2026 Research and Development Graduate

Thales; Reading; On-site; GBP 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering company in Reading is offering a permanent Graduate Engineering Programme. This opportunity is tailored for candidates with a passion for engineering, promising mentorship and exposure to diverse projects in areas such as software development and research. Ideal candidates should hold or be on track for a STEM degree. Competitive salary and workplace flexibility are offered.

Benefits

201 hours annual leave

Company Pension

Health Care Cash Plan

Life Insurance

Performance-related pay uplifts

Volunteering hours

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or related field required.
• Interest in engineering solutions and development.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team.

Responsibilities

• Participate in a 3-year engineering graduate programme.
• Engage in research and development projects.
• Work with various engineering disciplines.

Skills

Engineering passion

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Programming (Java, C++, Python)

Education

Bachelor's degree in a STEM subject

Tools

Matlab

Job description

Location: Reading, 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 Research and Development Graduate

Start Date: 07 September 2026

Salary: £34,000 per annum

Location: Reading

Employee type: Permanent

Working Schedule: Monday – Friday, 37 hours a week (8 hours Monday – Thursday, 5 hours Friday)

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 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
• Focus on Research and development with the opportunity to move between functional domains

This is an exciting engineering graduate programme designed to create the next generation of aspiring engineering experts and specialists for Thales in the UK. We are looking for people with a passion for engineering, maths, physics and/or design and development combined with an inquisitive mind and an intrinsic interest in people and success through teamwork. If you are looking for a broad learning experience, Thales offers you extensive development and challenges and will support you so that you can drive your career progression at the right rate for you.

Kickstart your career with us and work on advanced solutions using technologies such as Java, C++, Matlab and automation Python. Collaborate with top engineers and gain experience developing the next generation of sonar applications.

Graduate Programme:

This a 3 year programme with the option to experience varied aspects of the engineering disciplines required including Algorithms, Software development, integration and trials. 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.

Requirements:

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

• Computer Science (BSc)
• Computing (BEng)
• Computing and Data Science (BSc)
• Software Engineering (BSc or MEng)
• Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Mathematics and Statistics (BSc or MSc)
• Theoretical Physics, Physics with Astrophysics, Quantum Physics (BSc)
• Psychology (BSc)
• Engineering (Software, Electronic, Aerospace, Mechanical, Systems) (BSc)
• Neuroscience, Creative Design/Digital Creativity, Games Design (BSc)
• All applicable technical or 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)

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.

Recruitment Process:

For further information about our Future Talent recruitment process, including hints and tips, or to connect with a member of the Future Talent Team, a Graduate, or an Apprentice, please visit Thales Future Talent - Connectr.

Due to the nature of the work that we do at Thales, all of our roles are subject to security restrictions.

All successful candidates must possess the permanent right to work in the UK, and will be required to go through Government security clearance at BPSS Level and to obtain full Security Clearance (SC) in line with the United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) requirements below, prior to starting with us.

This role requires Security Clearance (SC). It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment. Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance.

To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years. As part of the vetting process you will be asked to provide evidence of your identity, eligibility to work in the UK, time spent abroad over the last 5 years, as well as employment and / or educational history.

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

In line with Thales' Baseline Security requirements, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK and employment and/or education history for up to three years. Some vacancies may require full Security Clearance which can require further evidence to be provided. For further details of the evidence required to apply for Baseline and Security Clearance please refer to the Defence Business Services National Security Vetting (DBS NSV) Agency.

At Thales we provide CAREERS and not only jobs. With Thales employing 80,000 employees in 68 countries our mobility policy enables thousands of employees each year to develop their careers at home and abroad, in their existing areas of expertise or by branching out into new fields. Together we believe that embracing flexibility is a smarter way of working.

Thales UK is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment process. We will provide reasonable adjustments and support to ensure neuro-diverse applicants or those with a disability or long-term condition can be their best during the recruitment process. To request an adjustment, if you need this job advert in an alternative format or if you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Resourcing Ops for mid to senior roles, or the Early Careers Team for graduate and apprentice roles.

Great journeys start here, apply now!