Missile Architect: Shape Next-Gen Defence Systems

Thales Group; Belfast City District; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-related bonus

Half day Friday

28 days annual leave

Private healthcare

Pension scheme

Life cover

Employee Assistance Program

Discount schemes

Gym membership discounts

Job summary

Thales Group in Belfast is seeking a Missile Architect (IAS) to shape future missile concepts and architectures. The role offers responsibility across a broad lifecycle, from concept to in‑service support, with opportunities to progress toward Product Design Authority (PDA) responsibilities.

You will collaborate with engineers, customers, and suppliers to drive architectural studies and technology roadmaps, contributing to high‑impact defence capabilities while meeting security clearance

Qualifications

• Degree-qualified in Engineering or a numerate discipline.
• Proven experience in missile, effector or complex defence systems engineering across multiple technology domains.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver across the full product lifecycle, from concept through production and support.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with structured decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of missile and effector concept architectures aligned to future capability requirements.
• Conduct architectural trade studies and technical assessments considering performance, cost, schedule and risk.
• Develop, maintain, and apply modelling and analysis tools to support technical decision-making.
• Develop specifications for future effector solutions and supporting technologies.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with customers, suppliers, partners, and internal stakeholders.
• Support technology roadmap development and investment planning across the missile engineering community.

Skills

Missile and defence systems

System architecture

Lifecycle management

Stakeholder engagement

Technical leadership

Education

Engineering or numerate discipline

Job description

Thales Group in Belfast is seeking a Missile Architect (IAS) to shape future missile concepts and architectures. The role offers responsibility across a broad lifecycle, from concept to in‑service support, with opportunities to progress toward Product Design Authority (PDA) responsibilities.

You will collaborate with engineers, customers, and suppliers to drive architectural studies and technology roadmaps, contributing to high‑impact defence capabilities while meeting security clearance