2026 Space Craft Propulsion Systems Engineering Graduate

Thales; East Hagbourne; On-site; GBP 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A global aerospace and defense company is seeking a motivated graduate for a programme focused on spacecraft propulsion systems starting September 2026. The successful candidate will assist in design and analysis projects, working with experienced engineers. This role offers a permanent position with a salary of £34,000 annually, and extensive development opportunities in a leading engineering firm.

Benefits

201 hours annual leave

Company Pension

Health Care Cash Plan

Life Insurance

Discount Portal

Performance-related pay uplifts

80 Hours Volunteering

Qualifications

• Passion for engineering.
• Inquisitive mind.
• Ability to deliver on commitments.

Responsibilities

• Assist the design and development of propulsion subsystems.
• Conduct simulations and engineering calculations.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.

Skills

Engineering design

Analytical skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Systems engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Physics

Job description

Location: Harwell, Quad Two, 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 Space Craft Propulsion Systems Engineering Graduate

Start Date: 07 September 2026

Salary: £34,000 per annum

Location: Harwell

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 find space exciting? Do you have an inquisitive mind? Do you want to be part of a Graduate Programme that will develop and challenge you, in one of the most demanding engineering industries? If so, then look no further…

What the role has to offer

• Permanent role from day one

• The opportunity to work on exciting projects and technology within Thales Alenia Space focussed on the development of propulsion systems for spacecraft

• Development, support and mentoring from our experienced Engineering team

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented graduate to join our spacecraft propulsion systems Engineering team, focused on propulsion development for spacecraft used in cutting edge missions such as lunar landers, refuelling, science and exploration and telecom satellites.

The successful candidate will contribute to the design, development, testing, and analysis of advanced propulsion systems for space applications. This is an exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology that powers space modules and satellite missions.

In conjunction with Thales in the UK, this is an exciting engineering graduate programme designed to create the next generation of engineers and leaders for the business. We are looking for people with a passion for engineering combined with an inquisitive mind and an ability to deliver on commitments. 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 a 3 year programme within the Thales Alenia Space Engineering team. You will be assigned to projects where you will work with and be supported by other engineers to develop and deliver engineering solutions to meet the needs of our customers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist the design, development, and analysis of propulsion subsystems for chemical and/or electric

• Conduct engineering calculations, simulations, and modelling for fluidic aspects relevant to propulsion hardware

• Follow the development and delivery of equipment by suppliers, such as valves, tanks and thrusters

• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams including mechanical and thermal engineers, systems engineers, and manufacturing

• Prepare technical documentation, test reports, and design reviews

• Contribute to problem-solving and design improvements based on test results and analysis.

• Ensure compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and quality protocols

• Keep up to date of new technologies and advancements in propulsion and mechanical engineering fields to support the development of the technology and product roadmaps

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:

• Aerospace engineering

• Mechanical and thermal engineering for aerospace

• Systems engineering

• Physics

• Similar related subject/field

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, 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 NUMER 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.

For further details of the evidence required to apply for security clearance please follow this link - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/nationa…

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!