OME Fuzing Technical Authority

Thales; Reading; On-site; GBP 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

28 days annual leave + buy/sell 40h/yr

Private healthcare (grade dependent)

Pension scheme

Life cover and EAP

Job summary

Thales is seeking a senior Technical Authority for the OME Fuzing product line based in Reading. You will provide design governance, lead a team of fuzing specialists and collaborate with the Product Line Manager to shape the roadmap and ensure compliant, safe solutions.

You will work closely with the OME UK Technical Director and Product Line Architect, driving innovation, managing design changes, and ensuring delivery to customer and MOD requirements.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated design authority experience for Missile Fuzing.
• Bachelor, Masters or Post-Doctoral Degree in an engineering subject.
• Missile Fuzing development, integration or operation experience.
• Aware of Fuzing standards (e.g. STANAG 4187) and their application to Fuzing Systems.
• Strong leadership, communication and organisational skills.
• Knowledge of Missile Fuzing technical aspects and experience working with development teams and customers.
• Ability to challenge and support stakeholders while maintaining governance.
• Proven ability to present complex technical material clearly to customers and at conferences.

Responsibilities

• Be responsible for design assurance and governance, with delegated design authority for all Fuzing products.
• Prevent or catch design escapes before they impact safety or performance.
• Line management for Fuzing specialists within the OME Technical Directorate.
• Collaborate with customers to define requirements aligned with the product roadmap and ensure compliant, safe solutions.
• Provide technical guidance to the Product Line Manager and Architect for roadmap development.
• Guide the Fuzing chief technologist to drive product line innovation.
• Assist succession planning with senior engineering delivery management and wider business.
• Alert leadership when technical issues arise in the product group.
• Engage with users to capture operational needs and translate them into technical plans.

Skills

Design authority

Missile fuzing

Leadership

Communication

Governance

Technical governance

Problem solving

Team management

Education

Bachelors/Masters/PhD in engineering

Degree in mathematical/scientific/engineering subject

Tools

Job description

Location: Reading, 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.

OME Fuzing Technical Authority

Reading

Thales is a world leader in the design and manufacture of products for the worldwide defence, aerospace and security markets. Naval Optronics is a key and growing product area for the Optronics and Missile Electronics (OME) business line of Thales UK.

A senior vacancy has arisen for a Technical Authority to cover the Fuzing Product Line reporting to the OME UK Technical Director and working closely with the Air Business Director and Fuzing Product Line Manager, to provide Technical Leadership and Governance for our Fuzing products.

The role will be of interest to professionals with experience of design authority responsibility and Missile Electronics, specifically Safe and Arm Units and Proximity Sensors.

Key responsibilities

• Be responsible for design assurance and governance, holding delegated design authority for all Fuzing products in accordance with the technical rules of delegation
• Prevent/Catch “DESIGN ESCAPES” before they hurt us
• Act as line manager for the Fuzing specialists within the OME Technical Directorate, including the Product Line Architect.
• Be the customer technical friend to ensure that we work with customers and partners to
  • Define requirements in line with the product roadmap that are compliant and cost effective
  • Deliver compliant and safe solutions
  • Support and provide technical guidance to the Product Line Manager and Product Line Architect to develop the product roadmap
  • Support and guide the Fuzing products Chief Technologist to drive innovation for the fuzing product line
  • Proactively manage succession planning in conjunction with the Senior Engineering Delivery Manager and wider business
  • Alerts Business Sector Director, PLM and Technical Director when technical issues arise in the product group
  • Operational needs - working with users and customers to solicit and understand the operational needs for Fuzing products and link operational needs to the proposed technical solutions in the Technology Plan.
  • Support the Fuzing business to secure eternal funding - identification and pursuit of sources of external technology funding (MoD, DSTL, DASA, Industry, Government) to support activities within the Fuzing domain

Skills, qualifications and experience

• Demonstrated design authority experience for Missile Fuzing
• Bachelor, Masters or Post-Doctoral Degree (BEng, BSc, MEng, MSc, EngD or PhD) in a mathematical, scientific or engineering subject
• Missile Fuzing development, integration or operation - demonstrated capability in current or previous roles.
• Aware of the relevant Fuzing standards (e.g. STANAG 4187) and their application to the design and architecture of Fuzing Systems
• Strong leadership, communication and organisational skills
• Knowledge of key technical aspects in Missile Fuzing and experience working with development teams and customer communities to manage complex programmes from outset through to acceptance, production and support
• Inquisitive mind to challenge and support
• Demonstrated ability to hold both the company and customer to account in matters of technical governance
• Proficient in compiling quality presentation material and presenting clearly to customers and at conferences

Core Benefits

On offer is a competitive salary and benefits package, which includes;

• Performance-related bonus
• Half day every Friday, usually finishing around 13:00
• 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) plus opportunity to buy up to 40 hours/year (pro rata)
• 24 hours volunteering paid for
• Private healthcare (grade dependent)
• Pension scheme
• Life cover24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing app
• Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers
• Gym membership discounts
• You can read about some of our other benefits here: UK benefits | Thales Group

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 DV clearance. It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo, achieve, and maintain DV clearance prior to commencing employment.

To be eligible for full DV, 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. The benefits we offer include private medical insurance, buying or selling annual leave, cycle to work schemes, employee discounts, paid volunteering day, stocks and shares, annual bonus and much more depending on the role. Read more about our benefits here.

We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued for who they are and the unique strengths they bring. Discover more about our programmes, employee networks, wellbeing policies, and inclusive features here.

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