Field Service Engineer

Thales; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

28 days annual leave

Pension scheme

Life assurance

Employee assistance programme

Job summary

Thales is seeking a Field Services Engineer at HMNB Devonport to provide technical support for Royal Navy sonar systems, ensuring critical defence capability remains available and operational.

You will carry out fault diagnosis, use specialist equipment, and work with Royal Navy teams to improve reliability while maintaining safety within regulated environments.

Qualifications

• Strong engineering background with hands-on experience in complex systems.
• Experience fault finding and diagnosing technical issues.
• Knowledge of electrical, electronic, mechanical and/or hydraulic systems.
• Strong communication and customer-facing skills.
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
• Flexible approach to travel and customer support requirements.

Responsibilities

• Support the availability and performance of Royal Navy sonar systems.
• Carry out technical investigations and fault diagnosis activities.
• Use maintenance tools and diagnostics to resolve issues.
• Work closely with Royal Navy maintainers to improve system reliability.

Skills

Engineering background

Fault finding

Electrical systems

Electronic systems

Mechanical systems

Hydraulic systems

Communication skills

Independent worker

Travel flexibility

Tools

Maintenance management systems

Job description

Location: Devonport, 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.

About Under Water Systems

Our purpose is to be the leading provider of underwater sensors and decision superiority, helping navies across the world remain operationally ready and mission effective.

• Mine Counter Measures
• Anti-Submarine Warfare
• Services
• Future Capabilities

Location - HMNB Devonport, Plymouth

We are seeking a Field Services Engineer to provide technical support to Royal Navy sonar systems, ensuring critical defence capability remains available and operational.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Supporting the availability and performance of Royal Navy sonar systems.
• Carrying out technical investigations and fault diagnosis activities.
• Using BITE, software diagnostics and specialist support equipment to resolve issues.
• Working closely with Royal Navy maintainers and users to improve system reliability and minimise equipment downtime.
• Recording and analysing fault and maintenance data using maintenance management systems.
• Producing technical reports and status updates.
• Acting as a key technical point of contact for customers and users.
• Supporting technical evaluations, maintenance activities and engineering procedures.
• Working safely within regulated, safety‑critical environments.
• Maintaining regular communication with the Field Services Manager and wider support teams.
• Supporting customer operational and training commitments through a flexible approach to working hours when required.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Strong engineering background with hands‑on experience in complex systems.
• Experience fault finding and diagnosing technical issues.
• Knowledge of electrical, electronic, mechanical and/or hydraulic systems.
• Strong communication and customer‑facing skills.
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
• Flexible approach to travel and customer support requirements.

Desirable

• Experience within naval, maritime or defence environments.
• Knowledge of sonar systems and underwater technologies.
• Experience supporting Royal Navy platforms or equipment.
• Familiarity with Thales Sonar 2076 and/or Sonar 2087 systems.
• Experience using maintenance management systems.

Why Join Thales?

You’ll play a key role in supporting some of the UK’s most advanced underwater defence systems while developing your career within a global technology and defence organisation.

Benefits

• Performance‑related bonus
• Half day every Friday (typically finishing around 13:00)
• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Option to buy additional leave
• 24 hours paid volunteering leave
• Matched pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Mental wellbeing support
• Retail discount schemes
• Gym membership discounts

Security Clearance Requirement

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

To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years. In some circumstances, a minimum of 3 years’ residence in the UK over the last 5 years may be accepted, with additional overseas checks.

Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels.

At Thales, we ensure equal opportunities, pay and working conditions for all.