track to achieve a bachelor’s degree in a STEM Subject which is in the following subject areas:

• Product Design Engineering (BEng or MEng)
• Mechanical or Aeronautical Engineering (BEng or MEng)
• Design, Manufacturing & Engineering Management (BEng or MEng)
• All applicable Mechanical Engineering related degrees will be considered

This programme is a great opportunity to work in one of the world’s leading engineering organisations and develop a long-term career building engineering solutions together, safer, everywhere.

Please note that Graduate Development Programme (GDP) activities take place during the working week but may require the investment of some personal time for travel and follow-up activities. You may have the opportunity to travel to Thales and non-Thales sites throughout the UK when participating in GDP activities.

Benefits

• 201 hours annual leave (plus a company day and bank holidays)
• Company Pension
• Health Care Cash Plan
• Life Insurance
• Discount Portal
• Performance‑related pay uplifts
• 80 Hours Volunteering (first two years)

Assessment centres for shortlisted candidates will be held between February - May 2026. Induction week for all Graduate and Apprentices will take place from Monday 07 September - Friday 11 September 2026.

Closing date

Our applications will close at 11.59pm on Monday 5 January 2026. This is the only time we will be accepting applications this year. Please note, we will be in contact by the end of February 2026 with details of next steps.

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.

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